Colds and flu are caused by tiny microbes and viruses that infect our respiratory system (nose, throat and sometimes even our lungs). While these bugs are invisible to the naked eye or even with a microscope, they exist in thousands on surfaces such as phones, toys and hands. Viruses are fragile and don’t live for long outside of the human body. They’re parasites that need to jump from one individual to another in order to survive and replicate.
They do this best in the winter for several reasons. First, increased proximity in cold weather facilitates the transmission of infections. Second, the cold, dry air enables viruses to persist longer and spread better. Contrary to popular belief, catching a cold is not directly linked to exposure to cold temperatures; rather it’s the increased likelihood of being in contact with an infected person during the winter months.
In short, colds are unavoidable for children and adults alike. There is little one can do to minimize their exposure to viruses other than adopting good personal hygiene practices, regular hand washing and using disposable tissues. Additionally, giving your child a warm bath can create a hot and moist environment that cold viruses hate, helping to drive off the virus sooner.
A strong immune system is key as it acts as our body’s defense mechanism against these viruses. This includes a good, varied diet with fresh fruit and vegetables and regular physical activity (e.g. swimming). Our immune systems can remember every virus we’re infected with, and we should only succumb to each virus once in our lives. However, there are hundreds of cold and flu viruses, and you’ll need to live a very long time to have had them all. Our swimmers are more susceptible because they start with a clean sheet. They’ll gradually build up their immunity as months go by, so that by age 6, they catch fewer and fewer viruses.
Most colds clear up within a week, with mild symptoms. During this time, you can maintain normal activities including outdoor play or swimming. Fever is one of our body’s natural responses to fight off these infections and your child’s temperature might increase. It can be treated with appropriate medication to make your child more comfortable. If a cold persists and is accompanied by heavy chest cough, it may indicate a bacterial infection. Bacteria often gain access to our lungs after a cold because the body’s normal barrier has been weakened. Bacterial infections are usually more severe, and if your child experiences breathing difficulty or coughing severely with very green mucus, we recommend consulting your doctor
Conclusion
Colds are an inevitable part of childhood, and your child will experience them every winter in their early years. This is normal, and some even consider it an important part of the maturation of their immune system. With proper care, exercise, and a healthy diet these seasonal colds are nothing more than a necessary inconvenience.