One of the normal parts of growing up is getting sick time and again. Kids fall sick more often than adults, and they easily catch cold, cough, fever, etc. As kids do not have a strong immune system as compared to adults, they catch illnesses quite easily. They have a developing immune system, and when they have frequent exposures to germs, they build a defense system against it. In addition to that, how children interact with their surroundings also plays an important role in how often they fall ill. When the surrounding environment is clean and hygienic, little ones don’t fall ill as often as they are not exposed to germs or other types of infections. Children go to schools and also have a habit of touching everything around them, and this is how germs enter their bodies.
Although it’s important to protect your kids against getting sick, it’s equally vital to expose them to germs in order to build their immunity. When kids suffer from frequent minor illnesses, it gives a green signal that their health is well.
The Immune System Is Not Quite Developed
Children under five don’t have a developed immune system, and their bodies are still learning to fight viruses and bacteria. As they don’t have a strong defense system, that is why they keep on falling sick often. With time, as they age, their bodies have learned how to respond to these germs and viruses, and this lets them stay fit and fine. Vaccinations are there, but that does not mean that children will never fall ill; this is next to impossible. If your little one is under five years old and is getting sick every now and then, this means that he is building immunity naturally. The only thing that parents should be worried about is providing children with the right nutrition.
Spending Time Outdoors
Kids spend a lot of time outdoors with different people. Places like schools, gardens, playgrounds, etc are spaces where kids get in touch with other kids too. Germs spread when they share their toys, food, or even a can if they touch something. Moreover, children don’t always cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough, and this passes on infections as well. If one kid is sick in the group or class, others are likely to follow the trail. Parents are responsible for teaching healthy habits to their children along with hygienic practices that need to be followed during their outdoor time. This will lower the chances of getting sick in group settings.
Poor Hand Hygiene
Kids touch everything that is accessible to them and then forget to wash their hands. It is through hands only that all the germs enter the body. After touching the surface, germs spread when hands are touched to the mouth, eyes, and nose. Kids also try to put everything that they find in their mouth, and this leads to the spreading of infections. It’s important to inculcate a proper hand-cleaning routine in children, such as washing hands before and after cleaning, after using the washroom, after coming home after playing, etc. This is a simple habit but has a big role to play when it comes to staying fit and healthy.
Thus, it’s not easy to see your kids getting unwell now and then, but you as parents need to know that this is a part of growing up, and it makes your little champions stronger.