I heard that colds are called rhinovirus because they’re contracted through the nose. Does this mean my son’s nose-picking habit makes him more susceptible?

Expert Q&A

I heard that colds are called rhinovirus because they’re contracted through the nose. Does this mean my son’s nose-picking habit makes him more susceptible?

Yes, it does! There are more than 200 viruses that cause the common cold -- of which the rhinovirus is the most widespread -- but they’re all contracted the same way:

Through breathing in an airborne virus after someone coughs or sneezes, or
By coming into contact with a contaminated surface.

Because viruses can live outside of the body for up to two days, people can infect themselves by handling a germ-tainted object and then touching their eyes or nose. That’s why nose-pickers like your son are at greater risk of getting sick.

To keep your son healthy, teach him how to blow his nose properly so he won’t be tempted to pick. Ask him to blow steadily in a tissue, and then have him wash his hands or use a hand sanitizer immediately afterward. Once he gets the hang of it, remind him to wash up frequently and keep his hands away from his face -- especially during cold and flu season.

Does your child pick her nose? What do you do to encourage her to stop? Join the conversation.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/heidijpix

ABOUT TODAY'S EXPERT:

Sniffle Solutions expert Trish Woloszyn is the school nurse at Saint Raymond’s School in East Rockaway, N.Y. She has been a registered nurse for 25 years.