Concerns often arise for parents when their child experiences frequent colds. Gain insights from Pediatrician Cindy Gellner on children’s colds and infections. Learn when to be vigilant about repeated sneezing and coughing, and strategies to maintain your child’s well-being throughout the year.

Is it typical for your child to fall ill frequently? Discover the reasons behind children catching colds and infections, and when to be on guard.

It is common for children to get colds and infections frequently due to their developing immune systems. Exposure to different environments, lack of proper hygiene, and close contact with other children can contribute to increased illnesses. It is important for parents to teach their children good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing, to help prevent the spread of germs.

If your child is experiencing frequent colds or infections, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues. Additionally, ensuring that your child gets enough rest, eats a balanced diet, and stays hydrated can help boost their immune system and reduce the likelihood of getting sick.

Being proactive about your child’s health and addressing any concerns with a healthcare provider can help keep your child healthy and happy throughout the year.

Children’s Vulnerability

Cold susceptibility typically begins around six months of age due to the decline in immunity. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers usually endure seven to eight colds annually, while teens average four colds per year. In addition to colds, children face diarrhea-related illnesses two to three times yearly.

It is important for parents to take steps to boost their child’s immune system, such as ensuring they get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and practice good hygiene habits. Regular handwashing, keeping common surfaces clean, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help prevent the spread of illnesses.

Reasons for Frequent Illnesses

Children often fall sick frequently because of constant exposure to new viruses, requiring time for their bodies to develop immunity. With approximately 200 cold viruses that mutate regularly, it’s important to note that colds are more prevalent in winter due to increased indoor exposure as opposed to cold weather.

In addition to viruses, other factors that contribute to frequent illnesses in children include a lack of proper hygiene practices, inadequate nutrition, and exposure to allergens. Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to illnesses. It’s important for parents to teach children good hygiene habits, provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and minimize exposure to allergens to help reduce the frequency of illnesses.

Recognizing Allergies and Misconceptions

If your child experiences persistent sneezing and a clear, runny nose for over a month without fever, allergies could be the cause. Allergies can be managed with appropriate medications. It’s essential to understand that colds are not triggered by dietary choices, weather conditions, or outdoor activities without protective clothing.

Parents often fret about potential vitamin deficiencies leading to illness. Recurrent ear infections do not necessarily indicate a severe health issue but might necessitate a specialist’s assessment.

Management of Illnesses and Return to Normal Activities

Children can resume school attendance once they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours and their symptoms are under control. The initial five days of a virus are typically the most intense, with cold symptoms lingering for up to 18 days. Antibiotics are only needed for complications like ear or sinus infections.

Vomiting in infants and children is usually short-lived, lasting around 1 to 2 days and is generally not a severe issue.

Signs Requiring Attention

• If your child is vomiting and displays any worrying symptoms.

Dehydration Alert

• If your child is vomiting repeatedly or exhibits signs of dehydration.

If you have concerns, seek advice from your GP or contact 111 for assistance.

Home Management of Vomiting Cases

Most instances of vomiting can be handled at home. Ensure your child remains hydrated by offering small amounts of clear fluids frequently. Avoid giving them solid foods until the vomiting has subsided. It’s important to monitor their symptoms closely and seek medical guidance if necessary, especially if the vomiting persists, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or if your child is unable to keep any fluids down.

Recognizing Signs of Illness

• Children may frequently show signs of illness such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Identifying Illness Indicators

Determining your child’s health status can be challenging, but a fever is a common indicator. Keep an eye out for other symptoms of sickness:

• headache
• nasal congestion or runny nose
• sneezing or coughing
• skin rash or diarrhoea
• glazed eyes
• drowsiness, fatigue or reduced appetite

Additional signs to note include alterations in breathing, shallow breathing, or pauses between breaths.

Children experiencing illness may also exhibit pale or blotchy skin, appear lethargic, uninterested in usual activities, and prefer rest or quiet play.

Check your child’s symptoms using the Symptom Checker to ascertain if medical intervention is necessary.

Preventing Illness Transmission

Common childhood illnesses can easily spread among children due to close contact. Proper hygiene practices play a vital role in curbing germ transmission. Educate children on covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing and discourage food or utensil sharing.

Urgent Breathing Concerns

If your child is having breathing difficulties, immediately seek emergency services. Allergies may mimic cold symptoms, and some children might have food or environmental allergies.

Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, demands prompt medical attention. Look out for signs such as breathing issues, pale skin, or a swollen tongue.

It is also important to have an action plan in place if your child has known allergies or asthma. Make sure they have their prescribed medications on hand at all times and that caregivers are aware of how to respond in case of an emergency.

When to Keep a Sick Child at Home

Consider keeping your child home if they have a temperature exceeding 38°C, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, cough, runny nose, or a rash. Monitor for signs of lethargy, poor feeding, reduced urine output, or irritability.

Keeping unwell children at home lowers the risk of transmitting illnesses and safeguards others.

Seeking Medical Assistance

If your child’s symptoms persist after 2 days, consult a doctor. Seek medical attention if fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, refusal to drink, or reduced urine output continue.

Locate a health service through the Service Finder for medical aid.

If you have concerns about your child’s health, always consult a healthcare provider.

Suspecting Meningitis Rash

If you suspect meningitis rash, seek immediate medical care or call emergency services. Young babies are particularly vulnerable to meningitis.

Signs necessitating urgent attention include paleness, difficulty awakening, breathing issues, fever accompanied by neck or back pain, or a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.

Rest and Recovery

Allow your child to recuperate at home by providing ample fluids and administering paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed for fever or discomfort (according to dosing instructions). Comfort your child with care and affection. It is also important to ensure your child gets plenty of rest, eats nutritious foods, and stays hydrated during their recovery. Keep them comfortable and make sure they stay warm and cozy. Encourage gentle activities, such as reading or watching movies, to help distract them from any discomfort. Make sure to follow up with your child’s healthcare provider if their symptoms persist or worsen.

Promoting Preventive Measures

Vaccination significantly diminishes the risk of common childhood illnesses like chickenpox. Encourage good hygiene practices and habits to sustain overall health.

Accessing Vaccination Records

Retrieve your child’s vaccination records on the myGov website. Arrange catch-up vaccinations for any missed doses through your healthcare professional.

Guidelines for Care

Rest, Hydrate and Monitor

Encourage rest, ensure adequate fluid intake, and observe symptoms for improvement or worsening. Seek medical advice as necessary.

Medication Considerations

Most minor ailments do not warrant medication, except for alleviating fever or discomfort. Consult a healthcare provider for proper dosage guidelines.

Multilingual Support

Find resources in multiple languages to manage viral illnesses. Contact the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 for around-the-clock nurse assistance in over 150 languages.

Related Topics

• Fever
• Common Cold
• Vaccination
• Scarlet Fever
• Paediatricians
• School exclusions
• Childhood illnesses
• Preventative measures
• Signs and symptoms
• Treatment options

Further Reading on Child Health

Recognizing Illness Signs

Learn to identify symptoms of illness in children and understand when to seek medical guidance.

Understanding Fever

Gain insights into fever as a natural response to infection and illness.

Insights on Infectious Diseases

Discover essential facts about infectious diseases and their impact on children.

Exploring Fever’s Effects

Learn more about fever and its implications on the body.

In-depth Look at Roseola

Access information on roseola, a common viral infection in infants and young children.

Insights on Parechovirus

Understand parechovirus transmission and available treatment methods.

Guidelines for Child Care

Find support, resources, and recommendations for caring for sick children.

Last reviewed: August 2024

Infectious Mononucleosis infoInfectious mononucleosis primarily affects teenagers and young adults. Transmission occurs through saliva and can result in fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Find more on NSW Health website

Insight into Imported Cases

Most Australian instances of typhoid or paratyphoid fever are contracted overseas.

Read further on Better Health Channel website

Temperature Monitoring Tips

Discover how to check your baby’s temperature with a thermometer, understand what constitutes a normal temperature for a baby, and learn how to manage fever in infants.

Learn more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Overview of Influenza

The Murray Valley encephalitis virus was first identified during an outbreak in 1951. Previous outbreaks in 1917, 1918, and 1925 were also likely caused by the same virus. In 1974, there was a widespread outbreak in Australia, with 58 cases of encephalitis and a fatality rate of around 20%. Since then, there have been very few reported cases.
Learn more on the Ausmed Education website
### Hyperglycaemia: A Diabetes Emergency | Ausmed
Hyperglycemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Blood sugar levels can rise rapidly or gradually over time. In cases of gradual increase, individuals may not experience any symptoms until their blood sugar levels reach dangerously high levels.
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### Blood culture | Pathology Tests Explained
Blood cultures are used to identify bacteria and yeasts in the bloodstream. Some bacteria require oxygen to survive (aerobes), while others thrive in the absence of oxygen.
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### COVID-19 Guide – Immunisation Coalition
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is an infectious disease. Learn about its transmission, symptoms, complications, prevention, vaccine efficacy, safety, and treatment options.
Read more on the Immunisation Coalition website
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