The dreaded cold and flu season has arrived and along with it a lot of questions in regards to how to treat the symptoms and whether a visit to the doctor is actually necessary.
With the help of Health Direct, a government-funded website that provides approved health information for the public, here’s some of your questions answered.
What is the difference between a cold and flu?
1. Colds are very common and your child might get between five to 10 of them a year because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they’ve never had them before. Gradually as they build up immunity they fewer colds. Colds affect the nose, throat and upper airways, and common symptoms include
- coughing
- fever
- sore throat
- sneezing
- blocked
- runny nose and
- general congestion.
Cold are caused by about 200 different viruses and there is no vaccine for a cold.
A well know remedy to treat the common cold is chicken soup. Feeling unwell can also really knock you off your healthy weight loss plan, so we have 7 great tips to keep you motivated when you’re when you’re feeling under the weather.
2. The flu is a viral infection affecting your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. Typical symptoms of flu include fever, sore throat and muscle aches. Its symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer than those of a cold.The flu can also lead to complications, such as pneumonia, which in some instances can sometimes lead to death. Three different types of influenza viruses infect humans – types A, B and C. Only influenza A and B cause major outbreaks and severe disease.
Is there a flu vaccine I should give my child?
There is a vaccine available for the flu and it’s recommended ‘at risk’ people have an annual flu vaccination. This includes the elderly or those with chronic illnesses or those aged over six months who have medical conditions such as severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes that can lead to complications from influenza.
Fact: Flu viruses circulating in the community continually change, and immunity from the vaccine doesn’t last a long time so that’s why yearly vaccination is recommended.
NOTE: The Australian Government’s Department of Health recommends the flu vaccine for everyone from six months of age. However, it is only available for free under the National Immunisation Program for people who face a high risk from influenza and its complications. You can find out if you or your child is eligible by visiting this Immunise Australia website.
Do I need to visit a doctor to treat my child’s cold or flu?
Most colds get better in five to seven days and there is very little a doctor can do to stop a cold, it usually has to run its course.
With the flu it’s recommended you visit the doctor if a fever continues beyond three days, there is nasal discharge that is thick and yellow or there is discharge coming from the eyes. Often children develop complications or secondary infections, some of which need further tests or treatment.
You should see your doctor if your child deteriorates or develops any new symptoms especially:
- Noisy or difficult breathing
- Drowsiness
- Refusal to eat and drink
- A rash
- If another family member becomes unwell with similar symptoms, they should see their doctor, especially if they have a chronic disease (for example heart and lung problems) or problems with their immune system.
How can I ease the symptoms in my child?
- Increase the amount of fluid your child normally drinks.
- Saline nose drops can help loosen dried nasal secretions and relieve a stuffy nose. Ask your pharmacist, doctor or early childhood nurse about them.
- If your child has a fever, pain or discomfort, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. There are child and infant products that will state on the packet how much you should give children of different ages.
- Encourage the whole family to wash their hands regularly to stop the cold spreading.
- Nasal decongestants can make stuffiness worse. Never use them for more than two or three days.
How can I prevent my child form getting a cold or the flu?
Good hygiene is one of the most important ways to help prevent the spread of these viruses. Here are 15 healthy habits you can teach your kids right now.
Other ways to help prevent flu can include antiviral medicines, although these are only recommended for preventing flu if you have been exposed to the flu in the previous 48 hours.
You can help prevent the flu by:
- keeping surfaces clean
- washing your hands regularly
- avoid sharing cups and cutlery
- covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Read our tips for staying flu free this winter.
Important: Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections so they won’t work for colds and flu which are caused by viruses.
You should contact your doctor urgently, or dial triple zero (000) if your child:
- is under three months of age and has a temperature of 38 °C or above
- is between three and six months of age and has a temperature of 39 °C or above
- is over six months and shows other signs of being unwell – for example, they are floppy and drowsy or you are concerned about them.
If your child has a fever, it’s important to keep them well hydrated by giving them plenty of cool water to drink. Even if your child isn’t thirsty, try to get them to drink little and often to keep their fluid levels up.
If you are feeling concerned about any symptoms of a cold or flu then see your doctor. If you would like to speak to a registered nurse, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 any time day or night.
For more information on the flu vaccine, go to the Immunise Australia website or call the Program Information Line on 1800 671 811.
Every month on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, we run a BRAND NEW 28 Day Menu with a different theme so you NEVER get bored!
Next months theme is the WINTER! – Perfect for the chilly weather, SUPER easy to whip up and still just as healthy.
If you are curious about the 28 Day Challenge recipes then we have a 28 Day Challenge recipe pack for you to try HERE. 
Find a delicious range of healthy recipes, packed full of energy boosting ingredients and nutrients together with easy to achieve exercise.
