It hardly seems possible that summer is over and it’s time for the annual back-to-school rush. Between buying uniforms, filling lunchboxes and getting children back to GAA, soccer, rugby, dancing and other activities, September can feel like a whirlwind for parents.
The return to classrooms, crèches and sports activities brings increased exposure to coughs, colds and other common infections. As a pharmacist and parent, I know first-hand how disruptive childhood illness can be for families. Here are my top tips to help prevent and treat minor illnesses this autumn and winter.
As the weather changes and children spend more time indoors, respiratory illnesses such as flu, RSV and COVID-19 begin to circulate more widely. Getting your child vaccinated against flu is one of the most effective ways to protect them throughout the season, which typically runs from autumn through to April.
Children are particularly efficient at spreading flu within households and communities. By vaccinating children, we not only protect them from illness but also help reduce transmission to more vulnerable family members, such as grandparents or those with underlying health conditions.
Vaccination significantly reduces the likelihood of getting flu and, if infection does occur, symptoms are often much milder. It is especially worthwhile for children in exam years, where an illness-related absence can add unnecessary stress during an already demanding academic year.
I ensure my own children receive their flu vaccine every year. Fewer sick days means less disruption to school, sports and family life. It also contributes to the wider public health goal of reducing flu circulation within the community.
For children aged 2 to 17 years, the flu vaccine is administered as Fluenz, a quick, pain-free nasal spray. Most eligible children will receive it in school through community pharmacy vaccination programmes.
The first few weeks back at school often bring a wave of sore throats, runny noses and coughs. While it can be tempting to seek antibiotics to treat these infections, the majority of these illnesses are caused by viruses and antibiotics simply won’t work against them. The common cold is generally mild and tends to affect the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose and a sore throat. Flu or COVID-19 usually present more suddenly, often with fever, fatigue, muscle aches and a feeling of being completely wiped out.
Approximately 80% of winter illnesses are viral, meaning antibiotics will not improve symptoms or speed up recovery. Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a doctor who determines they are necessary. Using antibiotics appropriately is essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, helping to ensure these medicines remain effective when they are genuinely needed. Fortunately, pharmacies have a wide range of treatment options for viral infections, including:
It’s important to check the ingredients of combination cold and flu products, as many contain medicines that overlap. Accidentally doubling up on ingredients such as paracetamol is more common than people realise. Your pharmacist can help guide you towards the most appropriate treatment based on your child’s age and symptoms.
If you’ve heard pharmacists talking about Vitamin D repeatedly, there’s a good reason for it. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, muscle function and immune support. During the Irish winter, sunlight levels are insufficient for many people to produce enough Vitamin D naturally, which is why supplementation is recommended.
The HSE advises Vitamin D supplementation during the winter months, often described as the period from Halloween (31 October) to St Patrick’s Day (17 March). Current recommendations include:
Children and adults with darker skin tones may need supplementation throughout the year, as they produce less Vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D supplements are best taken with food to improve absorption. Certain medications, including some steroids and statins, can also affect Vitamin D levels, making it worthwhile to discuss your individual needs with your pharmacist.
The first school term can be demanding. Children go from a relaxed summer routine to early mornings, packed school days, homework and sports training several evenings a week. A healthy diet, good sleep routine and regular exercise remain the foundations of good health. However, some parents choose to support this with a multivitamin or immune support product during the winter months, particularly if their child is a picky eater. I often recommend products that support overall wellbeing and provide nutritional support during periods of increased activity and seasonal illness. In our house, I give my boys a children’s multivitamin during the winter, especially when school, training, wind, rain and all the usual Irish weather begin to take their toll. Another often-overlooked part of immune health is gut health. If your child is prescribed antibiotics, consider starting a probiotic alongside the course rather than waiting until treatment finishes. Antibiotics can reduce beneficial gut bacteria, leading to digestive upset and increasing the risk of thrush. Probiotics help replenish these friendly bacteria, supporting digestive health and, in turn, the immune system. Many parents notice fewer gastrointestinal side effects when probiotics are taken during antibiotic treatment.
For many parents, the first few weeks of September aren’t complete without a text message from the school letting everyone know that head lice have made an appearance.
The first thing to remember is that head lice are incredibly common. They don’t care whether hair is long or short, clean or dirty. If children are in close contact, particularly in primary school, lice can spread very easily. There is absolutely no shame in it.
While prevention can be difficult, a few simple measures may help:
If lice do appear, consistency is key. Wet combing with a fine-toothed nit comb remains one of the most effective ways to identify and manage infestations. Good lighting, patience and dividing the hair into sections can make the process much easier.
There are also a range of treatment options available in pharmacies, including physical treatments that coat the lice and make them easier to remove, as well as chemical treatments.
Most treatments require a repeat application after seven days to deal with newly hatched lice. And remember, if one family member has them, it’s wise to check everyone else in the household too.
Back-to-school season inevitably brings its share of coughs, colds and childhood ailments, but a few simple preventive measures can make a significant difference. The flu vaccine and Vitamin D supplementation are two of the easiest steps parents can take to support their children’s health throughout the winter months. When illness does occur, community pharmacies are ideally placed to provide expert advice, effective treatments and reassurance. Prevention is always better than cure, but when your child does become unwell, think pharmacy first. We are here to help families manage minor illnesses quickly, safely and confidently, keeping children healthy, happy and ready to make the most of the school year ahead. Since earlier this year pharmacies now offer the Common Conditions Service and this is an additional, highly accessible service to support families with common illnesses like conjunctivitis, impetigo, thrush and shingles. Pharmacists after a brief consultation where appropriate can prescribe medications for these conditions or sign post you to the best place for treatment.
Emily Kelly MPSI
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