Medical Expert: Non-stop illness and infections
 Why do some children seem as though they've always got a cold? Dr Philippa Kaye offers advice to the weary mother of twins.
Raisingkids member's problem
I have twins, a boy and girl who've just turned three. Over the last few weeks it's been non-stop illness and I just wondered why this is happening. Would it just be the time of year or their age. They've been going to nursery since last September. Recently they've had chest infection/ear infections etc. They have both been on antibiotics. They have a good diet (I'm quite strict with what they eat), but it's just exhausting!
Medical Expert Dr Philippa's Advice
Unfortunately young children get lots of infections! On average, children can get about six to 10 a year (sometimes more) and these can take a few weeks to clear up – this means that it feels like they are constantly ill!
With twins, they may be passing colds/chest infections/ear infections etc between each other, or they could be picking them up from other children at nursery. These infections do serve a purpose though, every time your child becomes unwell, their immune systems learn to fight that particular virus – that is why adults get so many less colds than young children, averaging only two to three per year.
Antibiotics will only help if the problem is caused by a bacteria, there is no cure for a virus, the body just has to fight it itself. A good, healthy diet with plenty of fluids will help and if they are feeling unwell or have a temperature, some Calpol may make them feel better.
If you are still worried then pop back to your GP.
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