Six Common Nursery Bugs in Children and Expert Advice on Managing Them

Six Common Nursery Bugs in Children and Expert Advice on Managing Them

Nurseries can often serve as a breeding ground for infections, with new research indicating that toddlers and pre-schoolers are likely to experience up to 15 illnesses during their first year of formal childcare. This exposure, however, helps build resilience, making children more robust against bugs when they start school.

Experts from University College London, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Cambridge, Cornell University, and North Middlesex University Hospital, analysed data from immunology, infectious disease genomics, and epidemiology. Their findings suggest that in the initial year of nursery, babies and children typically contract around 12 respiratory illnesses such as coughs and colds, two episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting, and at least one rash-related illness.

We consulted with Doctify-rated consultant paediatrician Dr Arindam Das, who highlighted six common bugs that many children pick up at nursery and provided guidance on when to allow a sick day.

Is It Normal for Children to Get Sick Frequently at Nursery?

"It's very normal, especially in the first year of nursery, for children to be unwell pretty frequently," reassures Das. "When young children pick up these minor infections, their immune system is learning how to fight infections, so catching these bugs is a normal part of childhood."

What Are the Most Common Illnesses That Children Pick Up at Nursery?

1. Coughs and Colds: "The most common infections that children pick up at nursery are coughs, colds, and fever," says Das. Most colds in younger children improve within two weeks, according to the NHS. Good hand hygiene is crucial for prevention, as these infections spread via droplets and touch.
2. Fever: "Parents are often worried about fever, but a fever in itself is not a red flag," notes Das. It's a sign the child is fighting a bug. Monitor for other symptoms like rashes or dehydration, and seek medical advice if the high temperature persists beyond five days.
3. Tummy Bugs: "We also see a lot of tummy bugs in nursery school-age children," says Das. These typically involve vomiting followed by diarrhoea. Manage at home with hydration and comfort measures, but seek help if the child becomes lethargic or shows signs of dehydration.
4. Conjunctivitis: This can be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Viral cases often involve reddening and watery discharge. For minor cases, frequent eye watering and over-the-counter drops may help, but consult a GP if symptoms last over seven days.
5. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Symptoms include mild to moderate fever and rashes on hands, feet, or mouth. Encourage cool fluids and soft foods, and contact a GP if symptoms do not improve within seven to ten days.
6. Chickenpox: "Nowadays, we are seeing more and more younger children coming up with chickenpox," observes Das. The itchy, spotty rash is self-resolving, but use age-appropriate antihistamines for itching and seek medical attention if the rash becomes pus-filled or bleeding occurs.

When Should Parents Avoid Taking Their Children into School?

"The standard guidelines for vomiting or diarrhoea advise parents to not send their child to school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped," says Das. Additionally, keep children home if they are actively coughing or sneezing to protect others. The NHS also recommends keeping a child off school if they have a high temperature until it subsides.

"I fully understand the logistics around keeping children at home, so I would just advise parents to use their common sense to judge whether the child is safe and whether they are following the official guidelines or school guidelines," adds Das.