Coping with colds & flu

Q I have a 12-year-old son who is quite active, and I try to make sure that he eats right. The problem is that he seems to get a lot of colds, some worse than others. When he has these problems, I try to keep him away from other children so that he doesn't affect them. Now that we are in the middle of the cold and flu season, what can I do in an effort to help him avoid colds and flu?

T.H., Trenton, N.J.

A You are right; we are right in the middle of the cold and flu season, and there is more focus on this year's possibilities due to fears of the Asian bird flu that could start a worldwide health catastrophe.

While scientists and medical experts continue to deal with that potentiality, there are millions of other children, like your son, who are routinely hit with colds and flu.

You say your son gets regular physical exercise, and doctors say exercise stimulates the disease-fighting white blood cells in the body to move from the organs into the bloodstream. Additionally, you can strengthen your immune system by eating a proper diet, getting sufficient rest and reducing stress. These steps decrease your chances of getting a cold or the flu.

Both the common cold and influenza are spread by coughing, sneezing, or hand contact with another person after touching nose or mouth secretions. If you become a victim of a cold or flu, there are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help you cope until the conditions run their course.

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