As parents, we do our best to protect our children from falling sick. It can thus be frustrating if they are prone to frequent illnesses — a phenomenon that often happens when our little one first heads off to school. Find out about common reasons why children are often susceptible to common infections and what you can do to help them stay well.
Why does my child fall ill so often?
Younger children tend to catch infections easily because their immune system has not fully matured. It is not uncommon for those in childcare to catch up to six respiratory infections and experience two to three gastrointestinal infections a year. Common infections include the cold, sore throat, and infectious diseases such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and chickenpox.
Research shows that children attending childcare tend to fall sick more often than those cared for at home. Being alongside other children increases the chances of contact, which inevitably increases the risk of being exposed to unwanted germs.
What can I do to protect my child?
To keep your child healthy, prevention is key. By making hand hygiene a fun part of their routine, they’ll develop good habits that become second nature. This ensures they’ll continue practicing these steps, even when they’re on their own.
Parents can also support their child’s immunity by ensuring that their child completes the recommended vaccinations. This means ensuring that your child is vaccinated according to MOH’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
Vaccines help protect your child by training their immune system. They introduce a safe, non-infectious version of a germ, so your child’s body learns how to fight it off for the future. Even if they do end up falling ill, vaccinations help to reduce the severity of the illness so that it’s easier and quicker for your little one to recover.
Arranging your child’s vaccination is fuss-free and easy. Book an appointment online for your child’s vaccination at any our of DA clinics or at home with DA’s home-based vaccinations.
Is your little one feeling unwell? Our doctors are here to help them anytime they need. Consult a doctor on the DA app and receive your medication within hours. All you need to do is create an account for your child to get started.
