The common cold: just what is this exactly? How common do you feel when you are coughing, have a fever, and are congested? A cold is made by any of more than 200 different viruses, known as rhinovirus or corona virus, and occur more frequently in the colder months. Perhaps the name “cold” came as a result of when this virus occurs.

The common cold is an expensive disease hitting some people up to 12 times a year and causing as many as 15 million days of lost work a year. The viruses that cause colds can be spread by either direct or indirect contact. They are spread by droplets emitted into the air by infected people when they talk, sneeze, and cough. The droplets are then inhaled and settle in the upper respiratory system. Germs also are spread when caregivers wipe little noses and then touch other children or toys. It is easy to see why colds spread quickly in group settings like childcare centers.

Actually, the rhinoviruses, the virus that affects the most people, makes its presence known in early fall and late spring while the typical cold season--December-May--is the time frame when the corona virus is most active.

A true definition of a cold is a contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The cold typically produces inflammation of the mucus membranes, coughing, sneezing, headaches or body aches, congestion, hoarseness and a sore throat, fever, and a low grade fever. Colds often begin two to three days after infection.

While there is no cure for a cold, over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms. These medications treat the symptoms, not the virus. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which particular medication is better for you and your symptoms. For example, nasal decongestants open up the nasal passages. Expectorants loosen the excess mucus. Acetaminophen treats fever, body aches, sinus pressure, and sore throats. Antitussives, or cough suppressants, lessen cough symptoms. Remember, medications and dosages that are safe for adults, may not be recommended for children.

Children get up to eight colds a year while adults average two to four. Children, with a lower rate of resistance to infection, are more likely to catch colds and parents as well as caregivers are more prone to colds because of their proximity to children.

The best way to prevent colds is hand washing! Thorough and frequent hand washing by both caregivers and children can help break the infection pattern. In addition, the caregiver should wear gloves and use disposable tissues when helping a child wipe his nose, and she should also change gloves and wash hands before assisting another child. Another way to help prevent colds is to avoid touching your own nose, eyes, and mouth. Cleaning surfaces and toys with a disinfectant such as a chlorine bleach solution can also help fight the spread of germs.

Colds are an inevitable part of the winter months for many people. With careful hand washing and disinfecting in the childcare setting, you can reduce your chances of catching the virus.

For disinfecting, you may use a bleach solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per one gallon of water or 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach per quart of water.

American Academy of Petdiatrics: www.aap.org/publiced/BKO_Colds.htm

Mayo Clinic's Health Oasis: www.mayohealth.org