As often in the matter of education, when it comes to preventing colds to their children, parents first trust the advice passed down by their own parents and grandparents. According to a study by researchers at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Michigan, 70 percent of parents reported using strategies with poor to no scientific evidence to prevent cold. Fortunately, some of them are using methods backed by science, such as improving personal hygiene, staying away from sick people, handwashing, and household cleaning.
Nevertheless, 7 out of 10 parents said they believe in folklore remedies to prevent colds, while about 5 out of 10 of them are relying on vitamin supplements, a way that has never been proven effective. “These were likely started before people knew that germs were actually the cause of diseases like the common cold. As a result, families tried a lot of things to keep each other as healthy as possible,” wrote the authors of the study.
Do you know the two most common parenting myths about common colds?
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Going outside with wet hair can make you sick, and being exposed to cold air can cause cold. Wrong. In fact, in order to get a cold, you need to be exposed to an infectious agent.
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Using multivitamins and supplements prevents colds. Wrong. In fact, kids who are otherwise healthy and getting a balanced diet don't need any supplementation.
Anxious moments - A sick child (Oil painting attributed to John Whitehead Walton - WikimediaCommons - w/Effects)
