Why Young Children Get Sick More Often and What Parents Can Do

Young children get sick far more often than adults, and it is completely normal. Most healthy kids come down with about six viral illnesses a year—and preschoolers and early elementary-aged children can have even more, especially when school starts and germs spread quickly. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, breaks down why kids get sick so often, what parents can expect during peak illness seasons, and which treatments and medications are safe to use at home.