Doctor answers comme questions about colds Wi Infectious disease expert gives parents tips on how to deal with their children’s colds po sicnatiantice sieededatcasee mao It’s cold season aga! id parents faced with sneezing, coughing kids want to know how to make their child more comfortable and when to seek professional help. Dr. David Scheifele, an in- fectious disease expert at B.C.’s Children Hospital, has seen hundreds of kids with colds and answered as many questions from concerned par- ents. Here are his answers to some common questions about kids and colds. * Do kids get more colds than adults? Kids get many more colds than adults. The reason is lack of immunity. Our bodies must encounter infectious organ- isms before developing immu- nity. Adults have been exposed to many more cold and flu viruses than children and have built up more resistance. * How do we catch colds? We catch colds by inhaling droplets from sneezes and coughs or by coming in contact with nose or mouth secretions on hands or shared items. Kids are especially vulnerable in fall and winter because they spend more time indoors and in close contact with other children. Typically, _ the youngest child in large fami- lies or kids attending large day care or nursery schools get the most colds. ¢ How can I protect my child from colds? Not much, short of isolating them from other kids — which is neither practical nor advisable. Although effective against childhood infections such as measles and mumps, vaccines are not an option for colds because too many virus- es are involved. * My child seems to have one cold after another. When will it stop? With over 100 viruses caus- ing the problem, it’s not un- usual for children to have as many as eight or 10 colds a year! The good news is that even very young infants be- come immune to the viruses they have had so, over time, kids do get fewer colds. © Do children who get a lot of colds have weak immune systems? No. Children with frequent colds that do not produce symptoms beyond mild snif- fles and a stuffed-up nose are successfully fighting off virus- es and developing immunity. This indicates a healthy im- mune system. Even when viruses get the upper hand, causing more serious chest colds and flu, does not mean the system is failing. It’s sim- ply facing a tougher battle so recovery will take longer. * Do small babies have a more difficult time with colds? Babies under three months do have more difficulty with colds because they don’t cope well with a stuffed-up nose. Babies may seem to fight for breath when in fact they are simply trying to breath through a blocked nose. This also causes feeding difficulties. The result is an irritable, hun- gry baby who lets everyone in the home know just how mis- erable he or she is feeling. ¢ How can I help my child get better? You can assist your child’s (or baby’s) recovery by giving plenty of fluids and keeping them soothed and quiet, at least in the early stages of ill- ness. Used as directed by your family doctor, acetaminophen medications (such as Tylenol, Tempra or Panadol) can help to reduce aches and fever. Do not use aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any medication con- taining’it. Aspirin has been linked to brain and liver dam- age (Reye syndrome) in chil- dren and teenagers. * Should I use other over- the-counter cold medications? Numerous cough syrups, nose drops and other cold medications are available but many are ineffective or un- suitable for children. For in- stance, decongestants taken by moth are not very effective in children-and can cause rapid heartbeat and insomnia. Before using any over-the- counter medications, check with your family doctor or a pharmacist. When a medica- tion is recommended or pre- scribed, use it only as directed. © Should my child see a doc- tor? If acold is accompanied by persistent or serious breath- ing trouble, high fever, poor appetite or vomiting, your child should see a doctor im- mediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious bacterial complication, such as ear infection or pneumonia, which require treatment with antibiotics. Meningitis is also a possibility, especially in chil- dren under 18 months. Association urges parents to check infant car seats The B.C. Medical Associa- tion is campaigning for prop- er installation of infant car seats as part ofits annual New Year’s Baby program. For the past nine years, the BCMA has given car seats to parents of the first babies born in each of B.C.’s 84 hospitals where babies are delivered. “Although most parents se- lect appropriate car safety seats for their infants and chil- dren, many are installed and used incorrectly,” said Dr. Jim Rhodes, chairman of the BC- MA Communications Com- mittee. _.. Jp.a1989Travepet Cana-. . da survey, about 18 per cent of B.C. children under five years were not in a restraint system appropriate for their age, and only 49 per cent of those in ap- propriate restraints used them properly, Rhodes said. “In 1990,-555 B.C. children under the age of five were in- jured and six were killed in motor vehicle crashes,” he added. The figures, issued by B.C.’s motor vehicle branch, have decreased slightly from 1989 statistics. “In that year, 560 B.C. chil- dren under the age of five. were. . injured and 16 killed,” Rhodes said. "We are still very con- cerned and encourage parents to make sure they know the proper manner in which to in- stall their child’s car seat.” Rhodes also cautions par- ents who shop for children’s car seats in the United States to be aware that U.S. models may not meet Canadian safe- ty standards and can be un- safe. For information about seat inspection clinics in B.C., par- ents can contact their local - ICBC Traffic Safety Depart- December 14, 1991 @ N OU To dine with us this Holiday Season Host: ah Ma 2629 Broadwater Rd Phone: 365-0181 Share the Holidays with us at... The Roundhouse Restaurant . .. fine Dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance Lunch — Monday-Fridayk 11 a.m.-2 p Dinner — Nightly 5 p.m.-9 p.m. or The Onlywell Pub ... featuring daily food & beverage specials & food service from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 7 days a week. Sip & enjoy the best view in town! 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