Sick. Sick. Sick.
I don’t know about your kids, but mine have had more than their share of the common cold over the past few months. They’ve had strep throat, major sinus infections and ear infections too. While antibiotics cleared up the throat and ear issues, the common cold symptoms were untouched. Modern medicine? I’m not so sure.
Viral vs. Bacterial Infections
Seriously, I know that antibiotics only cure bacterial infections (strep throat, ear infections, etc.). Learn more about the differences between viral and bacterial infections here. Since the common cold is a viral infection, antibiotics won’t help. You’ll get the most relief with over-the-counter meds to make you feel better. Our medicine chest is stocked with acetaminophen, ibuprofen and nasal decongestant pills (the ones without pseudoephedrine of course). While they don’t cure the cold, they do make it a little bit easier to deal with.
Keeping the Bad Germ Level Low
When our kids our sick, my wife and I are constantly telling them to wash their hands. It’s amazing how many things we touch during the day. And all those surfaces are great places to pick up germs. Add that to the coughs and sneezes and little fingers that end up in nostrils and you have a million germs to deal with.
Good Germs. Bad Germs.
Now, I realize there are good germs and bad germs. This post is not about that debate. I’m simply saying that washing your hands is a smart way to keep the bad germs at bay. And…washing your hands all day but drying them with a germ-filled hand towel is a war you won’t win. Change your towels frequently during sick times. Launder them in hot water to kill the germs.
Getting Your Kids to Wash Their Hands
Granted: your kids won’t find the act of hand-washing as fun as playing a video game, watching television or drawing on the family room walls with markers. Really. I get it. So, like with other just-have-to-do-it chores, you need to make washing up a positive experience.
The folks at Softsoap have come up with a video geared to kids that’s pretty clever. I invite you (and your kids) to watch it. They make some great, kid-friendly foam soap too. Here’s to your health!
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DISCLAIMER: I am not receiving any financial payment from the makers of Softsoap (or anyone else). I’m just passing along some information that I hope will be helpful to you.
