Two o'clock in the morning, a thermometer on the bedside table and the question: why again?
If you have a kindergartener, first grader, or school-age child at home, you are not alone. Frequent illnesses in the first few years of school are very common among children, and it is not your fault.
Why does a kindergartener get sick so often?
A child's immune system learns. It creates a "memory" with each encounter with a new virus, and in kindergarten, they encounter dozens of new viruses in a short time. That's why the first year in the group is usually the most difficult.
Common diseases are also contributed to by:
close contact with children who put everything in their mouths and do not blow their noses into a tissue,
the season, especially autumn and winter, when we spend more time indoors,
fatigue, lack of sleep and stress from a new situation,
Age: The younger the child, the more new infections they usually overcome.
Is it normal for a child to get sick 8 to 10 times a year?
It is common for preschoolers to have multiple respiratory infections per year, often between four and ten, sometimes more. It is important to monitor how your child recovers, whether they have enough healthy days between illnesses, and how they are growing and developing. The exact numbers vary from person to person, so discuss them with your pediatrician.
What can help (without miracle promises)
Immunity cannot be "turned on" with one product, but the environment and daily routine make a difference:
Sleep: regular routine and enough sleep according to age.
Exercise outdoors: at least 1–2 hours a day, even if it's cloudy.
A varied diet: more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and proteins, fewer sweets and processed foods.
Drinking regimen: water and unsweetened drinks.
Hand hygiene: wash after arriving home and before eating.
Less stress: peaceful mornings and evening rituals.
Recovery: Give your child time to fully recover before returning to the team.
When to consult a pediatrician
It is especially important to see a doctor if you have a high fever that does not go down, shortness of breath, earache, a long-term cough, a significantly deteriorated condition of the child, or if illnesses are unusually frequent or severe. If an immune disorder or chronic disease is suspected, the doctor will decide.
What next?
If you would like a clear plan instead of guessing what to try next, check out the e-book
End of the disease cycle :
A practical guide for mothers of kindergarteners and schoolchildren with a 7-week plan, a menu, and three bonuses.
View e-book
Mgr. Janette Kovaľová , certified nutritional therapist and author of the e-book The End of the Disease Carousel.
The content of the article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical examination or treatment. If your child has any health problems, please consult a pediatrician.
