YOUR HEALTH
Colds don't interfere with infant care
DR. DONOHUE

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband and I have recently become full-time baby sitters for our grandchildren. We often have colds during the winter. Tell us how we can keep from sharing our colds with the babies. The children are 27 months and 12 months. We are always close to them, with diaper-changing, potty training, bottles, rocking to sleep and feeding. -- M.E.

ANSWER: Every infant caregiver faces the same dilemma you face. Is it OK to take care of children when the caregiver is sick? For most, there is no option. Care has to be given, and the parent or surrogate for the parent has to be the giver.

Infants are hardier than you might think. They are going to be exposed to the germs that cause colds unless you raise them in a germ-free environment, and that's not possible. Exposure to germs actually stimulates the infant's immune system. Exposure to dangerous germs should not occur. You'll know if you have a dangerous germ. You won't be able to get out of bed.

The way to take care of the children when you have a cold is to wash your hands often. The cold virus is passed mostly from the hands of the person with a cold. Coughing or sneezing also spreads the virus, so you should cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it.

Your willingness to raise a second family is a testimonial to your innate goodness.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 82 years old and am healthy. My urologist has told me that I am in need of a circumcision. I have no reason to question him.

However, I am very uncomfortable about the procedure despite getting assurances that all will be well. My concern is mostly over the pain involved, the period of recovery and any aftereffects. Will there be a need for a catheter? How is the wound dressed? What sort of discomfort might I expect? -- W.K.

ANSWER: Adult circumcision is done under a local or regional anesthesia. You won't be put to sleep, but you won't feel any pain during the surgery. When the anesthesia wears off, you will be given pain medicine, and you will go home with a supply of pain medicine. Your discomfort should be minimal.

You won't have a catheter. You can urinate normally after the operation.

The incision is covered with a gauze dressing that most often has been impregnated with petrolatum so it is easily removed in one to two days.

Most urologists use absorbable sutures, so the sutures do not have to be removed.

You'll be up and about after the surgery. You should not have any sexual relations for four to six weeks after the operation. I am sure you'll be surprised at how fast recovery is.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved