If you get confused about what vaccinations your birth-5 year old has had or what they will need, signing up for the Parents As Teachers can help. The Center Staff help you track which vaccinations you child has had, as well as reminding you when they need more.
Allison’s grandmother was shocked to see the five-year-old going off to
kindergarten with freshly-washed, wet hair. "That’s why she gets so many
colds," Grandma said.
Allison has had her share of colds. But Grandma’s wet-hair theory – although
a popular one – is technically all wet. Wet hair or cold weather or drafty
rooms do not directly cause colds, but such conditions can make the body
more susceptible to catching them.
Viruses cause colds.
Allison likely catches her cold viruses in kindergarten. Cold viruses are
contagious, especially during the first three to four days a child has a
cold. When one child in school has a cold, several classmates often catch it.
There is no vaccination for a cold. But you can take steps to minimize the
risk of your child catching one.
Hand-washing kills germs. You, your child’s caregivers, and your child should
wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap, especially after using the
toilet and before eating. Discourage your child from touching his or her
nose, mouth, or eyes, especially if your child has a habit of placing
fingers in the mouth. Also, teach your child to sneeze into a handkerchief or
tissue. This will help keep your child’s hands relatively clean and
virus-free.
There is no cure for a cold and antibiotics do not help. While several
over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief for some symptoms,
consult your doctor before giving medications. Use an alternative to
aspirin to treat a virus-related illness, such as a cold. Aspirin is
associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal nerve
disorder.
Plenty of rest and fluids often help speed recovery from a cold, which
usually last 5-7 days. Removing the mucus that accumulates in the nose
may help your child sleep and eat better. Try to have your child gently
blow his or her nose. Use a cool mist – not steam – humidifier to help
keep mucus loose.
When to call the doctor depends on several factors, including the symptoms
and your child’s age. Ask your doctor what symptoms should prompt a call
to the office.
The cold is the most common childhood illness and is usually not a serious
health problem. But your child should be made as comfortable as possible
and watched carefully to make sure he or she is making a steady recovery.
This column is written by Robert B. McCall, Co-Director of the
Office of Child Development and Professor of Psychology, and is provided as a
public service by the Frank and Theresa Caplan Fund for Early Childhood Development
and Parenting Education.