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Prevention of colds in children
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Children under the age of six suffer from a cold on average six to eight times a year (mainly from September to April), with symptoms that last an average of 14 days. How to prevent colds? What are the ways to prevent colds in children?
Read also: Cold prophylaxis: the most simple and effective methods
[How does the common cold spread?
To understand how to fight a cold, you need to understand how it spreads. A cold can strike a child at any time of the year, although most colds occur during the autumn and winter months. It is important for parents to know that the cold is not caused by a cold climate or by exposure to cold air.
The cold is transmitted from person to person, either by direct contact or by contact with the virus in the environment. The common cold is most contagious during the first two to four days.
Drops containing viral particles can be inhaled by breathing or coughing. Rhinoviruses are usually not transmitted as a result of contact with infected droplets, although the influenza virus and coronavirus can be transmitted through small droplets. Cold viruses usually do not spread through saliva.
People with cold usually carry a cold virus on their hands, and when shaking hands, they are able to infect another person, at least two hours after contacting. If a child with a cold touches another child or adult, who then touches his eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can infect later that person.
Some cold viruses can live on the surface (for example, table tops, door handles or toys) for up to one day.
Therefore, the first method of preventing colds in a child will be abstinence from contact with adults or children who are sick.
Why do children suffer from a cold?
Small children in kindergarten usually suffer from a cold more than children who are brought up at home. However, when they go to school, they begin to suffer less from colds, since immunity is already accustomed to certain viruses and bacteria and knows how to deal with them. The immune system of small children is still not very adapted to different bacteria and viruses. Therefore, after each new type of pathogenic virus penetrates the body, children become sick.
Symptoms of colds in children
Symptoms of a cold usually appear one to two days after infection. In children, nasal congestion is the most common symptom.
Children can also have thick yellow or green discharge from the nose, a temperature above 38 ° C - these symptoms usually disturb during the first three days of the illness.
Protective measures against colds
Washing hands
The best protection of a child against a cold virus is frequent hand washing with soap and water. Be especially vigilant and wash your baby's hands more often in the cold season, also for personnel who work with children and all adults in the family.
Using wet wipes
Alcohol-based wipes are an excellent tool for those who do not have access to the tap. If you are walking with a child on the street or went with him to the park or are nearby, while the kid is playing in the sandbox - take with them napkins on an alcohol basis. They will serve you well when you need to wipe the child's hands and your own.
Handles - away from the face
Let the child keep his hands away from the face. Cold viruses can enter your body through the mouth, nose, eyes and, if you keep your hands away from these parts of your body, it will be important for preventing colds in children.
The child should not use other people's things, especially the keyboard, pen, utensils or any other object on which viruses or bacteria causing colds may be.
Disinfect surfaces
Viruses are hardy compounds that can live on surfaces for up to three hours. Use a disinfectant that removes cold viruses from the surfaces, especially in public areas.
Maintain the immune system of the child
Teach your child to eat right, exercise and cope with stress. This will help his immune system to fight the common cold.
Medications - by appointment
You need to be especially careful with popular advertised medicines for cough, cold and so on. Incorrect dosage or child abuse of medication may cause undesirable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and decreased immunity.
Aflubin and washer flushing
This is an excellent way to increase the immunity of a child and to prevent colds. If you see that the baby is ill, let him drink the aflubin at the rate (read the instructions to the drug). In addition, immunity will well support sea buckthorn. You can freeze berries for the winter and use them in portions. Frozen berries need to be pulled out and poured with warm water before defrosting, then squeeze out juice from them and give them a baby.
Warm honey
If the child does not have any allergies to honey, you can grind his breast and back with melted honey. This is a very good immunostimulant and excellent prevention of colds in children.
Hardening
Prevention of colds is primarily hardening. First, grind the handles and legs of the child with a cool towel, lower the water when swimming a few degrees, practice walking in the fresh air. This will be an excellent prevention of colds in children of all ages.
Preventing colds in children requires your time and care, dear parents. But as a result, you will see your child healthy and happy.