Does using a small heater contribute to my young children constantly getting colds?

Question

I have a small heater in my room because it is very drafty and cold plus my son sleeps on the floor which is not good but.... . my aunt keeps saying my children get colds because I use the heater. At the moment none of my children are in daycare but my son does attend school.

Answer 1

Colds are caused by germs. If there were any cold-causing germs on the heater, they would be destroyed by the lack of moisture and high temperature. Your son is bringing the germs home from school and passing them around.

Answer 2

The heater could take moisture out of the air and dry out nasal passages but I doubt it would cause a cold. I would use a heater over no heater regardless if the room is so cold. Be careful with space heaters though, depending on the kind, they can be a fire hazard, especially around small children.

Answer 3

Colds are caused by germs, but the heater could be contributing as well. The heater dries out the air, which dries out the mucous membrane in your child's nose and throat and can cause tiny little cracks or scratches. Germs can enter these scratches and cause a cold. I would recommend using a humidifier as well as the heater, to try to keep the moisture content in the air level. And of course, make sure everyone keeps their hands clean.

Answer 4

no, I use a small heater in our living room, because I don't want to heat the whole house when I am only in the living room. It's not getting your children sick, you child coming from school, or him sleeping on the floor since you walk on the floor, you can bring germs in the house. I don't understand why you don't sleep on the floor and let your son have the bed, and if it's big enough let him join you.

Answer 5

Colds are not caused by being cold. Colds are caused by germs.
A heater would not do anything to help them. Your son is either getting them from family members, but most likely school. I'd atleast sugest you get him a very small bed, and one small pillow. His head should be proped up, and that will cause less stuffed up noses.

Answer 6

No. Try using a mild anti-bacterial solution to wipe down surfaces and have the kids wash their hands more often. That will help cut down the amount of germs they can be exposed to. But don't go overboard - some exposure is important for the immune system.

Answer 7

No, heat and cold do not cause colds. Young children get sick a lot because they touch things with viruses and stick their hands in their mouths.

Answer 8

why does your child sleep on the floor??? whats wrong with the regular heat? and of course they are gonna get a cold if its cold!! especially the child on the floor!!!!