What is it about colds? One person has it, and then it spreads like wildfire. About the same time my kids got their cold, so did my sister. She believes the culprit was in the playplace she took them to last week, somewhere hidden behind the colourful slides and padded floors. Funny though, as the place makes you put on antibacterial gel before and after playing. Hmmmm…. But now that I think of it, Dr.J (our pedia) told me some time ago that those gels DO NOT work. Well, maybe just a bit, but she advised that ordinary rubbing alcohol did the job (in killing germs) about 100 x better!
Unfortunately, the cold virus hit hmy sister much worse than my kids – and she still has the sniffles today. My kids are now germ-free, thanks to Mom’s Home Remedies (I told you they really work).
Which is why I want to keep them that way (healthy, that is) as we are all going to Thailand soon for a family holiday. So here is something that went into my inbox today care of Baby Center, which couldn’t have come at a more useful time. It agrees with my advocacy of Vitamin C, but also gives some other tips on staying-germ free:
Question: How can I keep from catching my child’s cold?
Answer: “Colds” are upper respiratory infections caused by many different viruses. These viruses can be spread in the air by sneezing or coughing and by contact with infected surfaces. Therefore, good hand washing � with soap and warm water � is always encouraged both for children and adult caretakers.
Wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after changing any diapers, and after using the toilet. And help your toddler wash his hands after using the toilet and before eating. Antibiotic wipes can be used for surfaces children commonly touch. (Some grocery stores now offer antibiotic wipes to clean handles of grocery carts before using the cart.) It also helps to not share cups and utensils with your toddler, especially during “cold” seasons. (You might use disposable cups in your bathrooms.)
Some people promote the use of 500-1000 mg of Vitamin C, as well as echinacea and zinc (check the recommended dosages on the bottles) at the onset of upper respiratory symptoms, to help shorten the length and severity of symptoms; it’s worth a try if you do seem to be catching your toddler’s cold.
[tags]Kids,Germs, Cold Virus, Kids Health[/tags]
Originally posted on November 2, 2006 @ 11:17 am
