Common Cold
Exposure to any one of the many virus may result in a person getting an upper respiratory infection, otherwise known as the "common cold". Colds occur year-round, but are more frequent during the winter and spring season.
The frequency of getting respiratory infections is greater in children and on average a child will have three to eight colds per year. As a result, colds are the most common reason for missing school.
- Cold viruses are passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and blowing the nose.
- The virus can be transmitted by touching an object contaminated by a cold virus and then touching the nose, eyes and mouth.
- Covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and frequent hand hand-washing are very helpful in preventing the spread of cold viruses.
- Common symptoms of the common cold are sore throat, congestion, sneezing cough, body aches, fatigue and sometimes a low grade fever.
- These symptoms can last up to 7-10 days.
It is good practice to teach your child to wash their hands. This is the best way to decrease the spread of germs. When they are young, make it fun by singing a song or practice counting.
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