help kids avoid colds

(NewsUSA) - Along with homework and grades, your children could be bringing home something more unwelcome from school: sniffles, sneezes, and coughs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common cold is one of the most frequent causes of work and school absenteeism, with up to 22 million school days lost each year in the U.S.

Colds are caused by viral infections (not bacterial), which means that the virus is immune to everything antibiotic. In addition, more than 200 different kinds of viruses can cause cold symptoms, which means that most kids can expect to average about six colds every year.

Spending lots of time in the classroom - in close quarters with other children who come to school when they are sick - means that the average schoolchild has a high likelihood of contracting a cold this winter. So what’s a concerned parent to do?

While it’s impossible to completely avoid the spread of germs, there are things you can do to protect you and your family from becoming infected this winter.

• Drink healthy beverages. Drink plenty of water. And when drinking healthy drinks, make sure your children don’t share drinking glasses. If possible, use disposable cups in the kitchen and bathroom. Then use each cup only once.

• Keep surfaces clean. This includes doorknobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, countertops, and sinks. Your child’s desk and locker handle should also be wiped down periodically.

• Encourage your child to wash his hands frequently at school, especially before eating lunch. If possible, have him/her use liquid soap, as bar soap is a great breeding ground for viruses and bacteria

• Use paper towels. Germs can live for several hours on cloth towels. Alternatively, have separate towels for each family member and provide a clean one for guests. Also, have them use disposable tissues for blowing their nose; use the tissue once, throw it away, and wash your hands thoroughly. If they have to sneeze and a tissue is unavailable, teach them to sneeze into their shoulder and not their hands so they don’t spread germs.

• Colds and flu are often spread by hand-to-hand contact. If you can, teach your child to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless they know their hands are clean.

• Make sure to wash your child’s toys regularly in warm, soapy water to kill bacteria and viruses.

Dr. Mary Claire Wise, a Rochester doctor who practices both traditional and holistic medicine, says it’s also important to control stress. Studies have shown that kids experiencing stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts. If school days are particularly stressful, schedule a relaxing activity at home to help your child unwind. She also recommends they get a good night’s sleep and have a proper diet. She says, “Our immune systems do best with diets rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, so eat lots of colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.” Finally, if your child does get a cold, Dr Wise suggests a homeopathic nasal spray called Zicam. If used early enough, it can abort or shorten the cold and is safe for all ages.

Teach your children these tips, and practice these good healthy habits yourself. It will pay dividends yearround, not just in cold and flu season.