Natural aromatherapy spritzer keeps airways clear and aids sleep

There are more than 100 different viruses that can cause the common cold! Flu is also caused by viruses - the Influenza virus. There are fewer viruses that cause flu and this is why a vaccination can be produced.

Both illnesses can cause children to become miserable and grouchy. Flu often leads to decreased appetite and refusal to eat. Often, with the difficulties of breathing through a blocked nose, sleep becomes problematic too.

Over the counter medicines like paracetamol, as well as various cough and cold products are often used to treat symptoms. However, many of these come with side effects. Decongestant drugs can be very effective, but cause side-effects like increased irritability and hyperactivity. They can also “over-dry” the nose and mucus membranes - causing discomfort. It is also important to remember that all of the symptoms of colds and flu (e.g. coughing, sneezing and running nose) are nature's way of trying to drive the virus from the body and one should therefore take medicines like cough suppressants and decongestants with caution as they can prolong the illness and even make it worse in the long run.

• As a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can weaken the immune system, it is important to feed your child a healthy, balanced diet. Ensure a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and limit junk food and candy. If your child is a picky eater or avoids healthy food like the plague, use a daily multivitamin supplement, including Vitamin C and zinc.
• Keep your child away from second-hand cigarette smoke and obvious sources of pollution like exhaust fumes near busy roads.
• Avoid unnecessary use of prescription medications, especially antibiotics and steroid drugs.
• A healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet and regular physical exercise will help to keep your child healthy, strong and protected from illness.

• Teach your children to cover their mouths and noses every time they cough or sneeze. This will reduce the number of infectious organisms floating around in the air at home or at their school.
• Regularly washing hands is also of huge importance in limiting your child’s exposure to germs. The most important times for children (and adults) to wash their hands are after sneezing or coughing, after toileting, upon leaving public areas like daycare centers, restaurants, playgrounds etc. Washing hands before eating should also become a habit.

• Make sure he/she rests in bed as much as possible.
• Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids.
• Use a humidifier in the child's room to make dry air easier to breathe.
• Blocked and runny noses can be a real problem for children. Infants can only breathe through their noses and even older children may have difficulty breathing through their mouths, especially at night.
• Suctioning is a good method to clean the nose. For younger infants, use a rubber suction bulb to remove the secretions gently. Older children can blow their noses, but encourage gentle blowing.
• If your child’s nose is blocked or stuffy, you will need to remove the dry mucus. Use of saline nosedrops is helpful in loosening the mucus. These nosedrops are available at most drug stores. One minute after using the nosedrops, use a soft rubber suction bulb to gently suck out the loosened mucus.