Sniffle Solutions

Now that my daughter’s recovered from her cold, I’m under the weather. Is it possible I could re-infect her?

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

It’s highly unlikely you’d re-infect your daughter, because people usually don’t catch the same cold twice. Once you have a particular virus, your body builds up specific antibodies to fight it off. That means the next time you encounter that same cold-causing strain, your immune system is prepared to attack and destroy those germs immediately.

Still, you don’t know for certain that you have the same cold as your daughter. There are hundreds of different viruses that can make you sick, and you may have contracted a different one. To play it safe, make sure to wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer throughout the day. And since germs can live outside of the body for up to two days, disinfect common surfaces in your home, like light switches, doorknobs and remote controls.

When someone in your home is sick, do you clean more often? If so, what’s your routine? Join the conversation.

Check out my Expert Blog next week for tips on how to tell if your child is really sick -- or just pretending.

What’s the best way to use a humidifier to ease cold and flu symptoms?

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Using a humidifier can ease congestion as well as soothe sore throats and dry nasal airways. To comfort your sick child, let the humidifier run continuously. You may even want to leave it on throughout the winter. Since cold and flu viruses thrive in dry air, a humidifier may help fend off illness and keep your family healthy.

But before you use your humidifier, make sure that you’re using a model with a built-in humidistat. This feature keeps humidity in a designated range: Too little moisture in the air can dry out your skin, nose and throat; too much can lead to mold and bacteria growth. That can irritate breathing passageways and worsen allergies.

For your child’s safety, look for a cool-mist model. They’re just as effective as warm-mist humidifiers, without the worry of a potential burning hazard.

It’s also not a bad idea to use distilled water. Humidifiers have been shown to be very effective at dispersing the minerals in tap water into the air, resulting in a pesky white dust on surfaces near where it’s used. Minerals in tap water can also create crusty deposits inside the humidifier -- a hotbed for microorganisms.

Finally, it’s important to keep your humidifier clean by replacing the water, rinsing the tank and scrubbing it down often. (Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.) This will prevent the growth of harmful mold, fungi and bacteria.

Could giving my daughter vitamins or supplements help her avoid catching a cold?

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Not really. There’s no scientific research showing that supplements can help children fend off colds and the flu. In fact, some pills contain large dosages of vitamins and herbs, such as zinc and echinacea, which can cause unpleasant or even harmful side effects -- like diarrhea and nausea -- in kids. Instead, feed your daughter plenty of fruits and vegetables. They’re high in vitamins and minerals, which will strengthen her immune system and help keep her healthy.

Unfortunately, many kids are picky eaters, and getting them to eat their broccoli and Brussels sprouts can be a struggle. That’s why I recommend moms give their children an age-appropriate daily multivitamin to ensure they consume the nutrients they need. When picking a brand, look for the right dosage based on your child’s age. Pills, chewable tablets, gummies and liquids are equally effective, but always choose a bottle with a childproof top to prevent an overdose.

Do you feel like your kids get all the nutrients they need from their meals and snacks? Join the conversation.

Check my Expert Blog next week for my tips on how to make the most of your next doctor’s visit.

Our family medicine cabinet is filled with old medicines. How do I get rid of them safely?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

You’re right to be concerned about this. It’s important to get rid of medicine that has expired and to dispose of it properly. The first step is to check the expiry dates of all medicine bottles and containers in the cabinet and around your home.

Dispose of pills and tablets by wrapping them tightly in newspaper and binding with tape so they are completely concealed and difficult to get into. This is to make it very hard for kids and animals to access them. Then throw the pills in the trash. Liquid medicines should be mixed with kitty litter so they are transformed into solid material that can be discarded in the same way as the pills.

Never pour old medications down a sink drain or flush down a toilet because traces of these drugs could end up in the water supply.

Meanwhile, it’s important to be aware that some medications can become ineffective before an expiry date if they are not stored properly. For instance, aspirin is particularly likely to lose its potency if moisture gets into the container and makes contact with the medication. Keep aspirin in a dry place (not the steamy bathroom) and make sure the cap on the bottle is always tightly closed.

How long are colds contagious? When is it safe for my son to play with other kids?

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Unfortunately, your son can spread those germs for the entire duration of his cold, which can last for up to two weeks. Of course, you can’t quarantine him for that long -- it would drive him (and you!) crazy. The more reasonable, expert-recommended tactic: Keep him home from school and away from other kids when he’s coughing and sneezing consistently. Colds are at their most contagious when children feel crummiest, usually on the second through fifth days. So, remember to wash your own hands often during that time.

As your son recovers and his body fights off the virus, he’s less likely to pass that virus on to other kids. So one or two days after he starts feeling better and his symptoms subside to a mild cough and runny nose, you can start rescheduling those playdates. Just make sure that you remind him not to share snacks or drinks, and to always cough and sneeze into his elbow. The best way to teach him that, of course, is through example.

When your kids are sick, how do you keep them entertained at home? Join the conversation.

My kid asks me to give her a back massage when she’s sick. Is this a good idea, and is there a correct way to do it?

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

As long as your child doesn’t have a fever or complicated medical needs, a light massage can soothe her when she’s under the weather. Massage supports relaxation, encourages restful sleep and can even improve immune system functioning. In fact, a 2010 study conducted by Cedars-Sinai found that Swedish massage resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of white blood cells (which defend the body from disease) along with a large decrease in the stress hormone cortisol (which alters your immune system function).

Massaging specific, congested areas -- like the chest or back -- can help comfort your child in more ways than one: Touch encourages circulation, and mom’s nurturing attention provides comfort. (Skip full-body massages when sick, however, since they may heighten symptoms.)

To get started, ask your child where she doesn’t feel good, and then rub that area with a soft, gentle touch. Check in with her to make sure the amount of pressure is comfortable.

If your child has nasal congestion, I recommend a technique called “clear sinuses.” Position your child so that she’s resting on a bed with pillows slightly elevating her head. With gentle pressure, use your index fingers to glide down the side of a child’s nose. Stop just to the side of the nostrils for a short pause, and then glide up the cheeks. This should help her breathe easier.

A certified massage therapist can also help teach you techniques to comfort your child. Look for a certified pediatric massage therapist (CPMT), who has specialized education and certification to work with children. A list of professionals is available via LiddleKidz.com.

Can kids catch the flu from a pet?

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

No, catching the flu from Fido isn’t possible. Even though the influenza virus does exist in dogs as well as cats, the viruses these animals get are completely different than the viruses that affect people -- and they can't be passed to human beings.

However, dogs and cats can definitely carry human cold viruses, which they can then pass to children and adults. So if your dog has the symptoms of a cold, it's even more important for family members to practice good hygiene and wash hands thoroughly after close contact with it. Dogs can also harbor the strep virus -- so if your child is getting repeated strep infections, you should have your dog tested to see if it's a carrier so it can be treated as well.

Keep in mind that certain coughs and colds can be rather devastating to pets. It's a good idea to call your vet if your animal appears to be sick.

Is there a “right” way to blow your nose? If so, how can I teach my kid?

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The best way to clear out mucus is one nostril at a time: Press a finger over one side while you blow gently with the other and then switch. Blowing both nostrils simultaneously increases pressure in the sinuses, which can reverse the flow of mucus. Although it’s a topic of debate, some experts believe that this can cause bacteria and viruses to enter the cavity and raise the risk of a sinus infection.

To teach your children, it’s important to establish the concept of blowing first. Try these fun methods:

Hold a candle a safe distance away from your child’s face, and have him or her blow it out
Blow bubbles with your child

Remember to give lots of praise and encouragement. Once this lesson is established, you can move on to blowing the nose. Have her take a deep breath and close her mouth, then hold a finger to her lips as if you’re telling her to shush. Place a tissue about an inch away from her face and see if she can move it by blowing air from the nose. It helps to close off one nostril and blow just one side at a time.

It’s also important to instruct your child how to dispose of a tissue. Instead of taking it from him, ask him to discard the tissue himself in the trash can and then wash his hands.

Remember, children learn best by example, so make sure that you as a parent or caregiver use the same blowing and hygiene techniques.

Do your kids more often use tissues or their fingers to clean their noses? Join the discussion!

How can I tell if my kid has more than a cold and needs antibiotics?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

It’s difficult for parents to tell the difference between a virus (i.e., a cold that heals on its own) and a bacterial infection (which warrants antibiotics). The reality is that it can be difficult for physicians too. In fact, a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics concluded that over 10 million kids in the United States may be given antibiotics unnecessarily every year. The study also found that in 1 in 5 cases, this treatment was prescribed when it shouldn’t have been.

These statistics are troubling because these drugs can have unwanted side effects, such as upset stomach, skin rash, allergic reactions and diarrhea. And the more your child uses them, the more the risk that an antibiotic-resistant bug will develop in the future.

That means in a lot of scenarios it’s not appropriate for your doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Some parents assume that thick yellow or green nasal discharge is a sign of a bacterial infection, but it’s actually a normal symptom that often occurs a few days after the onset of a cold. In fact, most upper-respiratory infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria, as are most sore throats, acute bronchitis and many sinus or ear infections.

So how can you tell if your child is experiencing cold-like symptoms that actually require antibiotics -- that is, strep throat or a cough caused by a bacterial infection?

Strep throat, for one, is easy: If your child has an isolated sore throat and a fever, and especially if strep throat has been going around your child’s school, see your physician for a throat culture. This test clearly determines whether or not your kid has the infection and needs antibiotics.

As for coughs, parents should trust their instincts. A typical cough lasts for about 10 days, but it can linger for up to three weeks. So if that hacking doesn’t improve after about two weeks, I recommend consulting your doctor. It’s also time to see your pediatrician if a cough is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

A fever over 102 F that lasts more than two days
Pain with breathing
Chest pain
Quick, shallow breathing
Stomach pain and/or vomiting, which can be a sign of bacterial pneumonia
Extreme discomfort or rapid breathing

Your doctor can determine whether your child’s specific symptoms require a round of antibiotics. You can also check out my blog post here to learn more about safe antibiotic use.

* As told to Colleen Canney, group editor of Sniffle Solutions

Is it possible that my son can still get the flu even if he’s had the flu shot?

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

The short answer: Yes. There are multiple strains of the flu vaccine, and many of them change over time. So each year, public health experts crunch the data and make educated guesses as to which flu strains will be the most common that season. That’s how they develop the immunization.

So there is a chance that your child can catch a strain of the flu that wasn’t included in the shot. Typically, the vaccine is effective, but there have been years when it’s missed the mark and protected against about half of the predominant flu bugs.

What’s more, the vaccine takes about two weeks to build full immunization. So if your child was exposed to the virus during that time, there’s a chance he could come down with the flu.

It’s important to note as well that many parents tend to mistake a respiratory infection for the flu. The symptoms of the flu, however, tend to be more severe: Kids can suffer from high temperatures (at least 100.4 F), body aches and gastrointestinal problems. If you suspect that your child has the flu, check in with your pediatrician.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/AlexRaths