Is It Normal for My Child to Get Sick This Often?

If it feels like your child has been sick nonstop since school started, you are not alone. It is one of the most common worries we hear from parents every fall and winter. At her November Office Hours, Dr. Meg started with exactly this question, and with a sick kid of her own at home that day, she was right there in the trenches with everyone.

Here is what she shared.

Yes, it is normal for kids to get sick

“I like to reassure parents that it’s normal for our kids to get sick,” Dr. Meg says. Even really healthy kids catch something several times a year, especially once fall and winter arrive. It’s colder, everyone spends more time indoors, and viruses love small, shared spaces. Kids are also enthusiastic sharers of germs, so classrooms and playrooms are busy places for colds and flu.

What matters more than how often

Instead of counting colds, Dr. Meg looks at how your child handles them. Signs of a strong foundation include:

• They fend illnesses off fairly well.
• They recover completely between illnesses.
• They keep their energy and spark overall, even during a busy cold and flu season.

When those things are true, it reflects good reserves in the body: nutrients, immune health and general wellness.

4 simple ways to cut down on sick days

Dr. Meg always starts with the basics. None of these require a trip to the store.

1. Get outside

“One of the easiest things to reduce your kid’s illness is to be outside,” says Dr. Meg. Germs spread much less in open, fresh air than in crowded indoor rooms. Bundle up, stay warm and comfortable, and plan playdates and get-togethers outdoors when you can. A little winter sunshine is good for mood, too.

2. Protect sleep

Between the time change, holiday events and running from thing to thing, sleep schedules can get, in Dr. Meg’s words, “really wonka doodle” this time of year. Both the quality and the amount of sleep matter for immune health, so it’s worth doubling down on rest.

3. Slow down as a family

Nature slows down in winter, and Dr. Meg encourages families to do the same: do less, and make what you do count. When kids do get sick, fatigue, aches and fever are the body’s way of saying “slow down” so it can recover. Giving them permission to rest is part of getting better.

4. Eat with the season

Colorful winter produce, like squash and pumpkin, is colorful for a reason: those colors come from nutrients and antioxidants that support the immune system. Treats are part of the season too, and that’s fine. (Dr. Meg’s “first-then” approach to sweets is in this post.)

When you notice the first signs

As soon as your child seems to be coming down with something, or you know they were just around a sick friend, Dr. Meg suggests a simple mindset shift: they’re a little vulnerable right now, so let’s respond. That can look like:

• Fewer sweets for a few days
• More protein and plenty of fluids
• Extra sleep and a quieter schedule

Stepping in early often keeps a small cold from turning into something bigger.

Natural and conventional care can work together

A gentle, whole-child approach doesn’t mean avoiding conventional medicine. Dr. Meg is clear that she doesn’t hesitate to recommend antibiotics, steroids or over-the-counter pain relievers when a child truly needs them. “If your child’s not sleeping, they’re not going to get better,” she says. The goal is a thoughtful blend of supports, so stronger treatments are there when they’re needed.

Every child is different, so please don’t start supplements or remedies without guidance. If your child is sick, an acute visit is a great time to talk through what’s right for them.

Get medical care right away if your child is having trouble breathing, shows signs of dehydration, is unusually drowsy or hard to wake, or is a baby under 3 months with a fever. And always trust your gut: if something feels off, call your pediatrician.

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Bring your questions to Office Hours

Dr. Meg hosts free, live online Office Hours for parents. The next session is Friday, February 19, 12 to 1 pm MT. Sign up free and send in your questions ahead of time, and she’ll answer them anonymously during the session.

Dr. Megan Hammel is a registered Naturopathic Doctor in Colorado specializing exclusively in pediatric care. Through the Children’s Naturopathic Center of Colorado, she offers holistic, sustainable, and gentle therapies designed to enhance children’s overall physical and mental health. Learn more about the practice and book your appointment.

This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice.