Why Do Kids Get Sick So Often

Common Illnesses
Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions
Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Why Do Kids Get Sick So Often?

Three things contribute to frequent illnesses among pre-schoolers.

First, once the immunity provided by the mother through the placenta and then through nursing ceases (at approximately 9-12 months), children are more susceptible to illness because their own immune systems are not fully developed.

Second, young children explore everything with their mouths -- their hands, their toys, your toys, virtually everything with which they come into contact. This hand-to-mouth exploration is normal, natural, and expected. It is how children learn. However, it is also how children share germs.

Third, this propensity for "spit swapping" combined with the close proximity in which children play in day care, pre-schools, and on the playground, ultimately leads to the spread of viral and bacterial infections and illness.

On the plus side, repeated exposure to common viruses and other infections helps build immunity.

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
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If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Why Do Kids Get Sick So Often? Three things contribute to frequent illnesses among pre-schoolers. First, once the immunity provided by the mother through the placenta and then through nursing ceases (at approximately 9-12 months), children are more susceptible to illness because their own immune systems are not fully developed. Second, young children explore everything with their mouths -- their hands, their toys, your toys, virtually everything with which they come into contact. This hand-to-mouth exploration is normal, natural, and expected. It is how children learn. However, it is also how children share germs. Third, this propensity for "spit swapping" combined with the close proximity in which children play in day care, pre-schools, and on the playground, ultimately leads to the spread of viral and bacterial infections and illness. On the plus side, repeated exposure to common viruses and other infections helps build immunity.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.