Bacterial infections are less common than viral infections and don’t spread as easily from one person to another.
Category Archives: Tips
Tip of the Week #35
Disinfectants will kill 99.9% of germs on hard, smooth surfaces. They must be used at the right concentration and for the right amount of time to be effective. Disinfectants are not intended for use on the skin.
Tip of the Week #10
When soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer to kill germs on your hands. Read the label to make sure that the alcohol content is at least 60%. Do not use alcohol free hand sanitizers. Only alcohol based hand sanitizers containing alcohol as the only active ingredient are recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada
Tip of the Week #12
A child’s behavior is more important than their fever for telling you when to worry. Children with viral infections usually feel better when their fever is reduced. Children with bacterial infections, especially pneumonia, usually continue to feel bad even if their fever is brought down.
Tip of the Week #14
A yellow / green discharge from the nose is normal 2 – 3 days after the start of a cold. This does not mean it is a bacterial infection.
Tip of the Week #19
Practice good respiratory etiquette. Sneeze or cough into a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve. Throw away used tissues promptly and wash your hands. Keep your fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Tip of the Week #17
Decongestants and cough syrup often contain acetaminophen. Always check labels or ask your pharmacist for help to avoid overdosing.
Tip of the Week #22
More than 75% of children with ear infections will get better without antibiotics. Wash your hands frequently and teach your children to wash their hands because most ear infections occur after a cold.
Tip of the Week #24
A child should be examined by a doctor three months after an ear infection to make sure there is no fluid left in the ear as this may lead to hearing problems. There is no need to see a doctor immediately after an ear infection if the child is feeling better. As many as half of all children with ear infections still have fluid in the ear after one month. This is normal and will go away by three months in most children.
Tip of the Week #20
Most sore throats are due to viruses. A doctor cannot tell, just by looking, whether a sore throat is due to a virus or to Streptococcus bacteria (Strep throat). A throat swab is the only way to know if antibiotics might help.