It’s a common observation that young children seem to catch colds much more frequently than adults. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, the average preschooler can expect to get six to eight colds per year, while adults only average two to four colds annually. You may be asking your child’s pediatrics team why this is the case. There are several reasons why the immune systems of young children are more susceptible to the viruses that cause the common cold. Let’s take a look!
Inexperienced Immune System
A major factor is that young children simply have not built up immunity to as many viruses as adults. The immune system develops a “memory” of viruses it has encountered before, allowing it to mount a quicker and more effective response when exposed again. However, for young children, many cold viruses are still new and novel to their immune systems. Their bodies have to start from scratch in developing antibodies and other immune defenses. This lag time in developing immunity means the viruses can more easily gain a foothold and cause symptoms.
Limited Exposure to Viruses
Related to the inexperienced immune system, young children may also have been exposed to fewer total cold viruses in their short lives. Adults, through years of schooling, jobs, and travel, have had many more opportunities to encounter an array of cold viruses and develop immunity. With limited exposure, a child’s immune system again has to start from ground zero when a new virus arrives. More exposure events over time will expand the immune system’s “vocabulary” of viruses it can quickly recognize and defeat.
Underdeveloped Hygiene Habits
Young children are also more susceptible to colds because they have poor hygiene habits compared to adults. Frequent handwashing, covering coughs, tissue use, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth can help prevent viral transmission. However, these habits take time to learn. Preschool-aged children tend to put toys and hands in their mouths constantly. They also have close contact with other children in daycare settings where viruses can spread rapidly. Their still-developing hygiene habits make the spread and contraction of colds more likely.
Pediatrics staff states that the combination of an inexperienced and still maturing immune system, fewer exposures to cold viruses, and poor hygiene habits, explains why colds tend to be much more common in young children compared to adults. However, each cold battle strengthens a child’s immunity so that infections should become less frequent over time. If you’re concerned about how frequently your child gets a cold, our pediatrics team would love to see your child and evaluate their health. Schedule an appointment with Pediatrix today.
Posted 11/17/23
