Cough and cold season is here: Our expert GP is here to help!

[CeriMumsnet]

With cold and flu season in full swing and kids returning to school after Christmas, winter illnesses can feel inevitable and never-ending. But what can we do to relieve symptoms when they strike or even better, keep the germs at bay in the first place?

We’ve invited GP Dr Kate Cottam to answer your questions on all things winter bugs. Share a question for Dr Kate by 12th Jan for your chance to win a £200 Amazon voucher (T&Cs).

About Dr Kate:
Dr Kate Cottam is an NHS GP. She has had experience in various different medical specialties throughout her training and is the Practice Lead for Learning Disabilities and Serious Mental Illness. Kate is committed to compassionate, patient-centred care and making health information accessible and easy to understand, encouraging patients to take an active role in their care. Kate is also a mum to two boys aged 7 and 4
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Here's what Broncho Junior has to say:
'Broncho Junior is chosen by mums who plan ahead. One cupboard staple, many cough types. Broncho Junior helps calm dry or chesty coughs day or night'

Thanks @sharond101 For any cough that lasts for > 3 weeks, it is advisable to see a GP. There are a number of things this could be and needs a thorough history taking and examination from a GP to diagnose this.

Hi @Dizzywizz. A flu vaccine is aiming to protect you from the most common strains of flu virus for that flu season. Unfortunately, you can still catch flu despite being vaccinated but usually this is a milder illness or shorter duration. In theory, after having flu you should then have developed an immune response to that particular strain that made you unwell. The immune protection you gain from a flu vaccine decreases over time so it is recommended that you have an annual vaccine. In addition, each season the flu vaccine is updated with the common strains of flu, so again an annual vaccine is the best way to protect yourself.

Hi @SparklingCrow In terms of the specific coding query, you will need to direct this to your Administrative Team in your GP Surgery so that they can look into this for you. If someone is coded with an active problem of being ‘immunocompromised’ then you are correct, this should automatically lead to them being invited for various vaccinations to help protect themselves over winter.

Thanks @Kentishbirdlife Vitamin C has several important functions in the body. It can be used to support and maintain a strong immune system. This is because it helps protect our cells and keeps them healthy, helps us have healthy blood vessels, skin, cartilage and bones and aids our wound healing. The Dept of Health and Social Care advise that we should be able to get all our required vitamin C from eating a balanced diet (adults need 40mg per day). Therefore, if you think you lack vitamin C in your diet (primarily a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables) then a daily supplement could be beneficial for your general health.

Hi @DenDenDenise The Government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given daily vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D. Most daily vitamin supplements targeted at this age range will contain these 3 vitamins so just double check these 3 are included. Supermarkets and pharmacies normally have a good range of choice. Just be sure to pick one that is age appropriate, so the dose is correct. There is a good NHS page with more information here: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/vitamins-for-children/.

Hi @pushchairprincess This is tricky because over the counter decongestants can’t be used by those under 6 years of age and steam inhalation recommended to adults is obviously not safe with young children. Some over the counter remedies like vapour rubs designed for use on the chest or plug in decongestants / humidifiers recommended by Pharmacists might be helpful to relieve the symptoms, if age appropriate. A warm bath (no more 38 degrees) in a steamy bathroom might help before bedtime.

Hi @lovemyflipflops, ventilation can be helpful but the best way to prevent coughs and colds spreading in children is encouraging them to have good hygiene habits by washing their hands regularly with warm water and soap, to use tissues which are then disposed in a bin and to cover their mouth when they sneeze and cough, and then wash their hands. It is very tricky in a group environment, but encouraging these hygiene habits at home will help!

Hi @GermSponge! It sounds like you are doing as much as you can in terms of prevention and supporting your immune system. As you say, you will be exposed to a lot of viruses in this working environment unfortunately. If you are concerned about your frequency of illness, it would be appropriate to discuss with your GP and they may consider blood tests to exclude any other underlying cause, if appropriate.

Hi @ohdannyboy We do know that a varied, balanced diet is important for our general health and well-being. A diverse range of food including fermented foods can introduce probiotics and increase our microbiome or ‘good bacteria’ in the gut (which in turn supports our immune system). Robust clinical evidence is still pretty limited at this stage to make specific health claims for what these products do, but for those with a healthy immune system it is considered safe. In summary, in a healthy child it is not going to be harmful, and could be beneficial.

Hi @youareonlyhereonce The only way to know with most accuracy would be to do a rapid lateral flow test for Covid-19 because there is a big overlap of symptoms with Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses that cause a common cold. Most people do not need to take a Covid-19 test now. If you are at high risk of becoming very unwell (you would have been notified that you would be eligible for treatment for Covid-19) then you can access a test from some Pharmacies. Otherwise, if you have symptoms of Covid-19, or any other respiratory illness, and you have a fever or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, it is recommended that you stay at home until you do so.

Hi @Britanniaa It sounds like you are already making wise choices and doing the best you can. It is very difficult to keep children away from each other day to day in a household – so chances are siblings are likely to catch something from each other regardless of sleeping arrangements. Keep up the hand-washing, ventilation and disinfecting high traffic areas in the daytime and then you know you are doing all you can!

Hi @Fernsrus Over the counter medications do not treat the underlying virus, but can be beneficial for some people in reducing the symptoms by soothing the throat and calming a cough. Always discuss with a Pharmacist what they would recommend, especially for children because there can be age restrictions on some preparations, or if you are taking other prescribed medications.

Hey @HobNobAddict. For babies and infants, the Lullaby Trust and NHS guidance for safe sleeping is to always sleep flat on their back on a firm surface so I would not advise that in this instance. For adults, it could be beneficial to aid breathing by keeping airways open and allowing gravity to help with the mucus drainage. Be careful with your neck position to avoid strain and neck pain – specific wedge pillows can be helpful to keep your spine neutral.

Hi @LittleDeeAndME Paracetamol before bedtime can be helpful to alleviate cold symptoms and viral aches and pains. Just make sure you have not exceeded the total amount in 24 hours – I always write down each dose and time, especially for those sleepy moments in the night when it is difficult to remember who has been given what earlier in the day! I would recommend giving honey and lemon or cough syrups containing sugar/honey before they have brushed their teeth for the night. If you know your child’s behaviour is affected by sugar then I would avoid it at bedtime but it would be their teeth I would be most concerned about personally.

Hi @Nothungrycat For any cough that lasts for > 3 weeks, it is advisable to see a GP. Other ‘red flags’ for a cough would be coughing up blood, significant breathlessness, chest pain, persistent fever, weight loss, feeling very unwell and unable to do normal activities. If you are aged over 65, have underlying medical conditions / a weakened immune system or are pregnant it may also be advisable to see a GP sooner.

Thank you

Hi @Beabeautiful Cough syrups are often based on herbal extracts and have been used traditionally to help with cough symptoms. Depending on the formulation that you buy, they may contain medicines such a decongestants, antihistamines and drugs to loosen mucus or suppress the cough reflux. Some many contain honey as one of their ingredients. Manuka honey is evidence based for having some antibacterial qualities, as well as coating the throat to reduce irritation.

Hi @chickenpotnoodle This is tricky because over the counter decongestants can’t be used by those under 6 years of age and steam inhalation recommended to adults is obviously not safe with young children. Some over the counter remedies like vapour rubs designed for use on the chest or plug in decongestants / humidifiers recommended by Pharmacists might be helpful to relieve the symptoms, if age appropriate. A warm bath (no more 38 degrees) in a steamy bathroom might help before bedtime.

Hi @bumphousebump The NHS stance is that hot water, lemon and honey has similar evidence to over the counter cough medicines. However, if you or your child is struggling with symptoms and honey and lemon isn't giving sufficient relief then I would consider trying something that might make your symptoms easier (first checking ingredients with a Pharmacist and finding something age appropriate.)

Hi @Falalalalaaaalalalalaaaa Unfortunately, all medications can give side effects. Decongestants especially can cause a dry mouth, restlessness, nausea and headaches in some people, amongst other things. Paracetamol is usually well tolerated when taken at recommended doses but it is still possible to get side effects. I would encourage your colleague to look at self-care – prioritising sleep, exercise, nutrition etc to strengthen their immune system. Perhaps it might be possible to work from home or amended duties when not feeling 100%? Remember, employees can self-certify their sickness for 7 days and then they would need a FIT note from their GP thereafter.

Hi @Maiyakat This is not an evidence based therapy for a cold. Vapour rub is designed to ease congestion by the ingredients being inhaled, so applying to the feet is the furthest body part away from this! A relaxing foot rub to aid sleep and rest and recovery is not a bad idea though.

Hi @itsywitsy Generally, with a minor cough and cold, which as you point out is pretty unavoidable this time of year, it is appropriate to still attend school and carry on as normal. I would encourage hygiene measures such as hand washing and everything you mentioned above. It is recommended to keep a child off school if they have a fever or are needing regular medicine to treat a fever, a persistent, severe cough that is stopping them doing things, if they are not feeling up to doing normal activities i.e. lethargic or shivery, or they have had any associated diarrhoea and vomiting.

Hi @lillypopdaisyduke If your child is feeding/eating and drinking and breathing normally with no wheeze then usually a cough is not something to be too worried about. Having said that, I know it can be distressing to hear your little one coughing. It can be helpful to remember that this is the body helping to clear up the phlegm. The best way to aid recovery is encouraging lots of fluids, good nutrition, rest, opportunity to sleep and using paracetamol / ibuprofen as needed if they are struggling. If over 1 year old they may find benefit from drinking honey and lemon to soothe the throat, or trying an age-appropriate cough syrup. Unfortunately, we should expect multiple colds and coughs in this age group as their young immune systems are exposed to viruses they have not come across before.

Hi @NeedForSpeedyGonzales This sounds really difficult. Time is likely to be your best healer here! I know you have said rest is difficult in your circumstances but prioritising rest and sleep when at all possible, lots of fluids and nutritious foods, paracetamol, honey and lemon can all help speed recovery and ease your symptoms. Steam inhalation and vapour rubs might be something else to consider. I hope you feel better soon.

Hi @benjaminjamesandgraham There are lots of things to consider to reduce your risk. First, think in terms of your hygiene and prevention of exposing yourself to germs – wash your hands regularly with soap and water (or hand sanitiser if needs be), avoid touching your face or consider using a face mask, ventilate, don’t share items like cups and towels, and have good habit of covering your face with a tissue with sneezes and coughs. In terms of immune support, prioritise good nutrition, aim for 7-8 hours sleep, regular exercise and avoidance of stress. Ensure you attend for vaccinations for those you are eligible for, keep distance from those who seem unwell and be sure to disinfect high traffic communal areas.