I'm sure I've said it before, but my kids have been almost completely bug free for well over a year since I started them on multivitamins. It isn't just about getting vitamin C - zinc is another component that makes a big difference to the immune system. There are plenty of generic types in different chemists, so just look for something that's cheap, but with the right quantities of the things you need most.

I just bought my two a cheap multivitamin and a semi-herbal thing which contains zinc, echinacea and slippery elm almongst other things. My GI specialist was threatening the possibility of a big-time immunosuppressant drug so I'm planning ahead, just in case I can't argue my way out of it!

Normally we spend almost every week of the first 4mths of the school year at the doctor (no appointment required of course or I'd probably go every other week!). The last two school years have been almost entirely bug-free, other than the cld they picked up from being in close contact with their snotty, hygiene-free cousin for a week. EVERYONE picked that bug up!

My kids usually have yellow mucus when they have a cold - doesn't everyone?? I agree with clear for allergies though. It's an indicator only though, not written in stone.

Kerri.