As the cooler months roll in, so do the sniffles. With more time spent indoors and in close contact with others, it’s no surprise that colds and influenza (the flu) start making the rounds.
The flu spreads easily through infected droplets from coughs and sneezes to surfaces touched by someone who’s unwell1.
It’s especially common in places like schools and daycare centres, where little ones share space (and germs!) closely.
Children under five can be more vulnerable to catching the flu, and unfortunately, it can sometimes lead to more serious illness.
Here's how you can keep your kids healthy and happy this cold and flu season.
What does the cold or flu look like in children?
It can be tough to tell the difference between a cold or flu, but flu symptoms in children generally show up as2:
- Aches and pains
- Headaches
- Low energy
- Coughing or noisy breathing
The symptoms of the flu start more suddenly and can be more severe than a cold, with some flu symptoms including headaches, fever and chills1.
A cold occurs gradually than the flu and has symptoms including a runny nose or a mild cough.
If you think your child has the flu, see your Doctor who can confirm whether it's flu or the common cold.
Five ways you can keep your child healthy this flu season
Get a flu shot
Getting a flu shot is the most effective way to reduce the chance of your child (and the rest of the family!) coming down with the flu. Because the flu virus mutates each year, it's important to get a flu vaccination each year to protect against different strains of the virus.
Some people are eligible for a free flu shot, which you can double-check here.
Help them with hygiene
By keeping their hands clean, using tissues instead of hankies, and encouraging your child to cough or sneeze into their elbow, they are practising good hygiene, which reduces the chances of getting the flu and passing it onto others.
Increase their dose of fruit and veg
Make sure they’re getting enough essential nutrients by increasing their intake of fruit and veg containing vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium. Leafy greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and K which all help to support the immune system3.
f they’re fussy eaters or you’re not sure they’re getting the right nutrient mix, chat to your Doctor or Pharmacist about whether a vitamin supplement might be right for them.
If they do get the flu, care for them at home
Your child will need plenty of bed rest and fluids, as most children recover within seven days of getting the flu without any treatment3.
Keep them cosy in bed so they can get better and not pass on the flu to anyone at school or in daycare.
Have cough, cold and flu medicine on hand
Make sure you’re not caught out; make sure the medicine cabinet is stocked up with cough, cold and flu essentials to help manage symptoms and provide relief.
Next steps
It can be stressful having a sick child at home, but you can help them get through it by:
- Booking their flu vaccination before flu season starts in May or June
- Stocking up on cough, cold and flu essentials
- Keeping them hydrated and having plenty of tissues on hand
If you have any questions about cough, cold or flu essentials or the flu vaccination and how it may impact your family, please visit your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist.
References:
1HealthDirect, Flu (influenza), accessed 2 April 2025
2NSW Health, Influenza information for families and young children, accessed 2 April 2025
3The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Influenza (the flu), accessed 2 April 2025