Just 7 things parents know to be true about cold and flu season.

"Winter is coming," I announced last Saturday morning when I felt the cool change snap at my toes as I darted out of the car to go collect my hot choccie.

My husband of course laughed and made reference to living in Winterfell and warding off the nightwalkers (if you know, you know). I, on the other hand, was chilling down to the bone. Mainly due to my short-sleeved nightie and thongs. But hey, #mumlife right? 

With a 2-year-old and an 11-year-old, daycare and school brings all kinds of nasties home and winter especially is the unrivalled start of the dreaded cold and flu season. The sniffing, the snotting, the coughing. You name it, we will all get it. 

I’m pretty sure that this is the case for most households. Whether your kids go to daycare, primary school, high school or uni — and even you in your place of work — the winter germs just can’t be avoided. And along with it, comes these seven inevitable things.

1. The never-ending tap

Snot, boogers, nose candles, whatever you call them, every boogie is equally as gross as the next. And in winter, the colours change, the consistency thickens and there’s fingers up there as quick as you can say ‘who can pick a winner?'.

On its own, a runny nose is pretty manageable with a bit of chest rub and rations of tissues, but coupled with headaches, coughing and that all-over blah feeling that colds and flus can bring, the kiddos feel horrible (and act it too).

When any cold and flu symptoms do strike, paracetamol is effective in providing kids with fast relief. 

Children’s Panadol can be used on babies as young as one month and is gentle on tiny tummies of kids aged up to 12 years old. The Children's Panadol baby drops have a unique small dose making it easier to swallow for babies.

You also know the brand is one you can trust — I have been buying it since I was a teenager! — and although it won’t treat the runny nose, relieving the pain that can come with it and all the other cold and flu symptoms, makes the nose hose way more manageable. 

Image: Supplied.

2. The never-ending merry-go-round

‘You’re it!’

‘No, you’re it!’

Oh sorry, no, we weren’t playing tag. We were simply deciding who was going to take the next round of sickness in our household. Sound familiar? I am pretty sure that every house in Australia gets to experience the joy of the never-ending merry-go-round during winter.

Honestly, my 2-year-old daughter has gotten in early this season and has coughed on and off for almost three months. Within that time our eldest has had COVID, my mum had a cold twice, and my husband and I pushed on whilst snotting, coughing and headaching all over the place. And it’s only MAY.

I am currently accepting all prayers, wishes of good health and Panadol donations.  

3. The hearty humidifier

As sniffles amp up and the moisture levels drop, bringing out the trusty humidifier is a dream for sleep times.

Filling up that tank with water and the beautiful, clearing scent of lavender and whatever other glorious ingredients are in it just has me floating. 

There’s nothing I love more than shoving my nose into the open tank hole and sniffing up the concentrate whilst filling it up. Surely I’m not the only one who does this…?

Image: Supplied.

4. Kiddie comfort food

Mmmm, chicken and corn soup anyone? Perhaps curried sausages or a shepherd's pie? This is my winter menu on repeat and the kids love it, especially if they’re feeling cold and under the weather.

There’s none of my fancy green fennel soups or slow-cooked brisket, it’s the simple, hearty meals filled with potato that they crave. 

It’s no wonder I often come out of the winter season stretching the waistband of my shorts as I walk out the door.

5. Household heating hesitation

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a tightwad when it comes to paying to get warm. 

I’m the one who calls out from upstairs to "put on some socks and another jumper if you’re cold!" to the kids when they complain about how frosty they are. 

I’ll also admit it though, that when the heater does eventually come out of the garage because sometimes they really do need to warm up artificially, my butt will be the very first planted directly in front of it, getting a nice tan from the orange glow it produces while the rest of the family complains they aren’t getting any heat.

Image: Supplied.

6. The blanket thieves

In summer, my eldest daughter loves jumping into a cold bed. Come winter, however, and she is tougher to get into bed than it is to reverse a truck through a Maccas drive-through (at least, I imagine). I personally find flannelette sheets way too hot, not to mention they can fluff up my washing machine, but she insists on having them put on precisely on June 1st.

After that, comes the family lounge blanket. You know those ones that are as wide as they are long? Well, instead of the whole family being able to sit under this beautifully warm blanket while we watch a movie together, my daughter scoops it up and puts in on her bed, on top of her doona. Then proceeds to sleep with the ceiling fan on.

Image: Supplied.

7. Cuddles and kisses 

As sick as they can get, they’re still pretty cute right? Neither of my girls are overly affectionate so when they’re sick in winter or really cold, I take as many cuddles and kisses as they’ll give me. I love nothing more than snuggling up on the lounge (under another blanket) with them in my lap, nestled under my chin watching Cocomelon on repeat or Friends over and over again. 

I can sometimes take affection for granted so these little winter pockets of love warm me from the inside out and remind me just how lucky I am.

Parenting during winter can be really challenging, especially if the kids aren’t feeling their best. But winter is also one of the best seasons to spend time with each other walking in the sun, playing board games and exploring nature at its coldest. Just pack lots of tissues!

We all want the best for our children and whenever they are sick, we want to relieve their pain as quickly as possible. For over 60 years, Children’s Panadol has been helping children of all ages feel better again.

You can trust Children’s Panadol to provide your child with fast, effective, temporary relief from pain and fever.

Find the whole Panadol range at your local pharmacy.

All Panadol products contain paracetamol. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional.

Feature Image: Supplied.