Causes of cold and flu symptoms in children

Sometimes it might seem like your kids are always bringing home colds and flu – in fact children tend to have 7–10 colds each year! In comparison, adults have 2–5 a year. This seems unfair, and quite frankly it kind of is, as you are also affected when your child is miserable from colds and flu. So what is the deal with why kids catch colds and flu so much more often than adults?

Part of the reason is age. Very young children have shiny new immune systems that haven’t encountered the viruses that cause colds and flu so their resistance is lower than in most adults. In addition, these viruses can easily spread when children are around other children – so at playgroup, pre-school or school. It might even seem like your child is constantly ill, which could be because they can catch a brand new virus shortly after recovering from a different one.

Advice for preventing cold and flu symptoms in kids

Sadly, your kid catching colds and flu is as inevitable as ageing. But there are some easy things you can do and teach them to help reduce their chances of bringing a virus home for a visit.

  • Washing your hands is key, teach your child to always wash their hands frequently with warm soapy water and after sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose and before eating
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue instead of your hands
  • Don’t share drink bottles, cups or eating utensils with anyone who has a cold
  • If your child has a cold, keep them at home so they don’t spread the virus to other kids or adults

Cold and flu relief for children

Because there is no cure for colds and flu, you need to find other ways to help your little one ride out the symptoms. Let’s break down your options by age group.

  • Babies:
    Give them lots of cuddles and reassurance, try smaller and more frequent feeds and extra sleeps. If you’re breastfeeding and your baby is under 6 months you can offer extra breastfeeds but if you are formula feeding stick to the usual amount of formula. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
  • Young children:
    Like babies, lots of rest, warmth, nourishing foods and plenty of fluids. They don’t need to stay in bed, but let them decide how active they want to be.

Demazin has a range of products designed to provide children as young as 2 years old with relief from the symptoms of cold and flu. They are made with ingredients to help relieve symptoms like congestion and cough while supporting the immune system.

Frequently asked questions about cold and flu in children

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Cold symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Your child will most likely feel better after a few days, but keep in mind they could be unwell for up to two weeks. If you are concerned, take your child to see your healthcare professional.

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Saline nasal drops can help clear a blocked nose in babies and young children so they find it easier to feed. For children over the age of 6 years you can try a decongestant nasal spray like the Demazin 12 Hour Relief Nasal Spray, or Demazin Chest Rub Stick or Demazin Vapourising Patches to provide soothing vapours.

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Consider a product that relieves cold symptoms in kids to help them get some sleep. Explore the Demazin range of products suitable for children to see if there is a product that can help your child’s specific symptoms.

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Look for products that contain zinc as it may help support immune system health, for example Demazin Kids 2+ Cold + Flu + Immune Defence Liquid or Demazin Kids 2+ Cough + Immune Defence, which contain zinc gluconate.