Children in day care centers are more likely to catch an infection than kids who do not attend day care. Children who go to day care are often around other kids who may be sick. Respiratory infections, ear infections, and diarrhea are common at day care centers.

However, being around the large number of germs in day care may actually IMPROVE your child's immune system in the long run.

Teach your child to wash his or her hands before eating and after using the toilet. Infection is spread most often by children putting dirty toys in their mouth, so check your day care's cleaning practices. Keep your own children home if they are sick.

INFECTIONS AND GERMS

Diarrhea and gastroenteritis are common at day care centers. This infection causes vomiting, diarrhea, or both.

• The infection is spread easily from child to child or from caregiver to child. It is common among children, because they have a tendency not to wash their hands after using the toilet.
• Children who are attending day care may also get giardia, which is caused by a parasite. This infection causes diarrhea, stomach cramps, and gas.

Ear infections, colds, coughs, sore throats, and runny noses are common in all children, especially in the day care setting.

• < Page
1 2
• >

Next Section

Day care health risks Prevention

Review Date: 11/12/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)