We often have play dates and there have been a couple of times that someone will bring along a baby with a runny or crusty nose and a cough and I casually ask "Ummm is he sick" to which I am either ignored or nonchalantly answered with, "ohhhhh no he's just teething". Meanwhile, their baby is drooling away on my baby and they're excitedly putting each other's toys in their mouths and I'm trying my best not to flip the F out!!
So, I took to Google today, as we do, for some help in understanding how the spread of cold and flu works. Here are the basics of what I found...
Contagious Period
* Cold: often before symptoms start to about 4 days into the illness (this one surprised and relieved me!)
Survival time of Cold and Flu Viruses:
* Skin: 3 hours
Prevention
* Disinfect:
- 5% solution of vinegar (will kill 99% of bacteria and only 80% of virus (cold/flu)
- ¼ cup bleach per gallon of water will kill just about everything, but is obviously not great for baby
- This recipe sounds great (have yet to try it):
3/4 cup warm tap water
1 tablespoon baking soda
10 drops of tea tree oil (antibacterial, antifungal, etc.)
2 drops oil of lavender essential oil (optional) (antiseptic and smells nice)