Health Myths Moms Should Know About

Moms want their children to be healthy. There are also several myths floating around that moms believe about their children's health. The following list should help moms be aware of what to look for, and what may not be so important.

One old wives tale is that when children have a fever, it is okay for them not to eat. They may be vomiting and many parents think its best to let the child's illness pass on its own. While this may be an okay solution, it is important for the baby and/or child to eat so that their body is properly nourished and able to fight off the infection.

Some of the foods the baby could eat are chicken noodle soup, juice and even ice cream. Each of these non solid foods will help your little one fight off their fever and illness more quickly.

Another myth is that green mucus means your child has something worse than the common cold.

While this may have a little truth to it, green mucus is often not a big deal. Yellow, green and white mucus are typically symptoms of a common cold.

If the mucus is green or yellow and it is combined with symptoms such as a high fever and decrease in appetite, it may be linked to a bacterial infection. This may require antibiotics as well.

Also, if the green or yellow mucus is persistent and common, the child may have enlarged adenoids or some other problem associated with their nasal cavity. This is a situation in which a doctor or pediatrician should make the diagnosis.

Another health myth concerning children is that cold and flu viruses spread the most rapidly when symptoms have not yet appeared. The truth is that these germs typically spread when they are at their worst.

The germs are typically contained in cough or sneeze droplets and are commonly contracted hand to hand. The symptoms and likelihood of the illness being contracted will both remain intact until the illness ends.