Children’s immune systems learn all the time; the ‘brain’ of the immune system – the thymus – has to make memory cells of bug-fighters and build up resistance. The trick is to help their bodies to do this quickly, so they get the bugs but then process them fast so they’re not ill for ages. What I suggest is twofold: preventative action and inevitable fire fighting! I am a big fan of 3 things: elderberry syrup, echinacea and preventative homeopathic treatment to build up your child’s resistance to bugs.

Elderberry syrup, often sold as Sambucal: I make my own in the autumn, which sees us through the winter months. It is packed full of vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Echinacea has antiseptic, antiviral and even antifungal properties. Studies have shown that it can reduce the length and severity of a cold, as well as your susceptibility to getting colds. It is particularly effective when combined with Vitamin C. Long term use is not recommended. For the fire-fighting approach – often needed as there are believed to be over 200 viruses that cause the common cold – I use Vitamin C, zinc and echinacea, along with specific homeopathic remedies for colds.

Aconite – take as soon as you feel a cold coming on. Good for colds that come on suddenly and especially after getting wet. Ferrum Phos – a favourite of mine for colds with no specific symptoms, just a general under the weather feeling and a sore throat.

Sof McVeigh is a West London homeopath specialising in women and children. sofmcveigh.com