Parents often dread the seemingly endless stream of coughs and colds their toddlers bring home from nursery, but experts say there is a silver lining. Research has found that the average child contracts 15 illnesses in their first year of childcare, leading to around 13 days of absence, yet this early exposure helps build a 'pathway to immunity'.
Scientists from University College London, the University of Cambridge, Cornell University, and North Middlesex University Hospital analysed data on immunology, infectious disease genomics, and epidemiology. They found that during their first year of formal childcare, children are expected to have 12 respiratory illnesses, two episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting, and at least one rash illness such as scarlet fever, chicken pox, or hand, foot and mouth disease.
Dr Leo Swadling, from the UCL Institute of Infection, Immunity and Transplantation, said: 'Newborns have some protection against infection thanks to antibodies passed from the mother, but this wanes in their first year, leaving infants more vulnerable. Nursery serves as a boot camp for their immune systems, building up resilience for the years ahead.' He emphasised that vaccines are a key way to protect children from serious infections.
Dr Adrian Das, a consultant paediatrician, stressed the importance of hygiene. 'Good hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent many of these infections because they spread via droplets and touch,' he said. He advised that children with vomiting or diarrhoea should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop, and those actively coughing or sneezing should also remain at home to prevent transmission.
The NHS recommends ensuring children drink plenty of fluids and using saline nose drops to ease stuffy noses. Children with a high temperature should also be kept off school. The study's authors urged parents to keep their children up to date with all available vaccines, calling it one of the most effective protective measures.
