Influenza (the flu) and colds tend to do the rounds as the colder months set in, as we spend more time indoors and in close contact with others.
The flu spreads through the air (from coughs or sneezes) and touching objects in contact with saliva or mucus from an infected person 1.
This is why it's quite common to pick up the flu from school or daycare, and why it spreads quite quickly amongst children under five. Unfortunately, it can also cause more serious illness in very young children.
Here's how you can keep the kids healthy this cold and flu season.
What does the 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 as 2:
- Aches and pains
- Headaches
- Low energy
- Coughing or noisy breathing
If you think your child has the flu, see your Doctor who can confirm whether it's flu or the common cold.
How can I keep my 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 system. If 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. Pick up the essentials in-store or if you're stuck at home with a sick kid, order online for home delivery. Shop the range here.
It can be stressful having a sick child at home, but by making sure they’re vaccinated against the flu each year, and having medicine at home to manage symptoms, you can provide some support and relief.
Book their flu shot at your local Blooms The Chemist.
References
1HealthDirect, Flu (influenza), accessed 1 May 2024
2NSW Health, Influenza information for families and young children, accessed 1 May 2024
3The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Influenza (the flu), accessed 1 May 2024