COLDS AND INFLUENZA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20668, 13 September 1930, Page 7 (Supplement)

COLDS AND INFLUENZA.

If children have been rendered really hardy and strong by good feeding and exercise and sonsiblo clothing, etc., there is comparatively little to fear from infections in winter or at any time. Just now, with colds, coughs, and influenza the order of the day, one notices especially the very striking difference in resistance between tho hardy baby and the coddled child. Even now it is not too lafo to start preventive measures. Tho great thing is to increase the child's resistance.

Keep the house well ventilated, and have tho children out of doors as much as ever tho weather permits. Mako use of every odd half-hour of sunshine. Do not let'baby sleep in the kitchen. Dress the children according to tho temperature of tho day, not the season. Constant overclothing is very weakening and lowers the resistance.

See that the children have long, unbroken sleep at night, and a daytime sleep or rest.

Give a cool sponge-down and a brisk, vigorous rub after the bath every morning. When lifting from a warm bed after sleep protect the children from sudden chilling. Colds are infectious. Keep children away from anyone who has a coid or other respiratory trouble. Do not allow indiscriminate kissing and fondling. If baby catches a cold, especially if he is feverish remember tho following simple suggestions The child's main need is for fluidwarm boiled water or diluted fruit juice. Ho needs less food and moro water than usual. Consequently do not press him to take all his ordinary food if ho is disinclined for it. If there is any digestive upset dilute tho baby's milk mixture with a few ounces of extra water. Drinks of water or fruit juice should be given frequently between meal times. Tho giving of sufficient fluid is an im portant point, and ono which is often neglected, because the child is very apt to refuse drinks, probably because the throat is sore. If this is tho case every possible means of inducing tho child _to drink must bo resorted to. If coaxing and wiles fail, strong measures may bo necessary for tho child's own good. Never mind if thp small patient does a partial starve for a few days, so long as you get him to take fluid. Ho will probably be hotter without solid food, but the body is much hampered in its fight against the hostile germ if it is not supplied with plenty of water.