why is my child always sick?

Does it seem like your child is sick all the time? They probably are!

An AVERAGE preschool or school-age child gets 8-12 upper respiratory tract infections per year, each lasting on average 1-2 weeks. These illnesses are mostly concentrated in the fall & winter months.

On average kids are sick AT LEAST half the winter with viral illnesses. Families are often sick for weeks on end with one viral infection after another. Cough is often the last symptom to resolve; post-viral cough can last several weeks after the acute illness is over!

Viruses can share similar symptoms which can make it hard to tell them apart...COVID-19 is still around.

COVID-19 symptoms can often include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, congestion, sore throat, headache, sneezing, GI symptoms such as vomiting/diarrhea, or loss of taste/smell. Symptoms can appear anywhere between 2 to 14 days after exposure to a sick person

RSV is a very common virus that causes cold symptoms in infants and toddlers and may be followed by bronchiolitis; symptoms include fever, sneezing, difficulty breathing (flaring nostrils, wheezing, grunting, fast/shallow breathing, head bobbing, chest caving in between and under ribs), poor feeding and decreased appetite. Symptoms peak on day 3-5 and last 5-7 days or longer. Some children (especially younger infants) may need to be admitted for oxygen, suctioning & IV fluids. Read more about RSV here

Flu symptoms are quite similar and appear 1-4 days after exposure. The flu can be complicated by secondary bacterial infections ex. pneumonia

BC public health advises EVERYONE get their annual flu vaccine .

The annual influenza vaccine reduces ER visits & hospitalizations by 40-50% and reduces severe illness/ICU admission by 75%. Influenza can cause severe illness, including death in some cases.

In 2018 >80% of hospitalized children with influenza weren't vaccinated.

Influenza vaccines are effective - to read more: myths & facts

What can you do to help prevent illness?

1. Wear a MASK in crowded indoor spaces

Masking is the most effective way to keep from getting sick with an upper respiratory tract infection. When there was universal masking, there was no flu season in either hemisphere. No one got sick.

The vast majority of children can safely wear a mask. Wearing something that covers the mouth and nose may be challenging for children with autism or associated sensory issues.

Masks should not be worn by:

Children under 2 years of age
Anyone who is unable to safely remove a mask without help

Masks are most effective when fitted and they are worn & handled correctly: a mask should sit closely over your mouth, nose, cheeks and chin & be held in place comfortably behind your head with ear loops. Masks should only ever be worn by one person.

Medical masks should only be worn once. Masks should be changed if they get damp, dirty or the ear loops stretch or break. Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on and taking off your mask.

2. Get VACCINATED & make sure all of your vaccines are UP-TO-DATE; get booster doses

Get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the FLU as soon as possible (end of October-early November) before flu season starts.

Follow BC's vaccine schedule
7 important reasons to immunize your child, CHOP's vaccine education center
**If you choose not to immunize it's important you understand the risks**

3. Use proper cough hygiene - COUGH IN YOUR ELBOW and teach your kids to do the same!

4. WASH YOUR HANDS!!!

5. If you feel UNWELL just STAY HOME and help limit the spread of infection to others

Children should only return to school/daycare once they no longer have fever and are clearly improving after a couple of days. For COVID-19 infection: your child should wait 5 days before returning to school

For helpful tips on navigating colds & flus; why we shouldn't rush to antibiotics: Q&A antibiotics

Some children do need antibiotics to get better; antibiotics only kill infections caused by bacteria (they do not kill viruses so they won't help if your child has a viral illness)

Learn about fever including how to measure your child's temperature here (you can undress your child, give them fluids, and use a fan to help cool them down)

6. Get plenty of REST & FLUIDS - drink water to stay well hydrated

7. STOP SMOKING / VAPING

Smoking increases your kids (and your) risk of upper respiratory infections AND it also makes it harder to heal after infections when they (you) are sick. Even if you only smoke/vape outside, the particles remain on your clothing; exposure to second-hand smoke has similar negative effects on your children.

If you don't want to quit for yourself, quit for your kids. Check out BC's free QuitNow program.

have questions about the covid-19 vaccinE?

Even if you've had COVID-19, you STILL need to be vaccinated as protection decreases over time.

Some children with COVID-19 have mild disease (or no symptoms at all), but some get severe disease and some need to be hospitalized. Read more on the Sick Kids Hospital learning hub

COVID-19 vaccines are safe; side effects are usually mild & serious side effects are very rare.

Vaccines help prevent severe illness, risk of hospitalization & developing long COVID; read more about: post-COVID-19 conditions (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Read this factsheet, safety & effectiveness, myths & facts

The COVID-19 vaccine is approved for children 6 months and older (note: young children get a smaller dose of the same vaccine used for youth/adults)

For strategies to help your child & ease the pain associated with needles (tips by age), use the CARD toolkit and read this article if your child has a specific needle phobia.