Cold viruses and the germs that make complications
Your child will probably be sick with colds ten times as much as wit all other illnesses combined. Most colds are started by a "filtrable virus". This is a germ so small that it can pass through unglazed porcelain, so small that it cannot be seen through an ordinary microscope. It is believed that the virus can cause only amild cold with a clear nasal dischharge and perhaps a light scratchy feeling in the throat. If nothing else happens, the virus cold goes away in about 3-10 days. But something else often does happen. The cold virus lowers the resistance of the nose and throat, so that oter germs that cause more trouble get going, bacteria that can be seen under the microscope, such as the streptococcus, te pneumococcus,and the hemophilus influenzae. In these circumstances they are called secondary invaders. These regular bacteria are often living in healthy people's noses and throats during the winter and spring months, but do not harm because tey are held at bay by the body's resistance.
The best thing you can do to avoid a cold is to avoid close physical contact with anyone who has one.
Colds in the infant
Anne Geddes |
Of course, babies' colds can become severe. They can have ear infections, sinusitis, and other complications. If they have a frequent cough or a deep cough or a wheezy cough, they should be examined by a doctor, even if they have no fever.