For millions of American families, daycare centers have become a necessity, since more than half of the mothers with babies and younger children work outside the home. When two parents or a single parent must work and other family support systems are inadequate or unavailable, child daycare centers become the main alternative for working parents. Unfortunately, daycare centers often provide opportunities for the spread of infectious diseases including the common cold to other children, daycare providers and the rest of the community. This article provides answers to some concerns about common colds in child daycare centers.

What is the common cold?
The common cold is an infection caused by different types of viruses and may be spread when a well child breathes in germs that an infected person has coughed, sneezed, or breathed into the air. Colds are also spread when a well child comes into direct contact with secretions from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person (for example, when a well child plays with a toy that an infected child has coughed or sneezed on).

How common is the common cold?
Common cold infections are widespread and very few humans, except perhaps hermits, escape infection. Most individuals suffer multiple infections each year. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that infants and pre-school children have about 6 to 10 colds per year, accounting for about 75% of all colds.

Does cold weather cause colds in children?
NO! The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease (NIAID) reports that cold weather has little or no effect on the development or severity of a cold, although many parents are convinced that colds result from exposure to cold weather, or from getting chilled or overheated. However, stress and illnesses that affect the nasal passages and weaken the immune system are known to increase the chances of developing colds.

Why are colds more common during cold seasons?
Most colds occur during the fall and winter. These seasons coincide with the opening of schools, outdoor activities become limited, indoor gatherings increase, and thus increase the chances of spreading cold viruses from person to person.

What are some signs/symptoms of the common cold and how soon do they appear?
Common colds usually begin two to three days after infection, causing discharges from the nose, difficulties breathing due to nasal congestion, swelling of the sinuses, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. Any fever is usually slight but may be higher in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from two to 14 days, but most individuals recover in a week. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, they may be the result of an allergy rather than a cold.

Should children with cold symptoms be excluded from daycare centers?
This is not generally recommended as long as the child can participate comfortably does not develop a high temperature, or require the level of care that would jeopardize the health and safety of other children. Excluding children with colds from daycare centers is not beneficial because viruses that cause colds often spread even before cold symptoms appear.

What complications can result from colds?
Colds can occasionally lead to secondary infections with bacteria affecting the middle ear or sinuses, causing bronchitis or pneumonia and requiring treatment with antibiotics. High fever, significantly swollen glands, pain in the sinuses, and a cough that produces mucus, may indicate complications from a cold and require further attention from a healthcare provider.

How can colds be prevented in daycare centers?

1. Adults caring for children and older children should learn/use good hand-washing techniques.
2. Clean and disinfect common surfaces and toys daily.
3. Ventilate facility by opening windows or doors or by using a ventilation system that periodically exchange the air inside the facility.
4. Avoid overcrowding, especially during naps on floor mats or cots.
5. Teach technique to cover coughs, and wipe noses in ways that contain secretions.
6. Keep children well nourished and hydrated.

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