Welcome to Eileen Gavin, our new pre-school nurse! Please click here to view her personal introduction.

Spot Light on the COMMON COLD 

     More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold.  Each year, hundreds of millions of cold viruses attack.  Children catch more cold viruses than adults.  Over the years there have been many theories on how people spread - - - or catch - - - cold viruses.    Most doctors believe there are two ways;  (1) hand to hand contact such as touching an infected surface (2) spread by tiny droplets that are released when an infected person sneezes. 

     Once a cold virus is in the person, it can live up to four days before showing symptoms.  There is no cure for the common cold but after our bodies fight back - -wins - - the symptoms last for four to seven days. 

     Colds are not fun.   Eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and washing your hands frequently will help.  Other helpful ideas –sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands.  Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing your hands. 

     Now for some COLD TRIVIA! 

Seventy Years Later, Colds Still Thrive.  In the 1930’s the average American endured two to three colds each year.  Seven decades later, Americans still have two to three colds each year. 

Forty Years Later, Colds Can’t Be Cured.  In June 1990, the Common Cold Research Center in London closed its doors after trying for 44 years, to find a cure. 

Sneezes and coughs propel droplets into the air at speeds of up to 150 m.p.h. 

Information from;  School Nurse News.