You Can Help Kids Fend Off Dreaded Colds

Since cold season is in full swing, test your knowledge of this common affliction with a true/false test. Then, check your answers below.

Questions

1. The common cold cannot be cured.

2. It is a good idea to give an all-in-one cold medicine as soon as your child catches a cold.

3. On average, children get two colds per year.

4. Taking vitamin C will keep your child from getting a cold.

5. Chicken soup helps relieve some cold symptoms.

6. Children can catch colds by going out in cold weather.

7. Foods children eat can make them less prone to infection.

8. In an average week, 15 percent of the American population suffers from a cold virus.

Here are the answers based on health information and a nationwide survey of pediatricians, sponsored by the Triaminic Parents Club.

Answers

1. True. There is no cure for the common cold. In June 1990, the Common Cold Research Center in London closed its doors after 44 years of trying to find a cure. The difficulty: There are more than 200 viruses that cause colds.

2. False. An all-in-one medicine should be given only if the child is suffering from all the symptoms it lists. To avoid over-medicating children, give them only the medicines they need for the symptoms they have.

3. False. On average, children contract six colds per year while adults suffer an average of two.

4. False. There is no conclusive evidence that taking vitamin C reduces the chance of contracting a cold. Vitamin C aids the immune system in warding off infections in general, but not necessarily cold viruses specifically. Vitamin C may, however, ease or diminish the duration of some cold symptoms.

5. True. While chicken soup won’t cure a cold, it loosens nasal mucus which clears up congestion and lets your child breathe a little easier.

6. False. Being exposed to cold weather may weaken a body’s attempt to fight a virus, but no one catches a cold from being in the cold. People only catch colds from other people with colds and from the viruses they leave behind.

7. True. According to researchers, foods from the cabbage family can help raise the body’s resistance to infectious illnesses. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage can help keep viruses at bay.

8. True. As you read this, 30 million Americans are fighting a cold. In an average week, 15 percent are suffering from cold symptoms.

Here are some hot tips for the cold season, courtesy of the Triaminic Parents Club. For information on free membership in the club, call (1-800) 330-9876.

Teach your children to wash their hands often.

Provide your family with a well-balanced diet.

Teach your children to cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze.

Throw used tissues in the trash. Make sure your children get plenty of rest.

Use a humidifier and keep it clean.

Encourage your children to get regular exercise.

Don’t let your child play with a sick child.

Don’t let your children share food or drink with others.

If your children seem tired, keep them home to rest.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing