Give parents the tools to help relieve kids’ winter illness symptoms

To address these questions, first, we have to understand why we are generally more susceptible to illness during winter. The most common cause of respiratory infection are viruses which show seasonally increased abundance during winter in temperate regions. ^3,4 It has been hypothesised that seasonal environmental and behavioural changes are to blame for this phenomenon. ^4–6 Cold and dry weather is associated with immune impairment and the drying of the nasal passage which collectively increase virus viability and transmission. ^5,6 This, coupled with changing social behaviours such as meeting indoors and closer social contact, leads to optimal conditions for the spread of respiratory infections. ^5,6

The increased abundance of respiratory viruses within the community during winter has a significant impact on children due to their relatively naïve immune system compared to adults. ^7,8 Our immune system develops throughout life by building memory to infections that we encounter. ^7,8 This immune memory allows us to respond to subsequent exposures more quickly and effectively which may reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the infection. As children have not been exposed to as many infectious agents as adults in their lifetime, children have not developed immunity to many of the hundreds of viruses associated with common winter illnesses. As such, kids are more likely to feel the effects of infections they encounter while they develop their immune memories.

Whatever the cause, common winter illnesses are a real challenge for children. Symptoms such as congestion and coughs can have a significant impact on patient quality of life. Apart from being uncomfortable, these symptoms can impact both sleep quality and quantity. ^9–11 This has flow-on effects on energy levels, productivity, mood, and duration of illness. Therefore, it is important that parents are empowered to help alleviate these symptoms to relieve the burden of winter illness from their children.

Care offers a range of products specially designed for little patients, to help parents provide relief for common winter illness symptoms this winter

Recommend FESS ^® Little Noses to help remove excess mucus, relieving nasal congestion ^12,13

Nasal saline irrigation products such as FESS ^® provide a non-prescription, patient-controlled therapy for the relief of nasal congestion. ^12,13 Saline irrigation may be effective in reducing symptom duration and improving health status in children suffering common cold and flu. ¹⁴

Care offers a range of FESS ^® products that are specially designed for babies’ and kids’ noses. Available in spray and drop bottles, these gentle saline products work to loosen and thin nasal mucus to relieve nasal congestion.  FESS®  Little Noses products are also available with or without aspirators to gently suction and remove loosened mucus. ^15,16