The “cold” is actually caused by a virus.  The virus is transmitted in two ways:

• contact with infected hands or objects
• particles floating in the air

How can you reduce the number and severity of colds?

• Keep your stress level down.  Increased stress has been associated with increased colds and symptoms.
• Always was hands throughly and frequently with soap and warm water. (It is important that we teach this lesson FREQUENTLY to our children
• Use disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue instead of your hand
• Wipe telephones, counters and other surfaces with disinfectant
• Take regular doses of Vitamin C each day

What’s the best way to treat a cold?

• Rest!
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) to prevent dehydration (caffeinated beverages don’t count)
• Enjoy a bowl of chicken soup!  It has been proven to relieve cold symptoms and nasal congestion.
• Gargle with warm salt water (1 tsp salt) to relieve sore throat
• Increase Vitamin C
• Avoid caffeine as it increases coughing spasms and dehydrate the body.
• Avoid milk and milk products which increase mucous in the throat

A word on medication:

• It is preferable to treat each symptom individually rather than take multisymptom medication.  The combination of ingredients often cancels their effectiveness.

By Marybeth Schepis R.N

Encouragement: A publication by Angela DiCicco and Gail Signor