A head cold is an umbrella term which encompasses all those annoying symptoms that we come to expect at some point during the winter months.
For the most part, the symptoms are mild, and the worst can be over fairly quickly thanks to the array of over-the-counter medications available.
For the adults of the house, at least. It can be a little bit trickier to help those in the younger cohort.
Here, Elaine Clarke, a Laois-based community pharmacist talks us through what options are available for the children in our lives.
First of all, Elaine, tell us what are the most common symptoms in children, that you are asked to treat on a daily basis?
This depends on the time of the year! At the moment, the most common symptoms are a runny nose, dry cough and high temp in both babies and children.
Are there any symptoms that parents/guardians should be wary of?
In babies younger than six months a high temperature is always something to be wary of and will need referral to the GP.
Due to the prevalence of RSV, a high temperature combined with an unresolved dry cough and persistent runny nose is something to be wary of.
When it comes to other symptoms to be wary of a distinctive, non blanching or irritating rash, a very sore throat and when a child is off fluids and foods can sometimes set the alarm bells ringing.
With the rise of Scarlet Fever at the moment a symptom to look out for is a strawberry bed tongue which means a tongue that looks like the surface of a strawberry. It’s very distinctive.
What options are available to help alleviate those symptoms in children?
Infants: Calpol or Nurofen for Children if the temperature has not resolved with Calpol, a good thermometer for an accurate reading, especially in babies.
Under the age of one, due to restrictions, there isn’t a lot which can be given to the child, unfortunately.
Other items include, Calpol Vapor plug-in, Snufflebabe nasal aspirator and Sterimar Bebe nasal spray. For a dry cough there is nothing available over the counter suitable for this age group.
Parents should be conscious of the following when a dry cough is present: ensuring breathing its not laboured, a wheeze and perhaps monitoring breaths per minute if confident to do so.
A humidifier or diffuser can be useful. I also strongly believe in a parents instinct,if you feel there is something wrong there probably is. A parent knows their child best.
Under 6: This age group can take a little bit more but not much! All of the above applies.
In addition, for a dry cough, Bronchostop Junior, glycerine, honey and lemon to soother the throat and Exputex if it is a chesty cough. Throat sprays can be used along with some lozenges containing vitamin c and zinc.
6-12 years of age: In this age group a few more cough bottles and inhalants such as Vicks Vapo Rub can be used. Some medicated nasal drops and decongestants can also be used safely.
Over 12s: this age group can take most of the over the counter products for this particular ailment. However discretion is needed with swallowing of tablets and doses.
Is there any one product that you recommend frequently? And why?
Caplol! Helps with fever and pain, which are two of the mainstays when it comes to treating children and babies.
Super product which is available now sugar free and tastes nice so it’s easy to give and also easy to measure for parents especially if it’s in the middle of the night!
Tip of the day: What’s that extra bit of advice you normally give along with the products
I usually give the weight-based dosing chart for paracetamol and ibuprofen and strongly recommend a suppository to parents especially when the high temperature is really high!!
And the old housewives tale of a cold compress on the forehead and back of the neck. Some say nonsense but others say it works!!
Elaine Clarke is a community pharmacist based in Clarkes CarePlus Pharmacy, in Rathdowney.
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