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
Fifty percent of children who have ear infections will still have fluid behind the eardrum after one month. This is not a reason to give antibiotics.
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.
Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, before and after changing diapers or helping a child use the toilet.
Fluids, rest and acetaminophen are the best way to treat colds and the flu. Although you will usually feel better in 4 – 5 days, it may take as long as three weeks to completely recover.
Bacterial infections are less common than viral infections and don’t spread as easily from one person to another.
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.
Salt-water nose drops are the best treatment for babies with nasal congestion caused by a cold. You can make your own or buy them at the store.
Make sure that plain soap is available in the washroom of your child’s daycare or school, in your workplace and in places where you eat.
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.