Many Australian parents are engaging in non-scientific practices in cold prevention according to new findings from The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll.

The RCH poll found less than half of parents (46%) know that frequent handwashing is the most effective way to prevent catching a cold. The vast majority of parents are unaware just how common a cold is, with only one in ten parents (10%) knowing a preschool aged child has, on average, at least six colds a year. More than a third (35%) of parents incorrectly believe that children who get more than a couple of colds a year have a weak immune system.

Worryingly, one in eight parents (13%) report giving their child antibiotics as a measure to prevent catching a cold and one in four parents (25%) believe that taking antibiotics can stop a cold turning into the flu.  The cold is a virus and does not respond to antibiotics

We also found a significant proportion of parents (84%) follow strategies based on myths to prevent their child from catching a cold, despite a lack of scientific evidence.  Examples include:

• Staying warm (79%)
• Avoiding going to bed with wet hair (54%)
• Not going outside with bare feet (44%)
• Not going outside with wet hair (39%)
• Staying indoors (25%)

Poll Director and paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes said “Frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitiser is the most effective way to prevent catching a cold. Despite what many might think, you do not need antibacterial soap as part of your routine, ordinary soap or detergent is just as effective. It’s the mechanical movement of handwashing that removes the cold virus.”

“Colds can be spread from infected people to others via the air and contaminated surfaces. Colds are caused by viruses not bacteria – it’s important to remember that antibiotics are ineffective in treating viruses as they work on bacterial infections.  Use of antibiotics not only exposes your child to side effects, it also contributes to antibiotic resistance,” Dr Rhodes said.

Tips for parents

• Ensure your and your child’s hands are washed frequently throughout the day for 15-20 seconds
• Carry hand sanitiser with you to use If you don’t have access to water and soap
• Make washing hands fun, try singing happy birthday twice as a way to guide how long children and adults should wash their hands for
• For younger children, have a stool handy in the bathroom to ensure they can reach the water and wash their hands effectively

For more tips and resources please visit our For Parents page.

3AW News Talk

A doctor busts myths and explains what REALLY works to prevent a cold

The Herald Sun

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fnews%2Fvictoria%2Ffewer-than-half-of-aussie-parents-know-washing-hands-key-to-cold-prevention-poll-reveals%2Fnews-story%2F3160f3d0b8e5e276882476b468d27d83&memtype=registered&mode=premium#command-form

9 News

https://www.9news.com.au/health/aussie-parents-confused-on-cold-prevention/5bce68a0-f51e-4f8d-89f9-5e520ac3fc65

7 News

https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/healthmedicine/aussie-parents-confused-on-cold-prevention-c-386331

Kidspot

https://www.kidspot.com.au/health/the-best-way-to-prevent-a-common-cold-is-washing-with-plain-soap-and-water/news-story/d374b452615860baf7101574a9f2256c

Yahoo News AU

https://au.news.yahoo.com/the-myth-about-preventing-a-common-cold-that-aussies-fall-for-205202330.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAH-wiYo3k2G18aqQ85GG1o9fpLqBrLnPc14jYkcjfH12yhGo9BV89KX9HqYsfBkfxBVEdV5J_BinmpKQY9DrGvGwumJBB2vhT4c13-LtM_RoofoNl0p7tsU9TXCHnL1TEby9YVGudIM_R-K4L0_S3lqI0jQSTo9xBI-rUK46cTWs

Tips for parents

• Frequently wash your hands throughout the day for 15-20 seconds
• Wash hands before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet and after coughs and sneezes
• Ensure correct hand washing technique using the following steps:
  • Wet hands and apply a single pump of soap
  • Rub hands palm to palm
  • Rub right hand over the left hand and vice versa
  • Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced
  • Interlace backs of hands
  • Rub around each thumb
  • Rinse hands and dry thoroughly
• If you don’t have access to water and soap while out, carry hand sanitiser with you to use instead
• Make washing hands fun, try singing happy birthday twice as a way to measure how long they should wash their hands for
• For younger children, have a step handy in the bathroom to ensure they can reach the water and wash their hands effective

Cold prevention and management resources

• Raising children network – Colds in kids and teens: how to treat them
• Health direct – Coughs, colds and ear infections in children
• Better Health – Conditions and treatments: colds
• Healthy WA – Common cold
• SA Health – Common cold: including symptoms, treatment and prevention

The Royal Children’s Hospital resources

• RCH Kids Health Info – Stopping the spread of germs
• RCH Kids Health Info – Viral illnesses