Doctor advises how to avoid colds

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- It's cold and flu season again in the United States, but people can take steps to try to prevent misery, a medical expert says.

Dr. Esther Yoon of the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Mich., suggests parents cab help prevent colds by washing hands frequently, using liquid hand sanitizers, teaching children to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze and making sure children are well hydrated, have good nutrition and are getting enough sleep.

"Other good tips include disinfecting the home, kitchen countertops, door knobs and toys," Yoon says in a statement. "Children should get plenty of vitamin C and E to help fight germs and a multivitamin is also helpful."

Cold symptoms caused by a virus typically last between four and five days. But if they continue for more than five days, Yoon recommends taking the child to a doctor. A child having difficulty breathing or is wheezing should be seen right away. Infants younger than 3 months old with a fever should also be seen right away.