The runny nose, cough, sore throat, fevers muscle and joint pains are all signs of the common cold or flu

                      Colds and flu are respiratory infections that are caused by viruses and are very contagious.

While there are no cures for colds and flu, a good diet may help in preventing them. When you have a cold or flu it is recommended that you eat whenever you feel a bit of hunger, and of course drink plenty of fluids.

                     Some foods may be helpful in comforting. These can help adults and children……

n      Chicken soup; remember grandma’s remedy….yep chicken soup contains cystine a compound that helps thin mucus, so there could be some truth to grandmas remedy.

n      Spicy foods contain capsaicin, a substance that can help break up nasal congestion….with children you can use garlic and turmeric, these will have a similar effect

                Congestion in colds is very common….people often use a vaporizer this device only helps croup sufferers, the moisture that a vaporizer puts in the air actually makes a runny nose worse …..the best thing for congestion in children and even in adults is a good rub with Vicks.  I also use a room spray that contains menthol this will help the congestion through the nigh. If fevers are present I make sure my child is having Panadol or Nurofen to keep temperature down, although I find that if there is temperature its usually because of infection which means they may need antibiotics, because 3 out 4 of my children have suffered febrile convulsions I tend to take them to the doctors straight away but its not actually necessary.

            Seel medical attention when;

n      A cough produces green, yellow or bloody phlegm

n      Bad headache, face jaw or ear ache

n      Trouble swallowing

n      Fever above 37.8 degrees, that last more than 48 hours

             The cold virus is activated at temperatures slightly below 37 degrees, the normal temperature for humans. If you sit in a draught ,your temperature may drop just enough to activate the cold virus that has been in your nasal passages. When you breathe overly dry air, your nasal passages may form tiny cracks that provide an entry way for viruses. The best defence is plenty of fluids to re-hydrate the tender membranes; try opening windows to improve air quality.

            I hope this helps……....