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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 1 (April 2, 1934.)

Children and Colds

Children and Colds.

As the autumn and winter months draw nearer, the subject of coughs, colds and chills cannot be entirely dismissed. Especially where children are concerned, the fight against the cold germ cannot be relaxed. In children colds turn so frequently to bronchitis and more serious illnesses, and are often the direct cause of ill-health in later life.

An open-air life is the enemy of germs of all descriptions. Fresh air helps to keep the body fit to withstand the invasion of enemy bacteria. Moving and changing air carries away the microbes. Cleanliness is another essential, and freedom from constipation. A clean body makes a poor breeding place for microbes.

Diet is an important factor. In the winter there is an inclination to increase the starchy ration. Try to include as much fresh green stuff and fruit (especially apples and oranges) as possible in the daily diet.

Clothing is also important. Do not coddle in the cold weather by dressing the child in layers of thick underclothing. Have a lightly woven porous garment next the skin. Two, or at the most three layers of clothing are all that are necessary. On a cold day an extra cardigan or jersey can be worn out of doors. A child keeps warm with exercise.

If a child complains of an unusually chilly feeling the best thing is to give a warm bath, taking care to prevent chilling afterwards, and put him into a warm bed with a hot water bottle. Let him breathe cool, moving air. Have the bed away from draughts and keep the window open. If necessary give him a laxative.

Summed up, the best way to check a cold is a warm bath, warm bed, and plenty of fluids—water, barley water, orange and other fruit drinks. Withhold solid food for a day or two.