Managing the COMMON COLD

If your child catches the common cold this season, do see your doctor if your child is not better in three days.

Dr. Krishna Mahathi

My adored English teacher in primary school inspired most of us in her class to become fascinated with poetry. I remember one particular poem “The Common Cold” written by A.P Herbert that she taught us, and I always take my cue from it while speaking to my patients and their caregivers. So here goes….

The Common Cold, the Common Cold The doctors really must be told It’s really time that they controlled The horrors of the Common Cold.

It’s quite true that colds and coughs are humdrum to us doctors. They arrive when the weather conditions allow viruses to thrive, and will continue to spread as long as there is going to be clustering and companionship. Watching the patterned episodes does make a physician think that it’s not much of a hassle. Personally, only after I became a parent could I see how a blocked nose (nothing to doctors!) could make a child out of sorts, uncomfortable and cranky. We do take charge though, when we see a change in the scenario, like when the common cold becomes the flu.

I love the doctors – they are dears; But must they spend such years and years Investigating such a lot Of illnesses which no one’s got? When everybody, young and old Is frantic with the Common Cold And I will eat my only hat If they know anything of that