Repeated Infections in children

Why do children get repeated infections?

Babies are born with immature immune systems, which begin to mature soon after birth, and they're encountering all the viruses, bacteria, and other antigens in the world for the first time. As a result, babies tend to get many infections, usually 4 to 8 per year and they will get quite a few colds, ear infections, or gastrointestinal upsets in a single year. Every child may respond very differently when exposed to viruses and bacteria, and the number of diseases decreases with age.

When should I worry about my child’s infections?

• Needed more than four courses of antibiotics in a year
• Experience more than four new ear infections in one year after 4 years of age.
• Develop pneumonia twice over any time
• More than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in one year or the occurrence of chronic sinusitis
• Needed preventive antibiotics to decrease the number of infections
• Develops unusually severe infections that started as common bacterial/viral infections

If so, these recurrent infections may be a sign of an immunodeficiency disorder

What can I do to prevent repeated infections in my child?

• Appropriate nutritious food and enough sleep is crucial
• Vaccinate your child against common childhood diseases
• Maintain a proper hygienic environment