5 Effective Ways To Prevent Colds And Coughs In Children

Illustration of how to prevent colds and coughs (iStockphoto)

JAKARTA – Colds and coughs can attack anyone, including children. Although this is a common disease, children will feel uncomfortable with colds and coughs.

Colds and coughs, reported by the Michigan Health page, Tuesday, January 4, indicate the spread of a virus that can interfere with a child's sleep quality, mood, and ability to socialize at school or with friends.

A pediatrician at the University of Michigan CS Mott Children's Hospital, Priyanka Rao, MD, says that there's not much you can do other than get enough rest and stay hydrated when the body has a virus that causes colds and coughs. According to research at the CS Mott Children's Hospital, the average child will experience 3-6 colds and coughs in a year. Each period lasts for 2 weeks.

Colds and coughs are caused by viruses that are passed from person to person. Usually after passing through droplets of air contact or sticking to the surface of objects. Most children have the immune ability to fight off viruses unaided, but it takes some getting used to preventing exposure to cold and cough viruses. What can parents do? Here, how to prevent contracting colds and coughs in children.

1. Wash your hands often

Just like following health protocols so you don't get exposed to COVID-19, so you don't catch colds and coughs easily, make it a habit to wash your hands often. Many germs and viruses stick to surfaces that are often touched, such as doorknobs, toys, and even hands.

Rao suggested, the most important prevention method is to maintain cleanliness. Washing your hands properly and using soap can help get rid of most of the germs and viruses that cause colds and coughs.

2. Avoid people who have colds and coughs

Droplets or droplets of mucus that are released when sneezing or coughing can easily infect other people at close range. So, this method is quite effective, if you meet people who have a cold or cough, avoid direct contact, for example, avoid shaking hands, hugging, or playing together.

3. Prevent cross-contamination

Young children tend to put their hands and fingers in their nose and mouth. As many parents know, this habit just happens, for example, when your child plays with their peers. They even share toys, eating and drinking utensils, or stationery.

To prevent infection, teach children not to put their hands in their mouths or noses. Even if you have to share toys, make sure your playmates don't have a cold or cough.

4. Cleaning things that are often used at home

Such as table surfaces or nightstands that are frequently accessed, need frequent cleaning. You can clean it periodically with anti-bacterial and virus-based liquids from natural ingredients or bleach-based wipes.

5. Keep the child's immune system working well

The last way to prevent contracting colds and coughs is to keep the child's immune system working properly. Like maintaining a healthy diet and menu. In addition, make sure your baby gets enough rest.