Balancing a full-time job and parenting is challenging, especially when you notice your child has the sniffles after picking them up from daycare. It’s a reality that kids are often exposed to germs. Even in the cleanest daycare centers, children inevitably put dirty hands and toys in their mouths and rub their eyes. These incidents can cause some common illnesses, such as:
● Hand, foot, and mouth disease
● Colds and upper respiratory infections
● Pink eye
● Strep throat
● Stomach flu
Children will inevitably get sick, especially in a setting where they are in groups of other children. However, there are proactive steps you can take to ensure your child is protected and doesn’t spread an illness around your household.
Ways to Strengthen Your Child’s Immune System
All children get sick at some point. Parents should accept that they can’t protect their kids from every illness, whether in daycare or not. That said, there are things you can do to help strengthen your child’s immune system and keep them healthy:
● Focus on Hand Washing: Encourage kids to wash their hands before and after they eat, after using the bathroom or changing their diaper, and after touching anything in a public place.
● Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines: Though childhood vaccinations won’t prevent common viruses, they can protect kids from serious illnesses like COVID-19, meningitis, and some types of pneumonia. Flu vaccines can ward off dreaded influenza, and the rotavirus vaccine can prevent at least one kind of stomach flu.
● Keep Hand Sanitizer on Deck: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids ages 0 to 3 had 23% fewer respiratory infections when they used alcohol-based liquid hand sanitizer in a daycare setting. That’s not because it’s more effective than soap and water, but it may be easier for children.
Other ways to strengthen a child’s immune system include eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, playing outdoors, and drinking enough water.
Essential Vaccinations for Children
Vaccinations remain the best protection against serious illnesses. Here are some essential vaccines recommended for children:
● Hepatitis B: This vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver damage and cancer. It is typically given in three doses.
● Rotavirus: This vaccine protects against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. It is given orally in two or three doses, depending on the brand.
● Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): This combination vaccine protects against three serious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). It is given in five doses.
● Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): This vaccine protects against Hib bacteria, which can cause meningitis and other serious infections. It is typically given in four doses.
● Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13): This vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. It is given in four doses.
● Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV): This vaccine protects against polio, which can cause paralysis. It is given in four doses.
● Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): This combination vaccine protects against three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). It is given in two doses.
● Varicella (Chickenpox): This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a common childhood illness that can cause severe complications. It is given in two doses.
● Hepatitis A: This vaccine protects against hepatitis A, a liver disease. It is given in two doses.
● Influenza: The flu vaccine is recommended annually for children six months and older. It helps protect against the seasonal flu.
● Meningococcal: This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause bacterial meningitis. It is typically given at age 11–12, with a booster at age 16.
● COVID-19: Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for eligible age groups to prevent severe illness and transmission of the virus.
Can Exposure to Germs Strengthen Kids’ Immune Systems?
Yes, it can, but there is always some risk involved. Once your child has been exposed to a virus, their body develops antibodies to combat that strain. This strengthens their immune system to fight off the same virus in the future. However, the risk lies in the unpredictability and mutability of certain viruses. For instance, getting sick with the flu once doesn’t mean your child won’t catch it again in the future.
Having An Open Line of Communication with Daycare Providers
Maintain open communication with your child’s daycare providers to ensure they are aware of any allergies or health concerns your child may have. Verify that the daycare has a policy for handling illnesses, including isolation procedures for sick children and cleaning protocols for toys and surfaces.
With summer here and kids exploring more, children in daycare will inevitably be exposed to germs and illnesses. However, this presents a great opportunity to strengthen your child’s immune system. By focusing on best practices such as hand hygiene, vaccinations, and overall healthy habits, parents can help ensure their children have a little extra protection at daycare.
Source
CDC: Safety, Health, and Injury Prevention Recommendations
Administration for Children & Families: Health and Safety Requirements