PIKEVILLE - School is back in session, and the beginning of cold season (late August/early September) isn't far behind.
According to the Alliance for Consumer Education, "Children contract eight or more colds per year. This contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract is the most common infectious disease in the United States and is the number one reason kids visit the doctor and stay home from school."
Someone suffering from a cold may experience a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, mild fever, fatigue, muscle aches, loss of appetite and thick nasal discharge that is dark yellow or green.
Colds are most contagious during the first two to four days after symptoms appear, but may stay contagious for up to three weeks.
To avoid a bad cold season, Pikeville Medical Center's Family Practice Clinic urges parents to plan ahead by making sure all family members know the best way to help ward off illness.
"It is imperative to practice good hand washing when trying to prevent your child from getting sick," said Dr. Maleshea Dunning, Medical Education and Residency Program Director. "Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year because of the common cold. Frequent hand washing and not sharing cups, glasses and utensils will decrease the spread of viruses to others."
It is suggested that children wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the happy birthday song twice).
Good hand washing is undisputedly the most effective way to prevent the common cold, but parents can also help ensure their children stay healthy by teaching them the importance of:
Eating a well balanced diet
Avoiding unnecessary stress
Getting regular exercise and plenty of rest
Staying up-to-date on yearly physicals and immunizations
Having his/her own set of school supplies
Staying home from school when sick
Avoiding contact with others who are sick
Not sharing food, drink or any personal items with someone else
Dr. Dunning recommends that parents seek medical attention for their child if they notice changes in his or her energy levels, decreased fluid intake or a fever that persists for more than 48 hours and does not respond to Tylenol and Motrin.
"Parents know their children best and should seek medical assistance anytime they exhibit behavior contrary to their norm," said Dunning.
Source: Weather.com
Stopgerms.org
Kidshealth.org
Children.webmd.com
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Going back to school the healthy way
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