Frequent Infections in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Infections such as colds and the flu are common in children. These infections are often caused by germs called viruses.

Children can easily spread these germs when they are in close contact, such as at day care, school, and home. Your child can get germs when another person who is sick coughs or sneezes near them or by touching something that another person has coughed or sneezed on. And children may not have immunity to these germs, so they get sick often.

Most viral infections go away on their own and don't lead to other problems. With most viral infections, your child should feel better within 4 to 10 days. Home care can help relieve your child's symptoms. Make sure your child rests and drinks plenty of fluids.

Most children have 8 to 10 viral infections in the first 2 years of life. There are ways you can help reduce your child's risk for getting sick, such as limiting your child's exposure to germs and practicing good hand-washing.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Care when your child is sick

• Wash your hands and have your child wash their hands often to avoid spreading germs.
• If your child goes to a day care center, ask the staff to wash their hands often to prevent the spread of germs.
• Keep your child home from school, day care, or other public places while your child has a fever or has other symptoms like coughing or sneezing.
• If one child is sick, separate that child from other children in the home, if you can. Put the child in a room alone when it's time to sleep.
• Don't let your child share personal items like utensils, drinking cups, and towels with others.
• Remind your child to keep their hands away from the nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses are most likely to enter the body through these areas.
• Teach your child to cough and sneeze away from others and to use a tissue when coughing and wiping their nose.
• Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Reducing the risk of infections

• Make sure that your child gets all of their vaccinations, including COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
• Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke in your house.
• Encourage your child to be active each day. Your child may like to take a walk with you, ride a bike, or play sports.
• Make sure that your child eats healthy foods.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child is not getting better as expected.
• Your child is not growing or developing as expected.