It is hard to imagine that your dainty little daughter with the runny nose is just as contagious as Uncle Ed when he snorts, but apparently it is true. You may manage to avoid close contact with Uncle Ed, but there is no way you are going to not hug and kiss your sweet baby girl.

Use some caution, however, because if you are to take care of her and the rest of the family, you need to stay well.

You can be loving and still take extra precautions to avoid catching 'the bug'. You probably already have your stash of supplements, which may include Airborne. If you have used it, or have thought of trying it, read on. (As much as I support women, and teachers, I feel I should mention this. If it is refuted, I'll be sure to write that, too.)

Kaiser Permanente publication (Partners in Health, Winter 2008) :

"Airborne is an alternative medicine by a teacher who kept catching colds and the flu from her young students. This remedy, taken every few hours as a preventive measure, may provide too much vitamin A to be safe, says the National Institutes of Health. NIH says Airborne's 5,000 IUs of Vitamin A per serving raises the risk of birth defects, liver abnormalities, reduced bone density, and central nervous system disorders."

Hopefully they will come up with a new formula that will prove to be safer. Until they do, be sure to follow KP's practical suggestions to cut your chances of catching a virus:

• Wash your hands. Keep them away from your face.
• Eat well and exercise.
• Get adequate sleep and manage stress.

No magic pill . . . yet,   just good common sense.  From one who has had her share of sneezes, 

Mary Taylor, www.theschoolmarm.com

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