Keep Colds At Bay

A quick and easy guide on how to cope with childrens coughs and colds.

- Joy Wanja Muraya

It’s a cold morning in July, and Angela has a battle on her hands. Her 20-month-old son Tanu is insisting on playing with his toys on the balcony. Angela wants him to play indoors, where it’s warm, but he doesn’t want to know. ‘Outside! Outside!’ he screams.

The last few days have been difficult for this toddler. He finds it difficult to breathe and has to do so through his mouth. His runny nose distracts his playtime and he shakes his head constantly when it gets blocked. But he won’t give up on play.

His five-year-old sister, Amy, is also staying brave to fight a stubborn cough that Angela believes was picked up from kindergarten. Amy’s classmates also seem to have caught the bug.

Angela’s nights have been long and unbearable as her son and daughter cough throughout the night, making a good night’s sleep a fantasy. On Thursday, Tanu had a blocked nose and had to sleep in Mummy’s bed.

Nairobi ear nose and throat specialist Dr Mbira Gikonyo says it’s common for children to develop coughs and colds during July, but says there are ways to manage the misery.

THE CAUSE OF COLDS AND FLU

The common cold is caused by a virus. It is transmitted from person to person by droplets in the air, which are inhaled through the nose or mouth. The droplets occur when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.

That’s why, in cold season, it’s important to avoid crowded places such as public transport and shopping malls where the virus thrives. ‘If you can’t avoid people altogether, try opening windows to ensure good ventilation,’ Dr Mbira says.

Some of the complications of colds and flu include a blocked nose, headaches, cough, sinus infections, bronchitis and even pneumonia.