Supporting Immune Health for Winter: Practical Parent’s Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Responsible Antibiotic Use

by Dr Carmen Briner, #MomDoc
Published: Updated: 5 minutes read
Supporting Immune Health for Winter: Dr Carmen Shares a Practical Parent’s Guide to Prevention, Treatment and Responsible Antibiotic Use

Winter is synonymous with hot chocolate, cosy pyjama days and snuggling up next to the fireplace or heater. However, besides making sure that all the kids are wearing their sweaters, shoes and scarfs when leaving the house, the list of things to remember in winter can become quite overwhelming. Written by Dr Carmen Briner, General Practitioner, Founder of OneAid MBBCH, MPH, also known as MomDoc.

One item to be put at the top of the list is a multivitamin supplement to ensure we support our little ones’ immune systems.  This could mean the difference between a tear-free and ache-free winter, because a strong immune system is definitely needed when people are spending more time indoors. You want your family to be protected and ready to fight those nasty colds and ear infections and know when to consider antibiotic treatment or rather treat the symptoms.

Speaking to Dr Carmen Briner to answer the questions parents ask when managing runny noses and unhappy children during the changing seasons and colder months. Dr Briner, also known as MomDoc, is a General Practitioner, Founder of OneAid MBBCH, MPH.

Q1: Why is winter such a challenging time for children’s health?

Winter often brings a wave of seasonal illnesses, especially for children in crèche or school settings. The colder weather drives people indoors, increasing close contact and facilitating the easy spread of respiratory droplets carrying viruses and bacteria. Additionally, lower humidity in winter can dry out nasal passages, making them more susceptible to infection. With little ones in close contact, germs spread quickly, and it can feel like you’re constantly managing one infection after another.

Q2: What can parents do to support their child’s immune system before winter illnesses strike?

The foundation of winter wellness is prevention. Reinforcing your child’s immune system before illness strikes can help reduce the frequency and severity of common infections. This starts with the basics: balanced nutrition, plenty of sleep, staying well-hydrated, and getting fresh air when possible.

A good-quality multivitamin supplement with immune supporting benefits can also play a key role. While not a medicine, it acts as an “immune partner” helping to strengthen your child’s natural defences during the season of colds and flu.

Q3: Are antibiotics necessary for every childhood illness and can it be overused?

While it’s understandable to want to help your child feel better quickly, antibiotics are not a universal solution for every childhood illness. These medications are specifically designed to combat bacterial infections and are ineffective against viral illnesses, which are the cause of many common childhood ailments like colds and the flu. Using antibiotics for viral infections won’t help your child recover and, importantly, can lead to unwanted side effects such as diarrhoea. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, making these crucial medications less effective against future bacterial infections. It’s also important to add a probiotic to balance and look after their gut microbiome.

Q4: Why do simple colds sometimes lead to complications like ear infections?

A common cold can lead to secondary issues like throat or ear infections due to the interconnectedness of the upper respiratory system. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, can become blocked or inflamed during a cold. This inflammation, often triggered by the same viruses causing the cold, prevents proper drainage of fluid from the middle ear. The trapped fluid then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria or viruses, leading to an ear infection (otitis media). Similarly, the inflammation can extend to the throat, causing a secondary throat infection. While these complications can cause discomfort and concern, they are often viral in nature and self-limiting, which will most often heal itself. The stronger your child’s immune system, the better chance of not experiencing these secondary and painful issues.

Q5: What supportive treatments can help sick children recover?

Supportive treatments are crucial for a child’s recovery as they address the body’s natural healing processes and alleviate discomfort.  Rest allows the body to direct its energy towards fighting the infection and repairing tissues. Adequate fluids, such as water, broth, or diluted juice, are essential for preventing dehydration, thinning mucus secretions, and helping the body flush out waste products. That is why Saline sprays help to moisten and clear nasal passages, making breathing easier and removing virus-laden mucus.

Natural remedies, like honey for coughs (in children over one year old), may offer mild symptom relief, though scientific evidence varies. Warm baths can ease muscle tension and provide comfort, while steam from a shower or humidifier helps to loosen congestion in the airways, making it easier to cough and breathe.

Q6: What should parents consider when choosing an immune-support supplement for their child?

 In addition to quality and formulation, it’s important to think about dosage and convenience. Some products require large or frequent doses, which can be difficult to maintain and more costly over time. A supplement that offers effective immune support with a more efficient daily dose may be more practical for busy families, ensuring consistency without added stress.

Q7: What is the emotional impact on parents when children are unwell?

Caring for a sick child often triggers a complex range of emotions in parents. Beyond the logistical challenges of taking time off work and managing sleep deprivation, there’s a constant worry about their child’s well-being, often accompanied by anxiety about potential complications.

Many parents experience guilt, questioning if they could have done more to prevent the illness or if they are providing adequate care. For mothers, societal expectations can amplify these feelings, leading to added pressure to balance work, caregiving, and household responsibilities. Even with the flexibility of working from home, the mental load of juggling deadlines with doctor’s appointments and the emotional needs of a sick child can be incredibly taxing.

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The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

Ultimately, the emotional toll underscores the importance of a strong prevention plan, as fewer and less severe illnesses translate to fewer disruptions, reduced parental stress, and greater peace of mind for the entire family. 

Q8: What’s the best approach to staying healthy through winter?

The best approach to staying healthy through winter involves a holistic strategy centred on bolstering your body’s natural defences. This includes prioritising nutrition by consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide essential vitamins and minerals. Adequate rest is crucial for immune system function and repair. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water and avoiding touching your face, significantly reduces the spread of germs. Maintaining moderate physical activity can also support immune health.

Immune supporting supplements can be a helpful addition to your toolkit, supporting your child’s health and giving you one less thing to worry about. A multi-faceted approach is key to building resilience against winter illnesses for the whole family.

This allows you to focus on all the other parenting joys and challenges you must juggle. Remember to also look after your own health, because dealing with sick children takes its toll on your sleep, work and (let’s face it) sense of humour.

While you cannot control what the winter months will bring, you could prevent runny noses and groggy children. Rest assured, knowing that you have a solution with long-lasting benefits for both prevention and post-treatment recovery.

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