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Why Kids Get Sick So Often in Daycare — And How Their Immune System Grows Stronger

One of the most common concerns we hear from parents is: “Why is my child always catching colds, especially now that they’re in daycare?” 


It’s a completely valid worry — but the truth is, for young kids, frequent illness can actually be a sign that their immune system is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do: learning.


Here’s what’s going on — and what you can do to help your child build healthy immunity over time.


1. Children’s Immune Systems Are Still Learning

  • When children attend daycare, preschool, or large-group settings, they’re exposed to many more viruses than they would be at home. These repeated exposures help their immune systems build defenses.

  • There are over 200 different viruses that can cause “common colds.”

  • For very young children, the immune system hasn’t yet “seen” many of these viral types, so each new exposure is an opportunity for learning.


2. How Often Is “Normal” for Kids to Get Sick?

It’s really common for kids — especially toddlers and preschoolers — to have multiple colds per year:

  • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants in child care may get 10–12 upper respiratory infections per year, with the rate dropping as children grow older.

  • In early childhood (toddler / preschool age), many children get 7–8 colds per year.

  • School-age children average 5–6 colds a year, and by adolescence they may have about 4 per year, which is more like the adult pattern.

  • In some real-world studies, young kids (pre-K, elementary) had up to 10 respiratory viruses detected in a single year, especially in group settings.


3. Is Frequent Illness Actually a Problem?

Not usually — and for most healthy kids, frequent colds are not a red flag:

  • The Mayo Clinic notes that it’s very common for kids to be “sick” much of the year without having any underlying immune deficiency.

  • However, there are some flags that might prompt further evaluation, including:

    • Eight or more ear infections in one year, or

    • Two or more serious sinus infections in a year, or

    • Infections with unusual organisms or requiring hospitalizations.

  • If your child is generally doing well between illnesses — growing normally, sleeping, feeding well — then what seems like constant sickness might just be the immune system doing its job.


4. Long-Term Benefit: Building “Memory” in the Immune System

Here’s the good news: there’s a silver lining to all those daycare bugs.

  • Studies have shown that while children in daycare may have more infections in the preschool years, they may actually develop stronger viral immunity as they get older.

  • Over time, repeated exposures help the body “learn” how to fight off common viruses more efficiently — and that may reduce illness frequency as the child gets older.


5. How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Immune Health

While you can’t prevent all colds (and you shouldn’t expect to), there are several evidence-based strategies to help reduce illness and support your child’s immune system:

  1. Teach and reinforce good hand hygiene. Regular hand washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce transmission.

  2. Promote healthy sleep. Adequate sleep supports immune function. While more “immune boosting” supplements are often marketed, sleep is one of the simplest and most powerful tools.

  3. Ensure proper nutrition. A balanced diet with sufficient fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats gives the immune system the raw materials it needs to function well.

  4. Stay up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines (flu, COVID, etc.) not only protect from serious illness, but also help reduce overall burden on the immune system.

  5. Optimize the environment.

    • Use good ventilation at home where possible.

    • Encourage covering coughs/sneezes (e.g., in the elbow).

    • Keep shared surfaces clean, especially in daycare settings.

  6. Know when to call your provider.If your child’s symptoms are unusually severe, last a very long time, or if there are “red flag” signs (like frequent ear infections or very slow recovery), that’s a reason to check in.


Partner Medical Is Here to Help

At Partner Medical, we understand how stressful it is for parents when their little one seems to be getting sick all the time. That’s why:

  • We are available by text and phone, so you can check in quickly when symptoms start — no waiting days.

  • We can help you assess whether a given illness is “typical daycare bug” or something that requires in-person evaluation.

  • We form a relationship with you and your child over time, so we can track patterns in illness, growth, and recovery to ensure normal development.


Final Thoughts

If your child is frequently sick, especially during those early daycare years, know this: you are not alone, and what you're seeing is very often normal. Their immune system is doing its job — learning, adapting, and building memory. Over time, as exposures accumulate and immune memory develops, illness may become less frequent or severe.


If at any point you're concerned — about the frequency, duration, or severity of illness — please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s always better to check in, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.


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