General advice for coughs, colds, flu and similar illnesses (September 2026)
Kia ora parents and whānau! Coughs, colds and flu are doing the rounds, as they do every year – most are mild viral bugs that clear up in a week or two with a bit of TLC. Here’s our quick guide to caring for your teen at home, and the signs that mean it’s time to call us.
Caring for them at home
- Rest, fluids, and don’t stress about food. Extra sleep and plenty to drink matter more than a full plate.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever or aches, at the label dose — no aspirin for teens, please.
- Steamy shower for a blocked nose; honey and warm drinks are great for a sore throat.
- Antibiotics won’t help — these bugs are almost always viral, so they just need time.
Home from school, or back to it?
Keep them home while feverish or too tired to join in. They’re good to return once they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours (without medicine) and feel up to it — a leftover cough or sniffle on its own isn’t a reason to stay away. A gentle reminder to cover coughs and wash hands goes a long way!
Contact your medical provider
- Fever won’t budge with paracetamol / ibuprofen, or drags on past 4–5 days
- Cough is worsening after a week, or still hanging around after 3
- Ear or facial pain, or a throat too sore to swallow properly
- They seemed to be improving, then took a turn for the worse
Get seen urgently if…
- Breathing is fast, laboured, or getting harder
- There’s chest pain, drowsiness/confusion, or signs of dehydration
Call 111 straight away for blue/grey lips, severe breathing difficulty, or if you’re seriously worried.
