Back to nursery and school in autumn: the most common infections, and how to prevent them

As autumn arrives and children return to daycare and school, parents often feel like the seasonal "illness conveyor belt" has switched back on. The first cold is quickly followed by coughing, fever, or a sore throat, sound familiar?

Why do children get sick so often?

In nursery and school groups, children are in close contact with each other, and their immune systems haven't yet built up protection against every virus. So while minor infections are unpleasant, they also "train" the immune system.

The most common autumn illnesses

• Colds and coughs – often viral in origin, and usually pass on their own within a few days.
• Sore throat, tonsillitis – if the fever is high and the throat is red and spotted, a medical check-up is advisable.
• Middle-ear infection – often a complication of a cold, especially in younger children.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease – small blisters in the mouth, on the palms and soles, usually caused by a virus.

What can we do to prevent it?

• Regular hand washing with soap – the simplest and most effective defence.
• Adequate vitamin intake – fresh vegetables, fruit, vitamin D supplementation.
• Enough sleep – essential for the immune system to recover.
• Outdoor play every day, even in cool weather – fresh air strengthens resistance.

When should a child stay home from daycare?

If they have a fever, are listless, or have vomiting or diarrhoea, they should definitely stay home, both to avoid infecting others and to give themselves time to recover.

With a little care, the autumn season can still be calm and cheerful: after all, the goal is for children to learn, play and grow, not to spend their time visiting the doctor's office.