Skip the immunity boosters. Here is what actually helps, and exactly when it is time to call.
We are only a few weeks into school. You hear the door open and then you hear it. The cough. Then the sneeze. And all you can think is, here we go again.
It feels like last cold season just ended. And if mom gets sick, the whole house goes off the rails. This time of year, especially in New England, brings leftover allergens, strep, early flu and every other virus that came back in a backpack.
What your feed is selling you
Suddenly every scroll is an immunity booster. High-dose vitamin C is the big one. It will not prevent a cold, and taking large doses can cause nausea, cramps and, rarely, kidney stones. Too much of anything is never a good thing. Simple is best.
Save your money. Stick to the basics.
Wash with soap and water. Hand sanitizer does not kill most stomach bugs.
Drink fluids. Water first. If no one is eating, add something with electrolytes.
Steam it out. This is when your teen's hour-long shower finally earns its keep.
Sleep. Feeling sick is permission to catch up. For both of you.
Honey. For anyone over 12 months, it soothes a cough and a scratchy throat.
A few things to keep in mind
Green mucus does not mean you need antibiotics.
A cough can linger two weeks or more, as long as it keeps improving.
A sore throat is not always strep.
“If you think you should call the doctor, call. There is a good chance we have heard it three times already today.”
THE NURSE'S LINE
When to call the doctor
Any difficulty breathing Missing school or work for three days or more
Extreme lethargy: can't get up to walk to the bathroom, can't stay awake
A fever that won't respond to fever reducers, or lasts more than four days
Have this ready when you call: when symptoms started, the highest temperature, what you have given and when, and whether anyone else at home is sick.
As always, I would love to hear from you. My inbox is open for your questions.
