Q: I have two small children in day care and since about September they seem to get colds and sore throats every two weeks, so they have been sick most of the winter. They are not ill as they do not have a fever, but they always have runny noses and coughs. Should I be concerned?
A: Adults do not get as many colds as children, particularly preschool-aged ones, as they have built up immunity to a large number of different viruses from exposure over the years. There are more than 100 different varieties of cold and flu viruses so it takes a while to encounter them all.
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Children in day care are more likely to catch colds than those who stay at home with their parents due to the larger number of kids to whom they are exposed.
Also, kids tend not to be too particular about how they cough or sneeze or blow their noses. Nasal secretions get on their hands and other objects such as toys, where they are easily passed around the group. The same applies to children who are members of large families, even if they stay at home. Your children are just average and you do not need to be concerned unless they develop more serious symptoms, such as high fever or earaches.
Did you know the average preschool child gets about 10 upper respiratory infections each winter? Just as a comparison, I only get one cold approximately every three years. It isn’t that I am extra healthy, but as a doctor I have been exposed to many different viruses over the years and I am careful to wash my hands frequently in hot soapy water.
The good news is that there will be fewer viruses left for your children to be exposed to next year and by the time they are in
Grade 1 they will need less time off sick than those who stayed home and had fewer colds before starting school.
On the exposure issue, if you are a smoker and your children are exposed to secondhand smoke, not only do you deplete vitamin C levels in yourself, but also in them, according to a recent study done in Puerto Rico. Researchers said the results are not sufficient for them to recommend giving extra vitamin C to your child. Most children drink orange juice, which is rich in vitamin C, so this should be sufficient.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
