Viral Illnesses (Common Cold & The Flu)

WHAT IS IT?

A virus is a germ that causes infections, such as the common cold and influenza. There are hundreds of different viruses and it is common for children to have up to 12 viral illnesses per year in the first few years of life. Viruses can easily spread when children have close contact with each other but most viruses are mild, and the best treatment is rest at home.

SYMPTOMS

• Blocked or runny nose
• Red eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Lethargy (i.e. tiredness)
• Lack of appetite
• Feeling generally unwell

TREATMENT

Treatment is targeted at managing the symptoms to make it more manageable

Fever and Pain

Paracetamol Dose strictly according to the label on the box Space the doses 4-6 hours apart Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours Safe in infants above 1 month

Ibuprofen Dose strictly according to the label on the box Space the doses 6-8 hours apart Maximum 3 doses in 24 hours Safe in infants above 3 months

Nasal Congestion

Saline Preparations Dose strictly according to the label on the box Assist in loosening the mucus to help clear a blocked nose

Xylometazoline 0.05% (Otrivin Junior) Dose strictly according to the label on the box May be used up to 3 times a day No more than recommended or for more than 5 days at a time Safe in children above 6 years old

Cough

Dry Cough Preparations (e.g. Pholcodine) Dose strictly according to the label on the box May be used up to 3-4 times a day Safe in children above 6 years old

Chesty Cough Preparations (e.g. Bromhexine) Dose strictly according to the label on the box May be used up to 3 times a day Safe in children above 6 years old

NON-MEDICINAL APPROACHES

• Give your child small amounts to drink frequently when awake
• Allow your child to rest
• Use saline nasal (nose) drops to help clear a blocked nose in babies
• Do not use other remedies unless advised by a doctor or health care professional

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

• Pain that does not improve with paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Persistent vomiting and diarrhoea (see our fact sheet Gastroenteritis)
• A high fever that lasts for more than 48 hours
• Refuse to drink water or rehydration fluids
• Pale skin and hard to wake
• Difficulty breathing