However, many children have basic lifestyle habits that increase their vulnerability to sickness.

Infrequent handwashing is a major culprit. Children often forget to wash their hands or don't wash them properly. Their active nature leads them to touch various objects and then touch their mouths, noses, and eyes, allowing germs to enter their bodies. Surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and desks are common breeding grounds for these germs.

A 2005 study in American elementary schools found that children who used hand sanitizer and washed their hands regularly missed fewer school days due to illness. Research indicates that handwashing with soap can reduce the incidence of diarrhea by 30-48% in children under 5. Moreover, hand hygiene can lower the risk of respiratory infections by 16-21%.

Doctors advise parents to use soaps with appealing scents or colors to encourage regular handwashing.

Inadequate rest also plays a significant role. Sleep is crucial for a healthy immune response. When children don't get enough sleep, their bodies produce fewer infection-fighting cells.

A 2009 study in the Journal of Internal Medicine showed that adults who slept less than 7 hours per night were almost three times more likely to catch a cold after virus exposure. A similar mechanism applies to children, whose immune systems are still developing. Insufficient sleep weakens their immune systems and makes them more susceptible to illness. Research by American doctors Mindell and Owens in 2010 revealed a higher rate of upper respiratory tract infections in children with irregular or inadequate sleep patterns. The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize sleep as a key factor in reducing preventable illnesses in school-aged children.

Children should be exposed to natural environments and bacteria to boost their immunity. Photo illustration: Pexels

Children should be exposed to natural environments and bacteria to boost their immunity. Photo illustration: Pexels

Overly sterile environments can also be detrimental. Research suggests that playing with dirt and sand isn't always harmful. Moderate exposure to soil bacteria can support immune system development. However, certain conditions and pathogens in the soil can cause illness.

The human body hosts trillions of bacteria, many of which are essential for health, particularly in the gut microbiome. Early exposure to diverse bacteria, especially in natural settings, can boost immune system development and reduce the risk of allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. A 2016 study indicated that children raised on bacteria-rich farms had lower rates of asthma and allergies.

Poor nutrition is another contributing factor. Research demonstrates that poor nutrition significantly increases the risk of illness in children, both in the short term (e.g., infections, fatigue) and long term (e.g., developmental delays, chronic diseases).

Malnutrition due to insufficient calories or essential nutrients impairs immune function, making children vulnerable to common illnesses like colds, flu, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially in vitamins A, C, D, zinc, iron, and protein, are strongly linked to increased infection risk. Even mild malnutrition, such as skipping breakfast, can negatively impact concentration, memory, and academic performance.

Lack of physical activity is also linked to increased illness. Inactive children are often more susceptible to sickness than active children. Lack of exercise contributes to various physical and mental health problems, both short-term and long-term.

Sedentary behavior, such as prolonged sitting and excessive screen time, is associated with poor immune recovery, making children more prone to infections like colds and flu, according to research in the American Journal of Sports Science and Health. Regular physical activity is significantly linked to improved mood, behavior, and academic performance in children and adolescents. Weight-bearing activities during childhood are vital for achieving peak bone mass, preventing osteoporosis later in life.

According to the World Health Organization and the CDC, children aged 6 to 17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Regular exercise is essential for healthy development, immune function, mental well-being, and preventing chronic diseases.

Diets high in sugar and fat also contribute to illness. Foods high in sugar and processed foods are often low in nutritional value and can make children more susceptible to illness. They also cause long-term harm, such as tooth decay and obesity.

In 2022, approximately 35 million children under 5 worldwide were overweight. Many Asian countries have seen childhood obesity rates double in the past decade. Studies consistently show that excessive sugar and fried food consumption in children is linked to various physical and mental health issues, including obesity, metabolic diseases, inflammation, gut imbalance, and poor academic and emotional function.

Overweight children are more likely to become obese adults and develop non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease at younger ages.

Administering high doses of medication can also be counterproductive. Some parents give their children strong medications at the first sign of illness to prevent it from progressing. However, this can backfire, weakening the child's immune response.

Studies show that giving children high or inappropriate doses of medication, especially without medical supervision, can lead to more frequent or severe illness instead of preventing it. Frequent use of medications like antibiotics, antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen), and steroids at high or unnecessary doses can suppress the immune system or disrupt natural defenses.

Thuy Linh (According to MSN)