Colds in children affects the upper respiratory tract and is a common disease not only in the youngest but also in older children. However, several myths have arisen around the common cold that still linger among parents. Time to dispel them.
Symptoms of a cold in a child
Children most often suffer from colds in the fall and winter season. All this is related to the still immature immune system and exposure to a number of external factors, including colder temperature outside the window, too thin outer clothing, and soaking shoes.
The first symptoms that must not be ignored are:
- weakness,
- fatigue and problems with concentration,
- excessive sleepiness,
- temperature oscillating around 38 degrees Celsius,
- Headache,
- runny nose,
- burning sensation in the throat
- cough.
Recognizing symptoms of a cold in older children is slightly easier than in toddlers. Older children can already clearly communicate what is wrong with them, while in smaller children it can be unclear. However, the most important symptom that should not be ignored by a parent is a stuffy nose and general weakness in the child.
A parent’s quick response is the key to getting rid of a cold in a short time and thus restoring the child’s well-being. One way is to use natural medicines with a good composition. An example is Pelavo Med syrup, intended to fight the symptoms of colds. It contains a standardized African geranium root extract. The product is intended for children from 6 years of age and adults.
Facts and myths about colds in children
Myth: A child who has a cold should not leave the house
Fact: You can and should go for short walks with a cold child, if there is no fever, of course. It is only important to dress them appropriately. Fresh air oxygenates the body, and sunlight contributes to the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, essential for the body’s immune system.
Myth: Colds don’t need to be treated
Fact: This thinking is wrong. Failure to cure the symptoms of colds may cause their exacerbation, and consequently the emergence of complications in the form of e.g. inflammation of the lungs or the heart muscle.
Myth: Only an antibiotic works for colds
Truth: Antibiotics are drugs that only work against bacterial infections. The active substance destroys the bacterial cells, preventing them from multiplying. This means that these drugs do not eliminate the symptoms of viral, fungal and mild colds.
Myth: Vitamin C is the best for colds
Fact: Scientific research proves that the systematic consumption of the popular vitamin C is beneficial for our health, because it is one of the natural antioxidants, i.e. substances that fight free radicals. However, it is not true that vitamin C reduces the duration of illness or protects the body from a cold.
Myth: Frequent illness in children is associated with low immunity
Fact: It’s quite natural that an immature immune system is not able to defend itself against viruses, bacteria and fungi as effectively as an adult’s body. It is assumed that until the age of majority, a child may catch a cold up to 12 times a year. This is quite normal.