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children's colds

January 17, 2008|By Holly Selby

They're still available, but parents should try as much as possible those measures [mentioned above] of treatment. Use nonmedicinal routes of treatment if at all possible. If the fever persists, call a doctor. Try to avoid using over-the-counter medications, and if you do use them, read the labels. Make sure they do not duplicate each other in their ingredients. If your child is under age 6 years, consult a doctor.

Sometimes it's difficult to tell when to send a child with a cold to school - or keep him at home. Can you give parents some advice about how to make this decision?

Ah, that is the hard thing. If the kid is obviously ill - has a persistent fever or is not able to function well - keep him at home. From the point of view that treatment includes making sure the child gets good rest, the "good rest" part may preclude him from being sent to school.

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What about chicken soup?

Chicken soup is good: The warmth, the fluids, the replenishment of electrolytes all are good things.

Is there any way to prevent colds?

Hand-washing is the big thing: Keep your cold to yourself! If you can, avoid people with colds. And, of course, parents who smoke have a big impact on their children and the colds they get: Secondhand smoke can predispose you to colds and other respiratory infections such as asthma, bronchitis.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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To learn more about kids' colds, go to baltimoresun.com/expertadvice

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