My son started preschool in September. He has been doing well however, over the last month he has been getting colds all the time. Recently he was diagnosed with Asthma, which may explain the getting the colds all the time. But what about the other children in the school? Have any of you guys experienced you child getting sick all the time from other children at school? He is 2-1/2.

Sarah - posted on 01/31/2011

I have had the same problem. My 2 year old has had a cough since last April, on and off. Doctor finally sent us to a specialist (pulminologist) who was never able to diagnose asthma -- and says it's very hard to diagnose before 5 years of age anyway, so they called it possible "reactive airways disease" but it could just as well be allergies). We've been on 2 different inhalers and a nebulizer on and off since July. During our follow up last week the doctor thinks the inhaler might not be working and thinks it's just constant colds, so we're back to square one and currently the cough is on it's way out. He hasn't missed any school other than for doctor visits. I've been assured by all my friends that this is normal and it's either deal with the constant colds now (first year at daycare) or later (1st year beginning kindergarten), so hopefully as our first year in daycare comes to a close we are almost done with all this mess. We're mostly doing antihistamines now and mucinex (day) and mucinex/delsym (night) to address the possible allergies. Good luck to you!

Sarah - posted on 01/30/2011

As I understand it, the kids that don't get the colds in preschool (but are going to get lots of colds) instead end up being out a lot in Kindergarten when they go to school.

It happens sooner or later as soon as your child mingles with a lot of other children that have the common germs.

Marlo - posted on 01/27/2011

What about sending him to school with a cough? How do you handle this situation? He was sick in December and missed a week of school (200 bucks gone) same thing in January. I guess that comes with him being in school. Of course my husband wants to take him out and let him go back to stay with his mother until it's time for him to start kinder, but I don't think that is a good idea at all. That's a whole different topic!! LOL! Thanks for the tip!

Carol - posted on 01/27/2011

Unfortunately, yes. Even without asthma, children get a lot of colds when they start preschool. It is normal and will build up their immune system. Most colds are minor. If they have a runny nose that is clear and no other symptoms, it is okay to send them to school, but if the mucus is colored or the child has a fever or complains of a sore throat, he/she should stay at home. Unfortunately, moms get a a lot of colds during this period as well!