How is the common cold transmitted?

Colds are transmitted by air when you inhale tiny water particles containing the virus. These contaminated droplets are found in the air when someone with a cold coughs, sneezes or sputters without covering their mouth.

Transmission can also occur when touching an object contaminated by the virus or coming into contact with someone who has a cold. Salinex ProTect^® protects nasal passages to help reduce the spreading and proliferation of cold viruses.

We’re going on a family vacation during school break – how can we prevent colds?

The common cold is a minor contagious infection that can be unpleasant and can ruin a holiday. Cold symptoms include sore throat, sneezing and congestion. The best way to avoid the common cold is to follow rigorously basic hygiene measures.

Wash your hands several times a day with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, making sure you wash your palms, between your fingers and the backs of your hands.
Opt for paper to dry your hands.
Try to avoid shaking hands and kissing people who may have colds. If this is not possible, wash your hands after shaking hands, and refrain from touching your mouth in the meantime.
Air out rooms where you spend time, clean shared devices that may have been contaminated (pencils, computer keyboards, telephones, electric switches, doorknobs, remote controls, faucets, etc.)
Eat well and exercise to strengthen your immune system.

Salinex ProTect^® creates a protective layer in the nasal cavity that helps protect against the spreading and proliferation of cold viruses. If you feel the first symptoms of a cold coming on in the days preceding your departure or during your stay, use Salinex ProTect^® according to the labeling instructions.

How can I reduce the risk of my baby catching my cold?

Simple, well-known actions remain the best way to avoid getting colds. If you make habits of them, you’ll stack the odds in your favour. But if you do have a cold:

Wash your hands thoroughly before taking care of your child.
Cover your mouth with the inner crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze to avoid contaminating your hands, the main transmission vehicle.
It’s a good idea to wear a mask when caring for your baby and be sure to wash your hands before.
Whenever possible, limit your time with your baby to reduce the risk of contamination. Ensure that others with colds around your child do the same.
Discard used tissues and masks after use.
On a regular basis, wash your child’s toys and other items that you may have touched.
Aerate daily the spaces in which your child spends time to prevent him (her) from being contaminated by the ambient air.

My child caught a cold at daycare … how can I effectively treat the cold and when can my child return to daycare?

Use of Salinex ProTect^® in the early stages of a cold reduces the viral load in nasal secretions and relieves symptoms (stuffy nose, runny nose) while shortening the duration of these cold symptoms. It is up to the parents or a physician to assess the general condition of the child and decide when he can safely return to daycare. When necessary, remind your child to exercise basic hygiene rules (washing hands regularly, coughing into the crook of the elbow, keeping some distance from friends, etc.).

My baby protests when I try to clean his or her nose. What do you recommend?

Nasal hygiene is important for clearing out secretions and it is normal for your baby to flail and object. For your convenience—and to decrease your baby’s discomfort—use a dropper, such as Salinex^® Nasal drops, and make sure that the saline solution is at room temperature. Straighten up your baby after administering nasal drops in the first nostril so that he can catch his breath.

My child is 4 years old and has a cold. How can I teach him to blow his nose?

Children are often unable to blow their noses. To teach your child how, sit at a table and put the child on your lap, head tilted slightly forwards. Put something light on the table, like a piece of tissue paper, cotton or paper ball. Ask the child to move the object by blowing through his nose, making sure his mouth is closed.