Choosing the right cold and flu medicine for your kids

A child lies in bed under a white blanket, looking worried, while an adult hand gently checks their forehead for a fever, considering the right cold and flu medication for kids.A child lies in bed under a white blanket, looking unwell, while an adult checks for a fever—suggesting care and concern, perhaps while considering cold and flu medicine for kids.

When your little one comes down with a cold or flu, it’s natural to want to reach for the nearest remedy. But not all medications are created equal, especially when it comes to young children.

With winter here and the dreaded colds and flu season upon us, we have put together a few key things to look out for when choosing a flu medicine for your kids.

Safety first

It is always important to consult your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any medication. Many cold and flu medications may not be indicated for young children. For example, most decongestants are only suitable for older children and should not be used in those under six years old. Similarly, some antihistamines which may be prescribed for a cold can be used in children over 6 months old, while others shouldn’t be given to children under 2 years. Always read the label and choose a product that’s been clinically tested and approved for use in an age group that matches your needs.

       Trapped mucus can create a breeding ground for bacteria, sometimes resulting in a secondary infection. Choosing a medication that helps the mucus drain helps to treat the virus at the cause and protect against secondary infections. 

More effect, less side-effect

Choosing the right medication for your child is a balancing act. While you want something safe, it also needs to be effective. Using a medication that promises to be gentle but lacks any clinical evidence may result in lower effectiveness, leaving your child feeling sick for longer. Similarly, some medications only offer short-term relief, treating only the symptoms and not the cause. Decongestants fall in this category, offering short-term relief from a blocked nose. Rather, look for a medication that is clinically proven to be effective in providing relief from the symptoms of colds and flu while also treating the underlying cause. Sinupret Syrup is one such medication, clinically proven to help your little one feel better four days faster.

A man gently holds a young child on his lap, offering a spoon, with cold and flu medicine for kids, while the child looks reluctant or upset.

Drain it, don’t dry it

When it comes to dealing with a runny, clogged, or congested nose, there are generally two options: dry it out with a decongestant, or help it drain with a mucolytic. While decongestants can provide short-term relief, they can make it harder for your little one’s body to get rid of the excess mucus. This means the mucus remains trapped, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause a secondary infection. Children are especially vulnerable to these infections since their immune systems are not fully developed. On top of this, decongestants come with several potential side effects, including heart palpitations, shaking, and rebound congestion.

Rather than drying out the mucus, look for a medication that helps the mucus drain. This helps treat the virus at the cause, clearing out trapped viruses and other irritants and providing long-term relief. It also helps to protect against secondary infections by clearing out the bacteria, supporting recovery from colds and flu.

Sinupret Syrup is a specially formulated cold and flu medicine for kids that can be given to children from as young as 2 years old. Its unique mode of action helps thin and clear mucus and relieve inflammation while its anti-viral properties stop the replication of common cold-causing viruses, and its anti-bacterial properties reduce the chances of secondary infection. This not only provides long-term relief from symptoms, but it is also clinically proven to speed up recovery by up to 4 days.  

Sinupret Syrup is backed by years of clinical evidence and generations of patient feedback, supporting its internationally endorsed effectiveness and safety profile. This, along with its delicious cherry flavour make it a top choice for parents and doctors across South Africa. In fact, Sinupret Syrup is the number one prescribed colds, flu, and sinusitis treatment by South African doctors.

Having a sick child is a stressful experience and getting your child back to their happy, energetic self as quickly as possible is every parent’s goal. Next time your little one comes down with the winter flu, make sure you choose a medication that is safe, effective, and supports their body’s natural recovery like Sinupret Syrup.

A smiling child sits between two adults, who look at the child warmly. In the foreground are a bottle and box of cold and flu medication for kids. Illustrative lines show the child breathing easily through their nose.
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