Hello!

My just turned 6 year old is in Prep and has had a day (or more) off every week this term. Mostly with colds that have a bad cough. It’s his first year full-time and he didn’t go to child care, so I think it’s probably normal, but just wanted to know if others have had constant illnesses this term?


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  • Unfortunately some kids will catch everything and other kids not so much. Hopefully it will help your child’s immune system. I was lucky to have a kid that has rarely been sick in nearly 14 years. I think the overuse of disinfectants in everything may also interfere with the body’s immune system.


  • Sounds like your child needs an immune boost. Try adding more vitamin c foods like fruit to the diet, cut back or cut out dairy too.


  • How did the last two winters go KyMichelle ?


  • We always had little sickness in our family, but this year is bad and so tiring !


  • My eldest was sick for two terms when he first started.. We were so over being sick we debated on home schooling. After the initial shock he now hardly gets anything and the other 2 get maybe 2 or 3 a year.


  • This season seems to be one for a range of lurgies.


  • School seems to be a breeding ground for sickness, my daughter is constantly getting colds/coughs /flu/gastro and the school doesn’t mind. All i get is if they’re contagious keep them home if not send them. It’s ridiculous


  • I think most kids have a patch like this. I’d only worry if it persists for two terms or longer.


  • If concerned then maybe a check up with a GP? It may help to ease the mind?


  • That’s indeed a lot ! Kids build resistance up from exposure. Since he hasn’t been in child care it could be he just catches everything and possibly he needs this to build up a good resistance. That being said I think it also differs per child. My eldest 2 didn’t go to child care and always pick up the least in our family. A healthy diet is sure helpful to build resistance and a good immunity as well.


  • Sounds like too many colds. I would check diet has enough fresh fruit and vegetables. You need the vitamin C (kiwi fruit better than oranges) and lots of zinc from things like garlic and mushrooms (time for homemade healthy pizza?). Also you need to make sure that the blood gets a boost from the vitamins at regular intervals… don’t just have an orange in the morning and think you are done. Must be topped up through the day to help consistency in blood vitamin levels to help stay healthy. Also remind her to wash hands before eating and try not to touch face or mouth or eyes through the day since this allows germs to directly attack the body.


  • I’m dreading this when my son goes to school. He’s never been to child care. I hope it ends soon and he’s super healthy xx


  • In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year, because they are not immune to many cold viruses. Adults average about 2 to 4 colds a year, although the range varies widely.
    You could try boosting up his immune system…a friendly chat with your chemist may help or a talk with your GP. The school hols are fast approaching so he will be away from so many children and this may give him time to recuperate. The first year of school can be a very unhealthy time for many but they will become stronger and build up their immunity along the way. Best wishes to you all.


  • My grandson started full time child care at 5 months. He got every infection going. Both his parents used all the leave hours taking time off to care for him as well as his other nan taking time off too. It’s been nearly 12 months now, he doesn’t catch as much and isn’t sick for long when he does.


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