That Pesky Cold/flu Virus!

Funny thing, we try our best to ensure that our children grow up healthy and as parents, we try to maintain a level of consistency to ensure that a healthy balance is maintained…or so we believe! My toddler has started his preschool journey, however, it seems that on this journey, the challenges of “staying healthy” takes on new meanings for parents in having to fight-off frequent viral and bacterial invasions, as it seems to be a never-ending battle, for when he is free from the cold virus, it suddenly reappears.  I am guessing of course…, that such dilemmas come from being exposed to other young children, hence the reason for the increased risk to upper respiratory infection.    

Levi is now a toddler 3, he started pre-school at two and a half years of age, since then, his little system has had to battle with the cold so regularly.  Some of the things I have noticed and which, to our best ability as parents we try to prevent, is the “germ virus” factor; but like the average toddler, he interacts by touching every possible surface, which makes him more susceptible to the cold and flu virus, compounded by him putting his hands into his little mouth, as well as rubbing his eyes, or his nose, which facilitates the transmission of the germ virus to a mother’s unease, from having to sit up all night with him, just to make sure that he is breathing properly and that the fever is out of the way.  Then there are those moments when hospital care takes us far into the night, while we wait, until morning breaks…and yes, so too the fever and all that comes with it, such victories!   

The good thing about this, is that, he is building his immature immune system from touching all those contaminated surfaces, and from the other kids around, who like him, spread more than enough germs to each other because of their tendency to cough and sneeze without covering their little mouths.  Soon enough we must help him understand the importance of protecting himself, through the act of proper hand washing with soap and water, not to sure about hand sanitizers at this time.  

Nevertheless, while we wait for him to build his defense against the elements of a runny nose; a stuffy nose; the cough; a sore throat; sneezing and fever, Dad and I will continue to give him all the support and love he needs to fight-off the flu/cold virus, until he is strong enough to fight them on his own and make an easier win!