How to Protect Children from Catching a Cold

As soon as children start back to school, it's inevitable that they bring home colds and other infections. It's impossible to keep them germ-free, but you can reduce the number of colds that they suffer from during the winter by planning ahead.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Remind your kids to wash their hands after using the restroom, before eating, after they wipe their nose, after riding public transportation, etc.

2. Advise your kids against sharing foods and drinks or putting foreign objects in their mouths.

3. Protect your children from secondhand smoke, which research has shown can increase the risk for complications from the common cold.

4. Remind children to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing.

5. Advise your kids not to touch their face often, especially after sneezing, coughing or touching high-traffic equipment like bus seats and door handles. (Germs do not live long on these surfaces, so no need to over antibacterial them!)

6. Make sure your kids drink lots of fluids. Stay away from sugar-laden drinks and stick to waters and 100 percent fruit juice or low-fat milk.

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