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I am expecting. Not a baby, but an illness.
I know it will be here sooner or later because it is already in my home as I write this. My husband has the flu, my youngest son has been tested for strep, and my daughter has some sort of viral infection that can’t be treated with antibiotics. That leaves Willie, my oldest, and me awaiting the onset of some germy visitors.
We’ve been washing our hands constantly, sanitizing surfaces and even throwing away toothbrushes, but as hard as I try I know it’s inevitable that we’ll catch something. Living together just means sharing germs. As I tied my son’s shoes this morning he thanked me with a sneeze, a direct hit on my unsuspecting face.
Germs spread easily between siblings and other family members. In fact, the germs that carry the common cold stay alive on surfaces — like hands, phones and remote controls — for three hours. As hard as I try, I don’t clean every shared item that often.
That may be why the average child contracts the common cold six to eight times a year — more if they have siblings. At least that’s one thing they share without a fight.
The most common entry for these germs is from the hand to the eyes or mouth. I am sure that’s how they are shared in our home. My 3-year-old son was so excited the other day as he watched his sister suffering with a runny nose he shouted, “Mom, guess what! She knows how to wipe her nose with her sleeve.” Not a milestone I will be putting in her baby book.
For as many facts as there are on how we spread germs, there are many myths we all grew up with. Until I read the article on Babycenter.com called “Cold and Flu: The Myths and the Facts,” I thought those myths were true.
The first is that children in day care are sick more often than children who stay at home. This myth may appear true in the early years as younger children in day care are more prone to illness; however, as they grow older, their immunity builds, and they are likely to be sick less often than children who were not in day care.
Another popular myth is that you catch a cold by being cold. Dr. Nancy Showen, the author of the Babycenter article, said a person can catch a cold wrapped up warm in a blanket as easily as if you are outside in the cold with wet hair.
Finally a myth that I have come to terms with now that I am a parent: Antibiotics can cure a cold or the flu. Wrong. Antibiotics don’t work on viral infections, and actually can make you feel more ill by causing digestive problems.
I’ll leave it at that. However, if a cold or other viral illness causes an earache or sinus infection doctors may then prescribe the antibiotics.
As for helping children and even yourself deal with cold and flu symptoms, get plenty of fluids and rest. This may seem difficult as an adult, but it is important to make yourself a priority. Along with taking care of yourself during the illness there are many things that can be done to try (note I said try) to prevent illness.
Prevention methods include hand washing or use of hand sanitizers; washing much-used surfaces on a regular basis, especially if someone is ill in your home; the newest trend, sneezing and coughing into the crook of your arm instead of your hand; and of course eating well, getting rest and exercise.
I am not a doctor or a nurse. I am an adult with children and a spouse who are ill, which makes me a makeshift nurse. I am doing my best to avoid the illnesses invading our home, but since I am not tending to my patients in a hazardous waste removal suit, I know I can expect some sort of illness. I am sure Willie will be joining me as well.
Hopefully, our current patients will be able to care for us as well as we have cared for them, and I will even promise not to sneeze in their faces.
Note: Facts and information for this column provided by Dr. Nancy Showen and Babycenter.com.
Maggie Modjeski is the former executive director for the Winona Community Foundation and had also served with Winona County Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Her column, Maggie on Monday, talks about the challenges and joys of raising a family and being part of the Winona community. Her e-mail address is maggiem@hbci.com.
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