My son started pre-school and he's sick all the time!!?

Question

My son started pre-school this year and he now just turned 5 he'll start Kindergarten next year. He's never been in daycare and kept him home. When his baby brother was born a year ago he had throat problems and we had to keep him away from germs etc. Anyways now that he's started pre-school it seems like it's non-stop stomach bugs and colds. Any ideas on how to cope or what can help?? Has anyone had similar problems with their children?? Thanks so much..

my younger son had throat problems not my 5 year old.. and that is why he did not start pre-school earlier.. thanks =)

Answer 1

Yep... that is the way of school. Every child (as well as every teacher) gets sick when they start working at a preschool or going to one. All those children and adults in a small area, with all kinds of germs they have never encountered before- of course they are going to get sick. I will tell you that the more exposure to things they get as they are younger, the stronger their immune systems become. I have worked in preschools for 14 years, and each year when we get new students, I spend about 3 months with a constant cold. I have had both of my own children in preschool since they were 2, and both are now extremely healthy... they were sick lots when they first started, but now (in 3rd grade) my oldest has never missed a day of school. I'd rather they get sick in preschool, where missing a day doesn't mean missing out on instruction that is critical. If he gets it all over with in preschool, he'll be able to be well most of the time when it really counts in "big kid" school.

Answer 2

I'll explain it from personal experience. My daughter was never sick until I put her in daycare...she had pink on thanksgiving, got a cold the next day, kept the cold for a while, got the stomach bug the thursday before last, this past wednesday got RSV, friday got an infected lymph node. Yeah...she's sick A LOT because of daycare. The main reason is b/c there are so many little kids that are cramped up in such small places. It's hard to keep them from spreading germs.

Think about it like this. He gets sick once and his immune system is low...then, he gets exposed to new germs before he boosts his immune system. He gets sick again, and gets exposed to brand new germs. It's a never ending process. The only reason he probably seems better sometimes is because most germs have an incubation period. Typically, you don't come in contact with a germ (such as the cold) and come down with it the next day. It can take up to 10 days to show. So that is typically why it happens.

As for a cure, there isn't any except to homeschool and I'm sure you would do that if you could. Just let him ride it out. Once he becomes immune to this, he won't be so sick. It just takes time.

If you get really concerned and can afford it, switch to a place that has fewer kids and that's more costly. I'm not sure what type of place your son is in right now...but i hate to say it....kids from lower incomes tend to be more sick b/c they can't afford proper healthcare, etc. And they can't afford the more prestigious daycares, etc so they have to settle for the more cramped ones which means more germ-spreading. (For those of you who are going to get mad, I don't mean it mean. It's just facts. I'm one of the lower-class...so I know first hand.) So just tough it out if possible and make his as comfortable as possible!!!

Answer 3

I think it's pretty typical. My granddaughter started daycare and is sick all the time now. They're exposed to different germs an viruses from all the other kids. Make sure she eats healthy and takes her vitamins. Juice Plus is a product that helps the immune system (No, this is not a plug). We use it and we're rarely every sick anymore. Good luck, I hope you find the answer you're looking for.

Answer 4

does he get vitamins of any kind? Ask your Dr about some preventatives. Sadly, children are sent to school sick or not, but working parents who rely on the childcare it provides. He will have to build some immunity along the way. Interestingly enough, daycare would have helped this some!

Answer 5

first - make sure your child is immunized. Second, check out your school's janitorial procedures and products. It's likely that other kids in your son's class have the same problems. Kids touch things and share things and it is common for kids to get sick all the time once they start school. If he keeps having throat problems take him to an ENT and get those tonsils out!!! It will save a lot of sickness - trust me!

Answer 6

Make sure that he's eating healthy and you can give him Airborne. It's an over the counter medicine for stopping colds before they get bad. It's safe to give 1/2 a tablet to children.

Answer 7

It's not uncommon for kids exposed to crowds to get sick especially during this time of year. There's a product called airborne. Get some. It works to help prevent colds.

Answer 8

I think he just needs some time to build up some immunity from his sicknesses. When he gets sick, keep him home one extra day just to be sure his immune system fully recovers so that he can be healthy and ready to combat germs when he goes back to school.

Answer 9

Try Airborne for kids. It helps build up their immunity to prevent getting sick. OR.....lots of viitamin C and fruit!

Answer 10

have you tried a multi vitamin to help him fight the cold quicker? they can be taken daily from 3years old they come in many different forms. they are available in the health food aisle in shopping centres? I do give my daughters yogurt to help build up antibodies to fight colds quicker! it seems to work in two to three days!