Coughs and colds are spread through contact with nasal and mouth secretions. Coughing and sneezing spread germs to hard surfaces such as door handles and playthings, to be picked up by the next little hand that touches them.
To prevent or reduce the spread of colds, teach your child to wash his hands regularly. This will minimize the risk of germs on the hands being transferred to the nose or mouth. It is particularly important for children to wash their hands after using the washroom, when coming in from outdoor play, and before eating. Other situations that should be followed with a handwash include blowing the nose, touching garbage and handling money.
Provided the correct technique is used, even the toughest germs are quickly washed away. Teach your child by example, and remember to wash your own hands frequently as well.
- Use soap and warm, running water when available.
- Rub the hands together vigorously for 20 seconds or longer.
- Wash all skin surfaces, including: backs of hands, wrists, between fingers, tips of the fingers and under the fingernails.
- Rinse the hands well.
- Dry the hands with a paper towel, if possible.
- Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door when in a public (or school/daycare) washroom.
If washing facilities are not available, you may want to invest in one of the antiseptic liquid hand cleaners available at London Drugs. These convenient formulations kill germs without soap and water, and do not need to be washed off.