It’s been bitterly cold across the country lately, including in my home state of Texas. We’ve survived “icemageddon,” which is finally starting to subside and kids around here are back in school.
One theme I keep hearing from parents is that cold weather like this causes colds. Not true! Viruses cause most of the colds making both children and adults sniffle and cough. What is especially true in winter is that we all tend to spend more time indoors — and this is where the trouble starts.
Cold weather is not conducive to many outdoor activities, aside from family favorites like ice skating and sledding. We spend much more time indoors, whether for work or play, gathered together in enclosed spaces (think kitchens, shopping malls, movie theaters, schools, sports centers, libraries). And when we head inside, germs are easily spread from person to person. The more time you spend inside, the easier it is to catch a cold.
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Children are great at spreading germs, though not on purpose. While they’re learning to share at pre-school, this includes sharing their viruses. Small children are just learning to cover their mouths when they cough, and they touch their noses and faces all day long. They put toys and other objects in their mouths, then set them down for others to play with. It’s not unusual for youngsters between the ages of 1 and 3 years old to get 5-6 colds during the winter months.
Just being outdoors, even in the coldest weather, will not cause a cold. Just bundle everyone up appropriately, and do try to get some fresh air during the winter. Also, remember the rules of cough hygiene and be sure everyone in the family gets a flu shot.
Viruses do like cold, dry weather, but they love us being cooped up in the house even more!
(Dr. Sue Hubbard is an award-winning pediatrician, medical editor and media host. “The Kid’s Doctor” TV feature can be seen on more than 90 stations across the U.S. Submit questions at
. The Kid’s Doctor e-book, “Tattoos to Texting: Parenting Today’s Teen,” is now available from Amazon and other e-book vendors.)
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