Coughs and colds are very common, especially in children, as they tend to pass them on to one another when they are in school or other group settings. You can help your child build up their immune system and fight off bugs more efficiently when you follow our simple tips for good health:

Drink more. Ensure that your child is drinking their daily recommended amount of fluid, preferably water rather than sugary juice or squash. This will help to flush toxins through the body and ensure that your child remains hydrated throughout the day, helping the body and immune system to function better.

Eat a balanced diet. It is important to ensure that your child eats a well-balanced, colourful diet packed with whole foods, fruit and vegetables. You should avoid too many processed foods, and encourage your child to try new things to increase the variety in their diet. Getting involved in the cooking process can help too! Eating well is a great way to boost immunity and strengthen the body.

Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is crucial in the fight against illness and ensuring your child goes to bed and gets up at a similar time each day, allowing plenty of time for a bedtime routine that really relaxes them, can help the body to rest properly and feel better. A bath can help them to wind down before bed and reading a story together can boost feel-good hormones that will also benefit their immune system – and yours!

A cough is your child’s way of clearing mucus from the lungs when they have a cold and it is usually better to allow this process to happen naturally. However, if your child is suffering from a painful cough, you might try Buttercup Broncho Stop Junior Cough Syrup, with natural honey and Marshmallow dry extract. This is a gentle formulation that can ease dry and chesty coughs and can be used from the age of one year. 

Here at Gray’s totalhealth Pharmacy, we offer professional medical advice and support to everyone in our community. You can explore our wide range of health and beauty products online and in-store, and we’re always happy to help you find what you need. Pop into our Irish independently-owned community Pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick, or order online for delivery across Ireland.