The prospect of returning to school is nerve-racking enough for children who could do without having to contend with head lice, restlessness, fevers and congestion. Neil Trainis looks at the remedies...

Parents should not be duped into believing that their little ones can readily deflect illnesses merely because they have surpassed the baby stage. From the age of five right up to 16, immature immune systems are vulnerable to a variety of ailments. Sore throats, coughs, congestion, catarrh, colds, fevers and runny noses, to name a few, can exacerbate a sense of anxiety in youngsters trying to handle the pressures of schooling without the distraction of sickness.

There are over 200 different cold viruses affecting the nose, throat and sinuses. Adults suffer two to four colds a year yet children can catch seven to 10 colds by comparison. A running or stuffy nose is the most common symptom endured by infants.

All children, at sometime or other, will encounter this problem and, in the majority of cases, the cause is a viral infection or an allergy. A combination of congestion and infection can cause the nose to get blocked and cause the child breathing difficulties and, ultimately, distress. After an acute attack of cold subsides, the nose may continue to run for a prolonged period if the infection is not properly controlled.

A running nose in school children may be embarrassing for both teachers and parents and, although it is often regarded as a minor problem, it needs to be attended to promptly. Symptomatic treatment can be given to make the child comfortable, although children under six should not be given cough or cold medicines at all. If the child is six or older, it is advisable to check if the cough or cold medicine also contains paracetamol or ibuprofen. Older children can take paracetamol tablets or tablets dissolved in water (soluble paracetamol) but it is best to avoid giving paracetamol to any child who has previously had an adverse reaction or sensitivity to it.

Small children are prone to viral infections during a change of weather and any member of the family who has a common cold can spread viral droplets into the air, which are easily inhaled by an infant. The child will have sneezing and a watery discharge from the nose, which may get blocked. There may also be fever and the child may appear sick, so it is very important not to allow anyone suffering from a cold to handle the infant.

Paracetamol syrup should be used instead of aspirin to alleviate the fever, since the latter can cause complications, damaging the liver and brain of the child (Reye’s syndrome). It is important for parents to consult their doctor to decipher whether the child needs antibiotics. If so, it is advisable to complete the full course as ceasing midway through may cause chronic problems.

Cough and colds are self-limiting conditions and will usually get better by themselves but there are simple measures, such as ensuring the child has plenty to drink and gets enough rest. Children under 16 should never be given aspirin but paracetamol (Calpol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) can be used to reduce the child’s temperature. You should not give the child both medicines at the same time.

When the child has a cold, nasal congestion can be reduced with antihistaminics (Avil, Hisnofil, Phenergan, Triominic) and in case of severe nose blockage, paediatric nasal drops can be used with a doctor’s advice, although adult nasal drops should not be used in children. Steam inhalation with Vicks or eucalyptus oil can also help ease a blocked nose.

Head lice cannot jump or fly but are transmitted by head to head contact. Children with long hair can minimise transmitting lice and contracting them by tying their hair up. An itchy scalp is a sign of head lice and remedies include wet combing or medicated lotions. The wet combing ('bug busting') method involves physically removing lice using a special fine-toothed comb with a spacing of less than 0.3mm. Boots Electronic Head Lice Combs are particularly popular.

Over-the-counter (OTC) insecticide lotions or sprays are also effective - but not 100% effective. Insecticides that kill head lice are available in lotion, mousse and shampoo form and can be obtained on prescription. There are three types available in the UK: malathion (Derbac-M liquid, Prioderm cream shampoo, Prioderm lotion, Quellada-M cream shampoo and Quellada-M liquid), permethrin (Lyclear creme rinse) and phenothrin (Full marks liquid and Full marks lotion). Omega Pharma UK's Lyclear head lice treatment also combats head lice and has been clinically tested and proven to be an effective treatment for head lice infestations.

Growing pains, as well as a variety of other distractions, can hinder a child's concentration but help is at hand. Vitabiotics WellKid multi-vitamins, iron and minerals for active children aged between four and 12 is a popular brand, as is Bassetts Soft and Chewy active health for children over 12, aiding healthy growth and development, healthy eyes, skin, bones and teeth and energy and healthy metabolism. Bassetts early health for children over three, with vitamins A, C, D and E, is similarly effective at prompting vitality and a healthy immune system. Sanatogen market an efficient range of kids' vitamins too. Children may never have an excuse for struggling to concentrate in class again. Of course, vitamins are supplemental and children should eat their five fruit and veg a day.

For children who feel restless and tired Kiwiherb Children’s Chamomile is an effective remedy. Natural, safe and gentle, combining high-potency organic Chamomile with natural flavourings of malt, vanilla, and blackcurrant, it has been developed for children who are regularly over-excited, over-tired and irritable, or suffering from anxiety, nervousness and restlessness. KidzOmega Liquid formulation also provides a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA. Enriched with vitamins A, C, D, E, and folic acid, it helps to optimise brain function and the nervous system and is excellent for developing joints and children’s immune health.

Kiwiherb Children’s Echinacea targets runny noses, sore throats, congestion and catarrh and, in some cases, rasping coughs which can lead to days off school. Medicine continues to ensure that these type of days are kept to a minimum.