Preventing the Spread of Colds Colds are most often passed from one person to another by tiny droplets from the nose or mouth or by touch. To help prevent colds from spreading: ●
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Wash yours and your child’s hands often. Use warm water and soap and scrub for at least 15 seconds. Or, you may use an alcohol hand cleaner if your hands are not too dirty. When your child has a cold, keep him or her away from other children, especially babies. Teach your child to cover his or her mouth and nose when sneezing. Teach your child to cough and sneeze into tissues and then throw the tissue away in a trash can. If your child does not have a tissue, teach him or her to cough or sneeze into the elbow on one arm. Do not share cups, glasses or eating utensils with others. Keep your child home from day care and school until he or she is free of fever without using fever medicine for 24 hours.
Here are some tips to help reduce your child’s chance of getting colds: ●
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Make sure that anyone who takes care of your child (babysitters, daycare worker, teachers, grand-parents, etc.) washes her hands often. Keep your child away from crowds during cold season, especially if he or she is at high risk for problems. Keep your child away from people who have colds or who are coughing or sneezing.
©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.
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