Why Are Some Kids So Prone To Infections While Others Never Get Sick

It is true that some kids are more prone to infections, while other kids never get sick. The reason behind this lies in understanding how infections spread. Parents often get frustrated by the fact that their kids get more sick than other kids, even though they are well looked after, wear warm clothes, and eat healthy meals.

But the fact of the matter is that it is normal for most young children especially pre-schoolers to have at least six to eight upper respiratory tract infections, three to four ear infections and two or three gastrointestinal infections each year. This is nothing to be alarmed about. What parents need to understand is that as a child gets older his/her immune system will grow strong and he/she will build up immunity to many common infections out there, thus getting sick less often.

The reason why most kids catch infections rather easily is because; they are always putting their hands and other objects into their mouths, which carry germs. One child’s germs can be easily transmitted to another child, when they are playing together or holding hands. The problem with kids is that as they have weaker immune systems than adults, they catch viruses and germs faster and get sick more often. But - and this is the tricky part to understand – in order to build immunity, kids need to get sick.

Getting sick is normal and okay. The fact is that the more children your child is around, the more likely it will be that he or she in all probability will get sick. We are not all the same, and all our immune systems do not function with the same level of efficiency. What parents need to realize is that most kids get sick often and that their child is not the only who catches something frequently.

Preventing Infections

To prevent infections, kids need to be taught how to practice good hygiene. Parents need to teach their kids to frequently wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom and before sitting down to eating. Kids also need to be taught to keep themselves clean. The importance of regular baths should always be emphasized upon.

Another risk factor to infection is exposure to second hand cigarette smoke. Smoking has been shown to increase the frequency and severity of all respiratory infections, in general, and ear infections, in particular. Teach your kids to avoid older people who smoke, mainly when they are smoking.

What parents can do for their part is to wash toys and other objects that your kids put in to their mouth. In addition, keep all surfaces in the house clean, especially the carpet, where a lot of germs breed. Instead, of a handkerchief use disposable tissues to wipe or blow your child's nose. Another important tip you can pass on to your kids is to avoid close contact with other children who are sick in school, as they can catch an infection.

What parents need to remember is that the frequency of a child’s sickness is not that important. It is not unusual for kids to get an infection. If he/she looks healthy and has a normal examination, there is no need to worry. The older your kid gets, the less frequently he/she will be sick. And as long as you child does not experience any severe symptoms, there is no need to panic. Just take him/her to the doctor and they will be fine in no time at all.