No one likes to be sick. Even the child who hesitates to get out of bed in the morning to go to school will not be happy with a high fever.
While no one’s yet developed the proverbial and much sought after cure for the common cold, there are many easy steps to take to help any family avoid germs.
Stay Home
The most effortless thing to do is the simplest. If a child is already sick, have that child stay home. Colds are extremely contagious. A child with a cold in school can easily spread the cold to half a dozen classmates. Even a child's teacher can get sick. Children with compromised immune systems are in even greater danger. Public safety is an important consideration. Any work that a child misses can be made up the next day or week.
Another basic measure a parent can take is to have everyone in the family wash hands frequently. Frequent hand washing destroys germs before they have a chance to infect people. Colds are primarily spread via hand to hand contact so hand washing is a must. The CDC recommends that children sing “Happy Birthday to You,” twice while washing their hands with warm water and soap. To help children wash their hands make sure that everything they need is readily available. Place step stools in the bathroom along with a supply of easy to use soap. Supervise children directly.
Be a role model for children. Parents should wash their own hands as often as possible. Demonstrate to children the proper technique while preparing dinner.
Every child should have a specially designated plate and utensils. Germs can easily be spread if eating food from another person’s spoon or fork. Consider purchasing inexpensive flatware and china. Then write the child’s name on his plate and cup. The child will enjoy personalized cutlery and this will help decrease the spread of germs in any house.
Daycare Rules
Hand washing is especially important if a child is three or under. Children at that age are not only more vulnerable to respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses but more prone to complications once they get sick. If a child is in day care, make sure that good hand washing rules are posted and practiced.
Another good way to help avoid colds is to adhere to the rules of good nutrition. A properly nourished body is healthy body with a well functioning immune system. A well functioning immune system can help individuals avoid getting sick. Children of all ages should eat well balanced meals containing many daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. These should be served along with lean meats, whole grains and low fat dairy products. Sweets should be consumed sparingly as a special treat. Children should be encouraged to eat when hungry and given snacks if the child wants.
Avoiding colds can help any family function better. Think carefully about ways to reduce the spread of germs and increase healthy immune system function. Reducing the risks of getting cold can help any family work better and avoid unnecessary absences.
Sources:
Carol Mulvihill, RN-C, Director of Health Services, University of Pittsburgh/Bradford, 1999
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