The falling of the leaves and the briskness of the morning air is a
reminder that another years is drawing to an end. But this time of year
is also a beginning: of the cold and flu season that is.
Colds and flus are caused by viruses that thrive in cold, dry air. And
that’s why this season of sickness lasts from about November through
April. Once it cools off, children tend to spend more time indoors,
surrounded by heated (dry) air that tends to dry out their noses and
throats, leaving them more susceptible to invasion by virus.
"There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about colds and flus,"
said Dr. Ken Wible, chief of general pediatrics at The Children’s Mercy
Hospital. "The truth is, there are no magic cures for the common cold."
The difference between a cold and the flu could be described as one of
degree. An infection of the upper respiratory tract is commonly
referred to as a cold; if the entire respiratory tract is inflamed and
the child has a fever chills and aches, the cause is likely an
influenza virus.
One of the most common myths around colds and flues is that they are
transmitted only by coughs and sneezes and by children breathing on one
another. While there is some truth to the "aerosol transmission
theory," the most common means of spreading the virus is through direct
contact with infected nasal secretions.
Droplets carrying a cold virus leave the nose and mouth of a sick child
through sneezes and can contaminate external surfaces, including the
hands of the person with the cold.
"That’s why the best way to prevent the spreading of a cold is lots of
hand washing," Dr. Wible said.
It’s also important to wash frequently touched surfaces and objects,
such as toys or the telephone. Cold viruses survive for only a few
hours on inanimate objects. Flu viruses can live on them up to 75 hours.
Children also should be given a generous supply of tissues and
encouraged to use them, instead of wiping their nose on sleeves or
hands.
One other myth that circulates during this season is the oft-repeated,
oft-confused: feed a cold, starve a fever.
"The truth is, it’s always important to maintain a proper level of
nutrition and fluids in your child," Dr. Wible said.
If a child is feverish, it’s vital that he eat and drink. Fevers
increase metabolic and heart rate, so a child needs extra nutrition and
fluids, even though the child’s appetite is suppressed. It’s best to
stick with bland, starchy foods, or whatever the child finds appealing.
Finally, understand there’s a limit to what a parent can do when a
child has a cold or flue. They must run their course: colds usually
last seven to 10 days; the flu about seven to 21 days.
"Do the best to make your child comfortable and remind them -- and
yourself -- that this, too, shall pass," Dr. Wible said.
