Cough or cold viruses can settle and multiply particularly well in children. Their immune system is not yet fully developed. Up to six colds per year are considered normal. If parents take preventive measures in good time, the risk of contracting respiratory infections can be significantly reduced. However, this can sometimes be strenuous and not all measures can always be implemented in everyday life. However, it is worth working on it.
The hand in front of the mouth and nose
When coughing, the viruses and bacteria are literally thrown out of the respiratory tract of the infected person. Most often, they then land on the nearest person, and you are already infected.
Simple but effective protection against pathogens is provided when children and, of course, adults hold their hands over their mouths when coughing or sneezing. This significantly reduces the risk of infection.
Parents can entice their children, for example, by awarding bonus points. When ten bonus points are earned, a reward can be offered. This playful behavioral training has two effects: On the one hand, the children make an effort not to squander the viruses in the room; on the other hand, they educate each other – if there are several children.
Don’t forget to wash your hands!
Even the grandmother said this phrase over and over again. But what the grandparents knew is now considered scientifically proven: People who wash their hands frequently are less likely to get sick. To prove this, American scientist Margaret A. K. Ryan conducted “Operation Cough Stop.” She encouraged Navy recruits in the American state of Illinois to wash their hands at least five times a day. Then she and her colleagues compared the weekly morbidity rate before and during the study. The result: the risk of contracting respiratory infections was reduced by 45 percent.
This makes hand washing an important measure to prevent colds, especially during the wet and cold season when almost everyone is sniffling and coughing.
Keep your distance.
Again and again you can observe that strangers or acquaintances, for example in the supermarket or elsewhere, stroke children’s cheeks or bend close over the stroller and start talking to the little ones. However, this can also transmit pathogens.
On the one hand, it is nice when children are admired, but on the other hand, the child’s immune system is unnecessarily stressed. Parents do not have to introduce sterile conditions, but in times of high risk of infection, parents should keep the risk of illness as low as possible.
Ventilate rooms
Pediatricians recommend that the room temperature in a child’s room not exceed 18 degrees Celsius during bedtime. In addition, the children’s room should always be well ventilated before going to sleep. Water evaporation trays in the children’s room ensure that the air does not become too dry.
During the day, children should get as much fresh air exercise as possible, even in winter. Important: It is not the cold itself that leads to an infection, but incorrect clothing and confrontation with pathogens. The onion principle protects against hypothermia and thus against a weakening of the immune system.
Directly on the skin the child should wear natural fibers, such as cotton or silk. They absorb sweat better. This is followed by several textile layers, between which there are air chambers that insulate. For example, a cotton undershirt, a long-sleeved T-shirt that is not too tight, a soft sweater made of natural fibers and a breathable overjacket are all good choices.
Infants and toddlers should definitely wear headgear. Otherwise, they can get chilled very quickly. In general, however. Do not dress too warmly. The body otherwise loses the ability to adjust to temperature fluctuations.
