But given the recent upgrades to the recommendation pertaining to cold and flu medications, it is wise to be informed when it comes to what action to take.

The FDA in America has been taking a particularly close look at over-the-counter cough and cold medications. What they have found is that a high number of children have been presenting in emergency rooms with breathing problems, dizziness and even high blood pressure after taking these medications.

The FDA “strongly recommends that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used for infants and children under two years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects could occur”. It has further stated that as these medications have not been tested on children there is no knowledge of their safety or efficacy.

So what can we do for our kids? Well, it turns out that some of the simple old-fashioned remedies may be the way to go.

Recent studies have suggested that — for children older than 12 months — good-quality honey may be an effective remedy in soothing the throat and stopping the cough reflex (honey is not recommended for babies under 12 months).

Keeping up the fluids and using a humidifier or hot shower will also ease congestion and help your child’s nose and throat do what it does best.

Obviously, making sure your child is getting as much rest as possible will aid in the healing process. Ensuring your child is getting lots of fruits and vegetables will also increase their vitamin C and E levels, which help to fight germs. We should never forget how intelligent our bodies are, and that any symptoms they present are often for important self-healing reasons.

Remember, if symptoms last longer than five days, if your child has a high fever or if they are having difficulty breathing, it is a good idea to consult your family’s healthcare professional.