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We've all heard that we shouldn't give children aspirin when they have a cold, but do you know why not?

It's because what you think is a cold may actually be flu or chicken pox, and research has shown that aspirin taken by children with certain viral infections such as these can increase their risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease of the brain and liver.

Also keep a look out for cold and flu meds containing aspirin.

Read our expert Q&A about alternatives to aspirin

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