It’s that time of year again when germs start spreading like wildfire! If you’ve got kids in school or daycare, you’ll know just how frequently cold and flu bugs are passed around once the fall hits. Fortunately, there are things that can help reduce the severity and frequency of illness in your home. Here are some of Dr. Drew’s favourite products for cold and flu prevention with her children.
Genestra HMF Fit For School
This children’s vitamin and probiotic combo has been clinically studied and recommended by doctors for more than 20 years! Fit for School contains a combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Probiotics and you know with the Genestra name that you’re getting a great quality product. These black current flavoured, chewable tablets are easy to get the kids to take and help to support the immune system while reducing the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections. This is a staple in our home year round!
Thieves oil is a combination of five different essential oils…clove bud, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary. This blend provides thieves oil with it’s unique anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. We diffuse this oil in our home all fall and winter to help eliminate airborne pathogens. There is also a thieves balm option that can be applied to the chest to help clear airways or sore and achy muscles.
Note: Due to the rosemary content of this oil, it should be avoided if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Multiple studies over the last decade have supported the use of elderberry to prevent cold and flu, treat symptoms of cold and flu and reduce the duration and severity. In both chewable and syrup forms and with a naturally sweet berry taste, it’s easy to get the kiddos to take this when they’re under the weather or as a preventative all season long.
Boiron Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic medicine for the relief of flu like symptoms such as body aches, fever, and chills. It should be taken at the first onset of symptoms and can be used by adults and children, including infants. Anyone that’s had an infant knows there are very few treatment options out there for babies. So, having a highly effective treatment option that can be used on infants too is very exciting!
This is another great product that I don’t have to fight my kids to get them to take as it has no taste just a little sweetness.
Good Quality Children's MultiVitamin
While a multivitamin is not a replacement for good nutrition and healthy food choices, it can help ensure your kids are getting the nutrients they need especially when they’re going through those picky eating stages.
Remember, you get what you pay for when it comes to supplements! Often, the cheaper the product, the cheaper (and more synthetic) the ingredients in it, which means that your body may not absorb as much as it would if the ingredients were from natural sources. Also, avoiding fillers, and food dyes are a no-brainer! Always look at the ingredients, ESPECIALLY the non-medicinal ingredients.
Pictured above are some of my favourite children’s multi’s…Progressive Chewable Multi for Kids, and Honibe Honey Gummies Kids Complete + Immune Boost, Smarty Pants Kids Complete Multi
Along with lots of hand washing, the above products have gotten us through a number of winters with very little illness!
Dr. Lindsay Drew, BHSc, DC
Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider. Consultation with a primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
