The worst thing about colds and the flu is how quickly they spread through the family. Most people don’t realise that your hands are one of the main carriers of cold and flu viruses, especially in the first 2-4 days when your little one is coughing, sneezing and dealing with a runny nose.

The key to stopping the cold and flu merry-go-round is to kill the viruses that cause these illnesses before they transfer to other family members. 

• Teach your children to always cough, sneeze or blow their nose into a tissue.
• Throw the tissue in the bin after using it only once.
• If there isn’t a box of tissues handy, teach your children to cough or sneeze into cupped hands.
• Ensure all hands are washed with soap and water after sneezing or coughing.
• Don’t share cups, glasses, drinking bottles, straws or cutlery.
• Ensure hands are washed before eating and are kept away from the eyes, nose and mouth at all other times.
• Make sure everyone in the family gets regular exercise and eats plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to stay healthy.