Important: This post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. You should always consult your physician before making any medical decisions for your child.
Do you feel like your child gets sick all the time? While it’s understandable to be concerned, recurring colds are very common, especially in younger children. In most cases, this is nothing to worry about.
Still, if your child gets sick every two weeks or so, you may wonder whether you need to take them to the ER, urgent care, or your pediatrician.
In this blog post, you’ll learn more about why it might feel like your child is always sick with a fever, when to be concerned, and what kind of healthcare or treatment to seek out.
Is it normal for your kid to get sick so often?
Our pediatric team’s general answer to this question is a resounding yes! Kids get sick ALL THE TIME, especially in the first 5 years of life.
But whether you’re a new parent or not, it can be frustrating to feel like you’re always taking care of a sick little one. No one likes being sick, and it’s hard to see your child deal with frequent coughs, stuffy noses, and other symptoms that are no fun. So let’s dive into why this happens and how to navigate it with a little more peace of mind.
Why do your kids keep getting sick?
First, it’s important to note that getting sick is a normal part of the human experience, especially for young ones with developing immune systems.
Second, this isn’t your mind playing tricks on you, and you’re most certainly not alone in feeling like your child gets sick every two weeks. We say that with confidence, because we know that kids get 6-10 cold viruses per year and 3-5 stomach viruses per year.
Considering that these illnesses usually take around 7-10 days to pass (and children may have residual symptoms for weeks after), it’s not uncommon for kids to be sick or recovering from being sick for the better part of the first 5 years of life. That may sound extreme, but we can assure you that this is a normal part of growing up.
So to the all-important question of why your kids keep getting sick, there are several factors at play here.
1. Your child’s immune system
Children’s immune systems go through a lot of change and haven’t yet been exposed to the hundreds of viruses humans come in contact with across our lifetimes.
Think back to when you were a child. You can probably remember sitting in a classroom where there was always someone sniffling or coughing. And there were likely dozens of times when you were bundled up on the couch with a blanket, barely able to enjoy your favorite TV shows.
There’s a reason we associate these experiences with being a kid. Children haven’t built immunity to many common illnesses yet, and they’re regularly exposed to new germs in environments like schools, playgrounds, and daycare centers.
2. Increased exposure to germs
That leads us to the second factor that plays a big role in why it might feel like your child is always sick with a fever. Kids often come into contact with more germs because of the environments they’re in and large numbers of people they interact with daily.
For many children, it isn’t out of the ordinary to come into contact with tens if not hundreds of other people each day — most of them other children. As you can imagine, a lot of developing immune systems in close proximity means illness can spread quite easily.
Know that this heightened exposure to germs is normal for children and can even be an integral part of their development. Exposure to germs can strengthen your child’s immune system over time and teach their body how to fight off common colds and viruses.
That said, there are a few basic precautions you can take to prevent excessive illness from germ exposure:
- Encourage good hygiene with thorough hand washing before meals and after using the bathroom.
- Provide your child with a nutrient-rich diet that’ll keep their defenses high.
- Stay up-to-date with vaccinations according to your pediatrician’s schedule.
3. A natural sense of curiosity
One thing we love about children is how naturally curious they are. They’re constantly exploring the world around them, and it’s amazing to see life through their eyes. However, that sense of curiosity may be another reason it seems like your child is always sick with a fever.
Why? Because most young children explore the world through all of their senses — including taste. As such, “mouthing”, or putting objects in their mouths, is a key process in learning more about their environment. Of course, this significantly increases their exposure to germs.
Whether they’re touching toys and surfaces at school, petting animals, or playing in the mud, tactile exploration is a normal part of any child’s development. While we can’t (and shouldn’t!) stop them from exploring the world through their senses, it’s important to monitor play to minimize germ exposure where possible. Make sure toys and play areas are clean, and wash hands after playtime, especially before meals.
Common childhood illnesses and what to do
As previously mentioned, if it feels like your child gets sick every two weeks, it’s likely because children are almost constantly sick or recovering from being sick for the first 5 years of their lives. More often than not, this is completely normal. Here are a few of the common illnesses to look out for in your child.
1. Colds and flu
Symptoms: Cough, runny nose, fever, fatigue
How to manage it: The best way to handle colds and flu is to make sure your child stays hydrated. Other things that can support children when they have a cold or the flu include saline sprays or steam to ease congestion, and of course, plenty of rest. If recommended by your pediatrician, you may also choose to manage pain with medications like Motrin or Tylenol. Find our interactive dosage guides for common children’s medicines right here.
2. Ear infections
Symptoms: Earache, irritability, fever
How to manage it: Apply a warm compress to the ears to ease the discomfort and keep your child’s head elevated with a pillow. While it’s always a good idea to consult your pediatrician if you’re concerned, most ear infections resolve on their own without the use of antibiotics.
3. Stomach viruses
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache or cramps
How to manage it: Offer a simple diet consisting of bland foods like crackers. Also, make sure your child gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated. Note: Hydration should include a little sugar and electrolytes, not just water. We often recommend Pedialyte to our families.
4. Rashes and skin infections
Symptoms: Itchy skin, visible breakouts on the skin, redness, swelling
How to manage it: Try to determine the cause of the rash (e.g., allergens, poison ivy, etc.) so you can find appropriate treatments and avoid repeat exposure. In general, keep the affected area clean and use over-the-counter creams or topical treatments if advised. Consult your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or persist.
ER, urgent care, or the pediatrician, which should I choose?
When it is just another bout of common illness, and when is there a deeper underlying issue causing the sickness? Here are a few signs to pay attention to, as they can indicate that you should seek medical care:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dehydration
- Symptoms that last longer than expected
- A high or persistent fever (higher than 102.2°F)
As for where to turn, here’s a brief guide you can use for reference:
When to go to the ER
You should go to the emergency room in the event of severe or life-threatening conditions or emergencies. A few sickness-related symptoms that warrant heading straight to the ER include:
Dehydration symptoms like dry mouth, no tears, no wet diapers for 18+ hours
- Any fever in a baby under 2 months old (temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher)
- Difficulty breathing
- Passing out or fainting
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or throwing up blood
- High fever with a headache and stiff neck
- High fever that doesn’t improve with medicine
When to visit urgent care
Urgent care is for non-life-threatening situations that still require immediate attention. If you’re concerned, here are some signs you need to take your child to urgent care:
- Common illnesses that persist
- Persistent sinus pain and earaches
- Persistent skin problems and rashes
When to speak with your pediatrician
Your pediatrician should be there for you when you need routine wellness care for your child, sick visits, and personalized advice on how to manage your child’s health.
If your child is younger than 2 months old and has a fever, always reach out to your pediatrician to figure out the best course of treatment, as this can be a sign of an emergency. If they’re older than 2 months, a fever lasting for more than 5 days is a reason to reach out to your pediatrician.
Think of your pediatrician as the go-to source for health-related information on your child. They should know your child better than other providers and have personalized advice to help you manage common colds.
Feel like your child gets sick every two weeks?
We always assure the parents we support that in most cases, it’s normal for children to get sick often, especially in their first 5 years of life. Stock up on the home comforts they need to feel reassured when they get sick, and know that you’re doing a great job in seeking solutions and support.
The best way to alleviate concerns about your child’s health is to consult your pediatrician. Join our pediatric membership to get direct access to your child’s pediatrician when you need it. Whether you have a question about symptoms or need a pediatric home visit in NYC, we’re here as partners in your child’s healthcare.
