Northern Westchester Doctor Shares Tips To Help Fight The Common Cold – The Daily Voice

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. — As the cold weather begins to roll in across the Northeast, it ushers in the winter’s most common enemy: the common cold. Runny noses, coughs, sneezing and sore throats become alarmingly prevalent this time of the year, especially among children.

“The first thing to know about colds is that they’re caused by a virus, and that’s why doctors do not prescribe antibiotics in these instances, as they only work for bacterial infections,” said Dr. Elliot Barsh, a pediatrician at Northern Westchester Hospital. “In fact, most of the symptoms you get with a cold — coughing, sneezing, fever — are your body’s way of fighting off the virus.”

Vitamins and fluids are also an easy way to help fight off a winter virus. “Vitamin C can help fight the virus, and the actual fruit is better than juice or pills because the fiber in the pulp delivers extra health benefits,” said Dr. Barsh. “And chicken soup, it’s not just an old wives’ tale, it’s actually medicinal.”

To learn more about how to keep you and your child feeling your best during cold season, read the full blog post via Northern Westchester Hospital here .