Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sometimes it feels like your child has been sick nonstop since starting daycare or school. Runny noses, coughs or tummy bugs are common among children – especially in their first year of group care, and are a normal part of childhood development.
Young immune systems are still learning how to fight off viruses and bacteria, and busy classrooms and play spaces are the perfect environment for germs to spread.
Take a look at the most common bugs children pick up at school and daycare, what symptoms to expect, and when it’s recommended to check in with a doctor.
The common cold: a frequent visitor
The common cold is by far the most frequent illness in young children and can be caused by hundreds of different viruses.
Common symptoms include:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
Colds spread easily through coughing, sneezing and touching shared toys or surfaces. It’s very normal for children to catch multiple colds each year — sometimes one after another.
Most colds clear on their own within 7–10 days, with rest, fluids and comfort care.
Gastroenteritis (“Gastro”) and stomach bugs
Stomach bugs are common in childcare settings and can spread quickly, especially in younger children.
Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
Gastro spreads through close contact and poor hand hygiene, making it difficult to contain in busy environments. The biggest risk is dehydration, particularly in babies and toddlers.
Children should stay home until they are well and at least 24–48 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea stops.
Influenza (the flu)
Influenza is more serious than the common cold and tends to appear in seasonal outbreaks.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden high fever
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Cough or sore throat
School‑aged children often catch and spread the flu easily due to close contact. While many children recover without complications, some may become quite unwell.
You may consider an annual flu vaccination which may help reduce the risk of severe illness and time away from school. Speak to a doctor to determine whether this may be right for you.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
Hand, foot and mouth disease is common in daycare and early learning environments, especially in children under five.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth ulcers
- Rash or blisters on hands, feet or bottom
HFMD spreads through saliva, blister fluid and stool. While the rash can look alarming, most children recover fully within 7–10 days.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Conjunctivitis is an infection or irritation of the eye and can be viral, bacterial or allergic.
Symptoms include:
- Red, itchy or irritated eyes
- Yellow or green discharge
- Crusty eyelashes, especially on waking
Because it spreads easily through touch, towels and shared items, many childcare centres require children to stay home until discharge improves or treatment has started. In some cases, eye drops may be prescribed.
Ear infections
Ear infections often develop after a cold when fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum.
Signs may include:
- Ear pain or pulling at the ears
- Fever
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Temporary hearing changes
Ear infections are particularly common in toddlers and preschoolers. Some ear infections resolve on their own, but if your child is experiencing ongoing pain or fever, seek advice from a doctor.
Tonsillitis and strep throat
Sore throats are common in school‑aged children and can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
Symptoms may include:
- Painful swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen neck glands
- Red or swollen tonsils
- White patches on the tonsils
If bacterial causes like strep throat are suspected, testing may be needed, and antibiotics are sometimes required.
Head lice
Head lice are a common (and harmless) part of growing up.
Signs may include:
- Itchy scalp
- Small white eggs (nits) attached to hair
- Visible lice close to the scalp
Head lice spread through head‑to‑head contact and are not related to hygiene or cleanliness. While annoying, they’re easy to treat with the right approach. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure.
Why it feels like your child is constantly sick
It’s normal for children to experience 6–12 infections per year, particularly during their first few years in group care. Each illness helps build their immune system, and most children do become less sick as they get older.
While it’s tough in the moment – missed sleep, time off work, constant worry – this phase doesn’t last forever.
When to seek medical advice
See a doctor if your child:
- Has a high or persistent fever
- Appears unusually lethargic or irritable
- Isn’t drinking fluids
- Has breathing difficulties
- Has symptoms that worsen or don’t improve
Trust your instincts – you know your child best.
Helping to reduce the spread of illness
Although it’s impossible to avoid all bugs, simple steps can help:
- Encouraging regular handwashing
- Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes
- Keeping unwell children at home
- Cleaning shared toys and surfaces
- Staying up to date with vaccinations
If you need professional clinical advice or want to discuss your child’s symptoms, doctors are online 24/7. Book an appointment or join the queue to speak to a doctor on demand.
About Dr Peggy Dubert
Dr Magdalene (Peggy) Dubert is a General Practitioner at Doctors on Demand. Dr Peggy qualified in 2003 in South Africa relocating to Australia in 2008. She worked in several Emergency Departments across the country before joining General Practice in 2015. She enjoys all aspects of General Practice.