How to Prepare Your Family for Respiratory Virus Season.

paigedavidsonpnp
Sep 7, 2025
5 min read

As kids head back to school and activities, we enter respiratory illness season. From the common cold and RSV to flu and other viral bugs, it can feel like sniffles and coughs are everywhere this time of year. The good news? A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your family healthy and helping you feel confident if illness does make its way into your home. In this post, we’ll share practical tips and simple strategies to help you prepare, protect, and care for your little ones all season long

Here are some of my favorite products to have on hand to boost your families immune system and to help manage symptoms that may arise

Nasal Saline Spray

The Power of Nasal Saline: Nasal saline is a simple, safe, and effective way to help your child breathe easier when they’re congested. It gently loosens mucus, keeps nasal passages moist, and can even help prevent dryness or irritation during colds or allergy season. Recent research has shown that using nasal saline can help reduce time of respiratory illness by 2 to 3 days.

Why Choose Saline with Xylitol: When saline is combined with xylitol, it offers an extra boost. Xylitol can help reduce bacteria and keep nasal passages healthier, making it especially helpful during cold and flu season. It’s a natural way to support the body’s defenses while soothing those tiny, stuffy noses

Nasal Suction

Nasal suction can be a game-changer for kids battling colds, flu, RSV, or other respiratory illnesses. Young children, especially infants, can’t blow their noses effectively, making it hard for them to clear out mucus. Gentle nasal suction:

Improves breathing – Removing mucus helps open nasal passages, making it easier for your child to breathe and rest.
Supports better feeding – Clearer nasal passages make it easier for infants to nurse or drink from a bottle.
Reduces discomfort – Less nasal congestion means less irritability and better sleep.
Helps prevent complications – Keeping mucus moving can reduce the risk of secondary ear or sinus infections.

For best results, pair nasal suction with saline drops or spray to loosen thick mucus before suctioning. Always use clean equipment and gentle suction to avoid irritation.

Nebulizer

A nebulizer can be a valuable tool for families managing respiratory illnesses like bronchiolitis, asthma, croup, or severe colds. It turns liquid medication or saline into a fine mist that your child can inhale easily, even when they’re too young or too sick to use an inhaler properly.

Benefits include:

Effective medication delivery – Ensures that prescribed medications like albuterol reach deep into the lungs for faster relief during wheezing or breathing flare-ups.
Eases congestion – Nebulized saline can loosen thick mucus, helping kids clear their airways and breathe more comfortably.
Great for all ages – Even infants and toddlers can use a nebulizer since it doesn’t require coordination like an inhaler.
Comfort during illness – The soothing mist can calm irritated airways and make breathing less labored.
Convenience at home – Having a nebulizer on hand means you can respond quickly when symptoms start, reducing unnecessary ER or urgent care visits.

Hypertonic Saline

Nebulized hypertonic saline (typically 3–7%) has been studied as a supportive therapy for respiratory conditions because it helps hydrate airway secretions, improve clearing of mucus, and reduce mucus plugging. In children with bronchiolitis, several randomized controlled trials suggest it may shorten hospital stays and improve clinical severity scores compared to normal saline. Use should always be guided by a clinician familiar with the child’s diagnosis and overall respiratory health. This is product can be purchased and shipped quickly via Amazon.

Immunity supportive supplements

Some great ways that you can boost your child's immune system during cold and flu season to help prevent illness or reduce symptoms include:

Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, Probiotics, Colostrum, Elderberry, Echinacea, Garlic, Ginger, Bee Propolis, Rose hip

You’ll often find these immune-supportive ingredients combined in ready-to-use blends, which can be a convenient way to support your child’s wellness — just be sure to check for clean ingredients and safe, age-appropriate dosing. Some organic brands that we use and trust are Dr. Green Mom, Earthley, and Wellements.

Earache Relief

Natural remedies like garlic mullein oil or other homeopathic ear drops can help to offer relief when little ones have earaches. Garlic and mullein are traditionally used for their soothing and calming properties, and certain homeopathic blends are designed to ease discomfort while supporting the body’s natural healing response. These options can sometimes provide relief alongside warm compresses and rest.

Always talk with your pediatric provider before starting any new treatment, especially if your child has fever, drainage from the ear, or persistent pain, as these could be signs of a ruptured ear drum.

Homeopathy

Boiron offers a wide range of products designed to ease common symptoms in both

children and adults — from Oscillococcinum, often used at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, to ColdCalm for runny nose, sneezing, and congestion, and ThroatCalm for the uncomfortable viral sore throat. These remedies are made with natural active ingredients and are known for being well-tolerated, without the drowsiness or side effects that sometimes come with conventional medications. While they’re not a substitute for medical care when symptoms are severe or persistent, they can be a comforting, family-friendly option to help ease discomfort and support recovery.

Cough

When little ones have a nagging cough, many parents look for gentle, natural ways to bring relief. Simple kitchen staples like agave syrup, honey, or even pineapple juice can help soothe the throat and calm coughing. Honey, in particular, has been shown in studies to coat the throat and ease nighttime coughs, while pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme thought to support mucus breakdown. Agave offers a naturally sweet, soothing option for younger children when honey isn’t appropriate. Important note: honey should never be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism. For older children, these natural approaches can be a comforting addition to fluids, rest, and lots of TLC during recovery.

🍯 Honey & Warm Water: Mix 1–2 teaspoons of honey into a small cup of warm water or caffeine-free herbal tea. Sip slowly to coat the throat and calm irritation. (For children over 1 year old only).
🌵 Agave Syrup: For little ones under 1, agave can be used as a gentle alternative. Offer 1 teaspoon straight from the spoon or mixed into warm water.
🍍 Pineapple Soother: Blend ½ cup fresh pineapple juice with a squeeze of lemon and a teaspoon of honey (if over 1 year old). This creates a refreshing drink with bromelain enzymes that may help loosen mucus.

This blog is provided by Little Goose Pediatrics for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this content does not create a patient–provider relationship with our practice. If your child is an established member of our practice, please reach out through our secure communication channels for specific concerns. For non-members, please consult your pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider for guidance. If you believe your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.