Back to school health tips 

Myths and truths about helping your child recover from the flu

Considering antibiotics or decongestants for kids? A young boy sits in bed under a white blanket, holding a brown teddy bear and coughing into his fist. He appears unwell. A window and shelves with toys are visible in the background.Is your child always sick since starting school? A young boy sits in bed wrapped in a white blanket, holding a brown teddy bear and covering his mouth with his fist as if he is coughing.

The winter school term is back in full swing. While back to school comes with its benefits, it can sometimes feel like your child is always sick since starting school again.

The truth is that schools are a hotspot for viruses. Children are still developing their immune systems and often come into close contact with others, making it easier for viruses to spread. When your child gets sick, it is natural to want to do everything you can to help them feel better. But not everything you hear is actually helpful. Here are some common myths and truths about flu recovery in children, plus a few facts you can count on.

Myth 1: Decongestants are the only way to treat a runny nose

False

The first thing to consider is that decongestant medications can come with side effects. This means it is very important to ensure the medication you are using is a decongestant for kids or is indicated for use in kids. While these medications may offer temporary relief, other options may be equally effective and offer other benefits.

Paediatric mucolytics or secretolytics, like Sinupret Syrup offer a different approach. These medications work by thinning mucus, helping the mucus drain rather than drying it out. This approach supports the body’s natural defence mechanism, helping to reduce the chances of secondary bacterial infections.

A blue circle with large white quotation marks in the center, symbolizing advice or information about colds and flu, sinus medicine, or cold medicine.
Most flu treatments focus only on easing symptoms. However, there are some like Sinupret Syrup that are designed to ease symptoms and support your body’s ability to recover.  
A blue circular icon with a pair of white closing quotation marks in the center, often used in discussions about colds and flu or sinusitis remedies like sinus medicine.

Myth 2: Antibiotics help you recover from the flu

False

There is no disputing the incredible impact that antibiotics have had on modern medicine. But antibiotics do not help with the flu. This is because the flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria. In fact, giving your child antibiotics for viral infections may cause more harm than good. Certain studies have shown that the overuse of antibiotics is contributing to the rise of superbugs that are resistant to antibiotic medications.

With that in mind, it is still important to listen to your doctor when your child is sick. Although antibiotics cannot cure the flu, trapped mucus is a breeding ground for bacteria. When it is unable to drain, these bacteria can flourish, resulting in a secondary bacterial infection. If your child has developed a bacterial infection, they may require antibiotics.

Thankfully, there are options like Sinupret Syrup. Sinupret Syrup has antibacterial properties that have been clinically proven to lower the need for antibiotics. Its ability to help mucus drain rather than drying it also helps reduce the risk of secondary infections from occurring at all.

Considering a multivitamin for kids? Or a paediatric mucolytic? A young child wearing a colorful, heart-patterned fleece jacket and a white scarf sits on a bed, holding their hand to their forehead with a concerned or unwell expression.

Myth 3: The more vitamins, the better

False

Colds and flu season often has us searching the shelves for the best multivitamin for kids in the hopes of preventing sickness entirely. In some cases, people continue this pattern when their children do get sick, believing more vitamins will help support their recovery.  

The truth is that multivitamins for kids can be helpful if your child has a vitamin deficiency, but overloading on vitamins won’t help them get better. Overdoing it on certain supplements may cause harm. Side effects of overdose range from nausea and stomach cramps from excess vitamin C to more serious side risks caused by an overdose of iron or calcium. If you are giving your child a multivitamin, be sure to check it contains amounts that are within the recommended daily allowance for their age.  

Back to school health tips. A young child is lying in bed under a colorful blanket, holding a tissue to their nose, with a box of tissues nearby. The child appears to be unwell, and there are books and toys on a shelf in the background.

Myth 4: Chicken soup will help you feel better

True

Good news for parents and grandparents. Chicken soup can do more than just warm the soul, especially if it is broth based. It provides fluids, electrolytes, and depending on the ingredients, act as a natural decongestant. This doesn’t just apply to chicken soup; any brothy soup that contains mucus-busting ingredients can help ease congestion, improve hydration, and loosen mucus.

Myth 5: Some medications can speed up your recovery

True

While most flu treatments focus on easing symptoms, some actually support your body’s ability to recover. Sinupret Syrup is one of them. This is down to its unique mode of action that helps mucus drain, reduces inflammation, and stops the replication of six of the most common flu-causing viruses. The result – four days faster recovery.

Sinupret Syrup has undergone extensive clinical testing, receiving positive results for over 80 years. Its trusted formula is internationally endorsed, and it’s delicious cherry flavour is loved by children aged 2 years and up.

Every parent wants to do the best for their child. That starts with separating flu facts from fiction. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics for kids, be cautious with over-the-counter decongestants for kids, and remember that a gentle, effective solution like Sinupret Syrup can help relieve symptoms while supporting a faster recovery.

Whether your child is just starting school or has been in the system for years, these back to school health tips can make all the difference. Look out for signs, trust verified treatments like Sinupret Syrup, and always speak to your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

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.
This winter, drain it, don’t dry it with Sinupret.
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References
  1. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Decongestants can sometimes cause more harm than good. Last accessed August 2025. 
  2. Harvard Health. 10 Flu Myths. Last accessed August 2025. 
  3. Mount Sinai. Multiple Vitamin Overdose. Last accessed August 2025. 
  4. Web MD. Getting too much of vitamins and minerals. Last accessed August 2025. 

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