7 things that help when your family has been sick all winter

The cold and flu survival list every parent needs.  

Winter is on its way out, but your kids haven’t quite got the memo. There’s still a box of tissues in every room, someone’s still coughing at 2am, and honestly, you’ve lost count of how many bugs they’ve caught this season.

Spring’s nearly here, promise, but those last few cold weeks have a habit of throwing one final round your way before everyone properly bounces back. Here’s what will help get your family to the other side.

Sick of cold and flu season? Follow these tips

1. Hydration first, everything else second

When you’re unwell, your body needs fluids more than anything else. Water, diluted juice, ice blocks, even a splash of cordial if that’s what gets it in them. Little sips, often, beat forcing down a big glass in one go, every time.

2. Humidity changes the game

Dry winter air makes coughs worse and little noses stuffier. A humidifier in your child’s bedroom, or even a hot shower with the door shut for ten minutes before bed, can loosen things up and make the night that bit easier.

3. Comfort for congested little ones

For babies with a blocked nose, saline drops before feeds and sleep can help. Skip pillows, wedges or raising the mattress, though. Red Nose recommends babies sleep flat on their back on a firm, flat surface.

For older kids, an extra pillow can help with drainage and make coughing at night a little easier. Saline spray or drops can help them, too.

4. Comfort measures matter more than you think

A warm bath, their favourite blanket, low lighting and quiet time on the couch aren’t just nice extras for a sick kid. They ease the stress on their little body, which actually helps their immune system do its job.

5. Managing discomfort

A fever or aches can leave even the happiest kid miserable and clingy. Fever and pain relief can help them feel more comfortable while their body fights off the bug.

Panadol Children can start to reduce fever in 15 minutes*. Now with a smooth new formula and an improved taste that is easy to swallow. For relief without the fuss, that’s one for Panadol Children.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful.

*Temple, A.R. et al. Clin. Ther. 2013; 35:1361-75.

6. Rest doesn’t mean total shutdown

Full bed rest with kids isn’t exactly realistic. Aim for a slower pace instead with quiet play, extra screen time if that’s what gets you through the day, and skipping anything that isn’t essential.

7. Know when it’s time to see a doctor

Most winter bugs run their course at home, but some signs in kids mean it’s time to call your GP or head to urgent care. Trust your gut here, you know your child best. Warning signs include:

• A temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby under three months
• Fever lasting more than three days
• Difficulty breathing or breathing faster than usual
• Not drinking fluids or no wet nappies for eight or more hours
• Extreme lethargy or trouble waking
• Symptoms that suddenly get worse instead of better

Winter sickness with kids isn’t glamorous. It’s midnight sheet changes and endless tissues. Mostly, it’s fluids, rest, comfort and keeping an eye on them. Then, just when you think you’re through it, someone brings home the next bug.

Brought to you by Panadol Children.