We've Been Sick Since October!

We went through the same thing, this year seems particularly bad...I don't think every winter will be like this... I hope not, a good diet helps.
good luck.

Dear Cindy,

Pick up the book 90 Day Immune System Makeover by Jame Maccaro PHD, CNC. This is good for the whole family.

This has helped me with just the few changes I have started to make. I am reading the book through all the way first before I start the program. But the few changes I have made, removing sugar, caffine and increased my water intake has helped me. I have asthma and did not get a flu shot this year. I spent the evening with my 23 year old since she had to go to the er for her flu. I have been aound two to three other people in the last three weeks also that had the flu, and I have had no sign of the flu.

Remember you are build ing his immune system up with all of this also. I know its not fun but it will help when he heads out the door for school in a few more years.

J.

In addition to ascorbic acid, which is the most digestible and useable form of vitamin c, I recommend olive leaf extract, which is anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It comes in capsuls and you can just empty one out into a cup of milk or juice.

In addition to this I recommend cutting out processed sugars, which suppress the immune system.

Good luck!

There's not much you can do, especially if your son is around other kids. In fact, when he goes to school, it will probably get worse! The good thing is that every year after that it gets better and better and by the time they're in the middle grades they don't sick much at all.

Hi Cindy,
It is so difficult to watch your young child getting sick so often. The best thing you can do to improve his immune system is to increase his intake of fruits and vegetables. A child his age needs about 7 servings of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables a day to get all the antioxidants he needs to fight off infections. Even then, he may catch some illnesses, but it shouldn't be as often and shouldn't last as long. Since most mom's have trouble getting their children to eat enough fruits and vegatables, many are turning to the next best thing, which is Juice Plus Chewables or Gummies. They are made of whole food: 17 different fruits,vegetables and grains that have been dehydrated and put in a chewable or gummie form. They also come in capsules for adults. They have gold standard research, done by major universities and health centers all over the world, that proove that Juice Plus balances the immune system and increases the antioxidants in the blood. Check out this web site to read the research and find out more about Juice Plus: www.madjuicer.com

I've never given my kids supplements but we do eat a TON of fruits and veggies. The only time we seem to be sick is when they've been w/grandparents who substitute "treats" for fruits and veggies. also, I didn't see anyone stress washing hands. Antibacterial gel is NOT needed and by all accounts is not good for us. We keep baby wipes in the car (my kids are long out of diapers) and we wipe hands after every "germ encounter." This means shopping carts, play lands, school, etc. And then we also wash with soap and water when we got home. I've been doing this since they were old enough to use the seat in the shopping cart and it seems to work. I can trace just about every illness (except those after grandparents have had them for a few days) we've had to a specific time we forgot to wash hands.

It sounds like he has weak immunity. There are probably some good immunity boosters for babies, vitamins, etc, and you might have some blood drawn to check for deficiencies. Ask your doctor or health professional for solutions, but make sure you weigh everything carefully.

Carry hand sanitizer wipes and clean anything he might touch when you're out: grocery cart handles, his spot at the table and the highchair when you go out to eat. Clean his hands occassionally. These are all pro-active things you can do so that you feel you are taking precautions. They will also probably help.

And finally, he's young. Babies seem to get more illnesses and use them to help build their immune systems. I think its up to you as a parent to judge whether it's over the top in reaction or recovery time. Also, being weakened by one sickness makes you suseptible to another. Give him a good week buffer before exposing him to more germ contact.

Hi Cindy,
How frustrating, and concerning. If you are open to using herbal medicine Astragalus root, Echinacea, Elecampane, Mullein, Thyme, and Licorice can all be safely used with infants and young children. Combine them together in a tea or as a tincture (alcohol extract...evaporate off the alcohol by putting two droppersfull in warm water and let sit for 30 seconds). Astragalus and Echinacea both will stimulate his immune system to be stronger, the Mullein and Licorice will help with the lung inflammation and irritation from choughing, while the Thyme is antimicrobial/anti-viral and a bronchodilator.
Essential oils are a pleasant and easy way to administer herbal medicine as a chest rub, rubbed over lymph nodes, or put in the bath for a steam. Eucalyptus radiata, Hyssop, Peppermint and Rosemary are safe for children.
Because this has become chronic the tea blend can be taken for at least 4 weeks to ensure a strong immune system and rapair of the delicate lung tissue. If he can't get used to the taste (although it really doesn't taste bad) you can add some juice to sweeten it (don't use honey until he turns at least 2 years old).
If you want more information feel free to call me at ###-###-####. L. Golub, Clinical Herbalist

First thing first even with winter find a mild day and open the windows up to air out the house even if only for an hour or two. The other thing is keep the heat low (64 is good at night even in cool Colorado)...to high and the germs will breed. Healthy foods are always good for the body. Take him for walks in the day as much as possible out of the house. Also check in to the history of your house, could your house be making him sick? Good luck we never like to see them sick!

This is what I did wash hands door nob and phone anything everyone touches. Ride it out as much as you can. If he gets a fever of 101 or higher vomiting or dirreara have him checked. The brat diet (banana,rice,applejucie,toast) is a safe gentle diet for diegestive illness and dosen't produce mucus and helps with keeping irratation down and is kinda a rest for the body. Kids are still forming in all areas some kids just are more prone to illness than others just pay attention. You'll figure it out. Good luck!!!

Your story sounds ALL too familiar!!

We had similar winters with our son in his second and third years. He had all the things your son had. Plus, He also got respiratory synctial virus, RSV. He was tested for asthma and it was found that he had a chronic sinus infection that had probably been lingering for several months....maybe longer!!! He was treated with a month-long or more course of antibiotics...and potent ones. Not amoxicillin, which never worked for us.

The next thing we had to do was limit our play dates and mommy and me pre-school activities. Before being with relatives, other children and friends, we would always ask if everyone was healthy. IF not, we would not go or have to reschedule. Because his immune system was weak due to fighting the sinusitis, he seemed to pick up EVERYTHING, just like your son. After the course of antibiotics was over, his health definitely improved.

We also found out that he has narrow bronchial tubes and after RSV he is predisposed to having more severe outcomes with colds and upper respiratory illnesses. He's had walking pneumonia twice, so we have to watch every cold and limit his activity. He has missed a lot of school in order to get well.

Good luck! The good news is that your son is building his immune system and this too shall pass!

Elizabeth

Lots and lots of hand washing. If your a church go-er, suggest the nursery and preschools have hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for the adults. Door knobs (at home this is a good idea as well) and tables, desks, etc should be wiped often. Children who have colds, fever should not be in the classes...just like the schools do it. In our day and age, we seldom get enough nutrients, and especially if we are ill, so I would ask my pediatrician or my local health food store about a supplement that would be good for them. Remember that soluble ones (liquid) are best as they go directly into the system. Certainly do not over do it, but a daily nutrient product should go a long way in helping.

About me: 64 year young working mother of 4 adult sons and their wives and my 13 gorgeous grand children!

Cindy

You totally need to try Xango! I have three kids 6,4, and 2, and one on the way. My four-year old is autistic and goes to an autistic pre-school and the immune system with a lot of these kids is horible. So many of her classmates have been sick all winter. I give all of my kids Xango everyday and they love the taste and ask for it. My kids have managed to stay healthy all winter! It is so good for building a healthy immune system. It is just juice so it's safe for kids, and myself to drink with no side effects. I love it and swear by it! I work this as a home-biz and am partners with the sister of the company's founders...so I have access to a lot of info about the product.

check out my mamasource member perks to watch a short video about how the juice and company came to be...it includes a little of the science too...which is pretty amazing.
http://www.mamasource.com/business/7787468744074199041

you can also check www.mangosteenalliance.com/ford
good luck.
R.

Chronic illness is often indicative of food allery--I would suspect dairy, as my first two (and me) are allergic to all dairy, which causes congestion and inflamation and is a real drain on the immune system. Try keeping him off all dairy for at least a week to see if it helps. Also try a quality children's liquid multi-vitamin from the health food store to give his immunities a boost. Good Luck! Also remember that exposure to antibiotics can create recurring illness, as it kills off the good bacteria in the intestines, weakening the bodies ability to digest well, thus weakening all the body's defenses.

H. A. Mom of 7, 13,16, and 18 year old.

Forgive me for sounding trite, but have you heard of Juice Plus? We started taking it in August and I can vouch for our immunity definitely being boosted. Our bouts with sickness have lasted a couple days, as opposed to weeks on end - last year my daughter was sick like your son has recently been. What a difference it has made. Juice Plus is made of whole fruits and vegetables which have been vine ripened, juiced and then dried. My daughter eats the gummies, we take the capsules. Look it up, it couldn't do any harm. It's greatly improved our health for sure. www.juiceplus.com
Cheryl

Please forgive me if you are already doing all this, but this is where I would begin:
- Cut out ALL sources of sugar. This includes any juice. Check cereals & yogurt for sugar levels, no processed foods like mac n cheese, etc. (When everyone is healthy again its ok to go back to *some* of the not-so-good stuff)
- Keep food input real simple. Raw/steamed vegies, broths, plain chicken; not too much fruit (nothing can'd or processed) - fresh apples would be good; drink lots of filtered water and good teas. Maybe start with a big pot of Chicken Soup with rice - start it by sauteing fresh garlic and onions in olive oil.
The key here is to boost his immunes - when you think of food think of what will build his body up.
Then call one or both of my two favorite wholistic chiropractors: Dr.Kristen of Freedom Chiropractic ###-###-####
and Dr.Candice of Active Chiropractic Wellness Center ###-###-####
I really hope your little one is better soon.

Sounds more like allergies, than continuous colds, and flu.
For a while check to see what he is eating, especially the time periods after he seems to get better.'
Winter time is the worst for some allergies.
It's just a thought. But raised three boys and all three were sick alot, it was allergies.
Good luck honey and give him a kiss for this grandma

Cindy,
You may be living in a (sick) home. Sometimes after all we've done, and still get sick, Our house may have molds that you cannot see, Can and will make people sick. Especially the very young and the very old.

Cindy, my name is J. and having raised 4 children (2 of each)they will sometimes grow out of whatever is pestering then at the time. My son had a slight heart murmur but he would eventually grow out of it and he did. That doesn't mean that all troubles are as easy to overcome.

J. tripp
provo, ut

ok, don't freak out, i'm sure your boy is fine. the truth is, kids have to get sick from time to time to build up an immunity. don't forget that kids don't generally have their own immune system until about nine months old, until then, they use the immunitites we provide while nursing. so, go out, get some fresh air, it will help both your son and yourself. when you get home, wash your hands together or invest in some instant hand sanitizer.
i totally understand where your coming from. when my oldest(she's 3 now) was born, she was always sick! i worried, took her to the doctors, the works. three years and two more kids later, you learn not to stress over every sniffle, cough, or cold. you worry only when it is something serious, like croup, which i myself just had my maiden voyage with, with my son. oh, the winter thing is a factor only because there's less sunlight which provides vitamin D, which helps boost our immunities. maybe a vitamin supplement, but do talk to the doctor first. good luck!

I would suggest getting him started on noni juice. I am a product consultant for Tahitian Noni International and my whole family takes noni juice (except my 4 year old that refuses because she says its too sour!) My 2 year old loves it and has only got sick one time this whole winter. Toddlers get themselves in the middle of so many germs and the boost that the Tahitian Noni juice gives him makes all the difference. If you would like to try it, you could visit my website at www.noniusers.com/nava or www.tahitiannoni.com/laura_nava Have a great day and good luck with getting well!

Hi Cindy! Like many responses, hand washing and taking a daily suppliment is really necessary today. My family is on a product called Body Balance (liquid multi-vitamin & mineral suppliment with phyto-nutrients and glyconutrients). This has helped them beat their allergies and the winter cold/flu season a lot!! (I have a 2yr old & 7 yr old.) You can start children as young as 12 mo. on 1/2 of a tsp. I also would suggest adding Taheebo (natural immune system booster & anti-viral)& Colloidal Silver (natural anti-biotic and anti-viral) to the Body Balance until he gets better. I swear by the stuff for myself and family. Since we started the products 2 years ago, my allergies are pretty non-existant and the colds and flus are minimal and don't drag on as long as they used to. If you're interested in learning more, e-mail me or call me at ###-###-####. - D. V.

sorry to hear about your sickness.

sometimes no matter what you do , it seems that your child gets sick, and in time they will get better.
this year has been a really hard year for all ages!!!!if getting out will help.find a friend/family memeber who can come and help for an hour, just enough to go get a cup of coffee or run to the store. mom's cant be super mom all the time. we need to energize our batteries .
hang in there, i know its tough.

Is it the cooping that's keeping him sick?? We were in a rental house for a couple months. Everyone (besides me, funny enough) was pretty sick the ENTIRE time we lived there. I even brought a new baby home that had a terrible cough the whole time we lived there. Come to find out, there was mold there. They were all sick with different things over and over. I thought it was the stress of moving, new baby, etc... plus it was chilly so we weren't outside much and I certainly didn't try many outings. Moving away sure cured us, though. I'm not saying you need to up and move, just check it out. My DR said that especially during the winter months, the inside of your home is the most toxic place you can be.
The other thing you can try is to build him up from the inside out. Pay close attention to what he's eating (junk food breaks down an immune system while high anti-oxidant fruits and such can build him up). Germs alone aren't the terrible thing. It's the wrong germ combined with a weak immune system. Keeping him in the bubble can actually be worse because he's not building any resistances. This is what I've found with MY questions and experiences. You're the Mom - you'll know what's best for him!! Good luck!

OK - so I just read the other gal's response and that brings up the exception to my rules. She's right - you just have to know your kids and do what feels right!

This winter has been bad for us too. We started in late September. My husband and oldest daughter got strep throat twice. The oldest also got a virus, cold with a cough and then an ear infection. My middle child had two colds along with a bad cough which eventually turned into a wheezing cough type of pnemonia. The newborn got two colds and cough. And now has a virus or somekind of bacterial infection. And I had two sinus cold infections. Its been a tough winter but I think and HOPE that we are done being sick this year. Last winter wasn't so bad, but this winter seem to have come early and it has snowed quite a bit.

This is your son's first winter where he is exploring, touching, coming into contact with more things and more people - with my sons that meant an increase in winter illnesses. That may also happen again with preschool and then kindergarten, as he's exposed to increasingly wider "petrie dishs." My best bet has been to try and keep my boys healthy by paying special attention in the winter to plenty of sleep, healthy foods, few sweets, lots of water, no soda. If I feel they're a little run down or being exposed to something, I give them echinacea in water 2x a day for a week. (I use an orange-flavored echinacea tincture in glycerite w/vitamin C - very little taste.) This helps boost and strengthen their immune system. Your little guy is developing his immune system - good for him! - and it is so hard as a parent to watch...and worry from time to time. Good luck.

Hi Cindy--

I haven't seen this response yet, so I'll throw this in. Give him probiotics (like you find in yogurt). They have ones specifically designed for young children and they have chewable ones--you can get them at any health food store. Also, try supplementing with omega 3 fatty acids. I give my 3 year old a product called coromega--it's like a gel. It has a few preservatives in it I don't like, but it's the only way I can get him to take it. We also feed him smoked salmon and edamame periodically for the good fats.

Hope you all get better soon!
J.

You might try one of them air purifiers, I heard they work great.

hello cindy...boy it makes life really hard when your little boy is sick all the time it seems but it sounds like you are a good mommy. i presume you have been taking him into the doctor and he is medicating as needed. are you giving him tylenol(or the generic), do you give him antihistamine, or/and an expectorant??? anyway, once you are able to get him reasonably well, exceptional hand washing by all around him is first. then, the other preventative steps like sneezing into the arm or hand, hand washing, keep others away when they are sick (those that love him will do this happily), wash hands, blow the nasal clear as much as needed, wash hands, cough into hand or elbow, wash hands, plenty of fluids esp. water, wash hands, make him wear warm clothing in and out of the house, wash hands. and pray like crazy for protection from all those viruses. remember, viruses are not affected at all by antibiotics so don't give them to him. his immune system is fighting really hard to get him well but the viruses that are around now are 10 times what we used to have and they are much stronger. don't hesitate to get him to the doctor for throat cultures, etc. oh, also, air out the house and change his sheets and toothbrush, don't share drinks or food utensils...you are much better in the immune department than he is. keep smiling and have as much fun as possible....what a super age. spring is just around the corner and many of these viruses will slow down with warm weather. God bless ... P. m.:)

Dear Cindy~
To increase your son's immune system, try Probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that lives in your intestines, but is killed off when you have a poor diet or take antibiotics and other things kill of the good bacteria too. So you need to replenish them. You must get one where you know the bacteria is still alive. To make sure they are still alive, buy one that must be refridgerated-HMF Forte is an excellent brand. Also, I am a firm believer of chiropractic care-make sure they use the Gonstead Method. It can increase immunity of the body and of course help your body in many other ways too. I believe frequent and good hand washing is a must with increasing immunity, as well as a diet high in veggies, low in sugars and white flour. Get good rest, fresh air and sunlight. I wish you well~ T. S.

Cindy, Im sorry to hear about your little guy. All of your advice is really good. Definatley check your surroundings. Try to keep things clean. I have 4 kids and 3 are under 5. We get sick every winter, but this year has been better than others. I really believe kids get sick so that their little bodies are able to fight the BIG stuff later! My 10 year old is NEVER sick. He had his fair share of being sick as a toddler, but since he was about 5 he never gets sick. Virus' acually live longer in cold weather, unlike everything else in the world the cold is what they love! Just make sure you give him lots of fluids and healthy food. Plenty of sleep and Spring is just around the corner! Good luck and wish you and your family wealth!--H.

Wash your hands and his religiously! I mean before and after you do anything! Wash sheets, tooth brush, pacifiers (if he uses them) and toys often, especially after being sick. Taking a multi vitamin might help too. He's probably building up his immune system, tho, so next winter won't be as bad. One thing that will help is make sure you both get fresh air every day, and air out the house. The air can get stale in the winter, and germs live inside, so to help get rid of both of those, throw all your windows open for 15 minutes a day. Even if it is cold. Bundle up and let the fresh air in. I hate being sick! Good luck!

Poor baby! You probably already know that washing little hands is the #1 thing you can do to prevent transmission of illness, especially if your little guy is putting his hands in his mouth a lot like most kids. So if you go out, wash them many times a day. That said, my experience has been that it's impossible to wash hands enough to survive, say, a trip to Chuck E Cheese intact. So avoid those kinds of places. We always, always got sick after. The other things to look at are his diet and his stress levels. Yes, babies can have stress, too. But first, diet: if you are still nursing then make sure you have whole foods and adequate fats in your diet. Low fat is especially bad news for babies. If he is only eating, then make sure that he has those things in his diet. Sugar has an immune suppressant effect so avoid it. Next, babies get stressed from changes in their routine more than anything. Avoiding these will also help him to get adequate sleep, which is important for immunity. All that said, there's a theory that every little childhood illness builds the baby's immune system and makes them stronger in the future. It sounds like you've made quite an investment in that this winter. Good luck!

I feel for you...It's so hard on a family when the little ones get sick. My advice... Be sure that your child eats lots of veggies (broccoli is my son's favorite) and help him get plenty of sleep. While his system builds up immunity the veggies and sleep can help him get ahead of the game. Good Luck!

Some winters just seem to be worse, and since he's so young, he's just really developing immunity to everything now, so hopefully your next winter will be way better. but in the meantime, I was told by several sources, that elderberry syrup can help prevent viruses from attaching on the healthy cells. I bought some from our health food store and have only tried it once w/ my kids. Also, I have brought antibacterial wipes to clean off shopping carts, and one friend said she sprayed Lysol on all her door handles, and surfaces her kids touch. If your son is playing at group areas, then washing his hands w/ anitbacterial soaps or wipes afterwards can help too. I also really believe a healthy diet and vitamins can help him fight the sickness (but it's sometimes pretty hard to get a 17 mo old to eat veggies) then- lots of prayer too. :) If he's been trying to get rid of his second nap, you might try to hold onto that too- lots of sleep and good nutrition can help.

Is the little guy in day care? I've never heard of a little guy, with no older siblings, so sick. But my only advise is, there are worse things than putting him in a bubble. If he were to get to sick you would end up in the hospital...and trust me, that is not a place to be! My #4 caught RSV at 3 days from the nursing staff of the hospital. He has yet to not be stuffy and the Dr. will be taking out his adenoids and tonsils, until then he is on oxygen while he sleeps because he doesn't get enough. My older kids have not been aloud to play with anybody this winter and at school, they are extreme about being around anybody that is sick. My family lives in a bubble, and you know it is kind of nice to just have us. This will be the first year that none of my kids have gotten serious anythings! Keep him away from everyone who is sick, use lots of lysol wipes on your hands after being out and about. And being around other people (friends and family) that know they are sick, but can't stay away from the party, should be slapped hard across the face!!!

But that is just me, how much do you want to spend in Dr. bills is entirely up to you and how much you don't want to be in a bubble.

Sorry, my soap box!

There is an immune deficiency that has just been recently discovered in children. You might want to ask your doctor about it. I'm pretty sure my brother and I had it. We were sick all the time.

You described my last year with an 18 mo old perfectly! I don't know if it's the age where they don't quite have the immunity they need or what, but we went through ear infections, RSV, and Rotavirus one after the other. This year he is 2 1/2 and we haven't had a thing, so maybe you'll have luck next year since he's been exposed to everything this year. Good Luck.

Well, if it helps any, viruses are one time and then he will be immune to them, so it's now or later anyway. I always figured there was no catching germs when playing outside! I would advise washing hands before eating and after bathroom, cleansing the grocery cart bar, and being up-to-date on all the immunizations. Provide him a diet full of whole food vegetables, fruit, and lean protein, etc., oh, and plenty of sleep and maintain the well-baby checks as your provider recommends. He is building immunity to each virus he has experienced and that is normal!

Sounds like your son needs an immunce system boost. Echinacea, garlic, vitamin C and zinc will help boost his immune system. Did you know that sugar and white flour will actually hurt your immune system? They contain bleach and distract your white blood cells, leaving fewer white blood cells available to fight the illnesses coming at you. I wish I had known this when my kids were young. We used to be sick all the time. My youngest got croup any time she got a cold and was often in the hospital for it. She spent five days in the hospital for RSV when she was 18 months.

Another incredible way to boost your child's (and your) immune system is to drink green drinks (powdered green vegetables available at health food stores). I have had my youngest on the above vitamins and green drinks for 9 months. Her hair is growing like crazy and is shiny and healthy, her skin color has gone from grey to beautiful and glowing pink, she has more energy and never gets sick like she used to. I got so excited about the way our dietary changes helped our health that I wrote a book about it, Shopper's Guide to Healthy Living. It's available on Amazon.com and is written to help busy moms get their families to eat healthier.
Good luck! Email me at ____@____.com

I have three children and my kids have been much healthier since I've started giving them a good multi vitamin, go to the health food store for a good one, not Wal-mart or costco, etc where there are lots of sugar in the kids vitamins. My kids take juice plus chewables and when they do get sick they get over things much more quickly. I've also been giving them more healthy snacks and try to avoid sugar as much as possible, although it is VERY hard with kids that have developed habits. The other thing I do is NOT to medicate them for a fever or cold or cough all the time, that just makes it last longer. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves if we don't interfere and let them. Of course if the fever is unually high or your child is very uncomfortable I would give them some tylenol. The other thing I do is get myself and kids adjusted from a chiropractor, once their spines are in alignment it helps them heal quicker. Ask your pediatrician about natural ways to healing and not always getting perscriptions. Hope that helps!

I have two suggestions that have worked wonderfully for my 3 kids.

First, I boost their immune system. I do this mostly by healthy eating (avoiding sugars and most grains, focusing on eating lots of veggies), but also by Echinacea and real Vitimin C. (Ascorbic Acid isn't real Vitamin C.)

Second, at the first sign of any flu/cold symptoms I put hydrogen peroxide in their ears for 10 minutes each side, or until it stops bubbling. There is a group of scientist that believe all colds and flus are cultivated in the ears. So if you kill it there, the rest goes away usually within 24 hrs or less. I decided to try it and it has worked every time!!

Cindy, I too went through all that and more from Sept. to Dec. I finally had enough and the last time we all got sick, (there are 8 of us here!) I literally washed my hands and sanitized them each time I touched someone. I did not get the last round of stomach flu! Then, I sanitized the whole house from top to bottom. Yes, it took me a good 3 days, but no one has gotten sick again. Wash and/or sanitize hands everytime you come inside the house. It's a pain, but it's sooooo worth it! good luck!

I think I could have written your letter except for the age of that little boy. Mine will be one soon and we've gone through everything too. From everyone I talk to it sounds like this is just an incredibly bad winter. You're not the only one!

I thought to myself when I read your question that I was the one who actually wrote it! I am in the same boat with you this season with my 14 month old. She has had it all - colds, pneumonia, ear infections, stomach flu - literally something new every week since Jan 1. She goes to daycare on Tuesdays and Thursdays, yet she can't seem to make it back by Thursday because she catches something new by Tuesday evening. Talk about frustrating and feeling at the end of my rope with it! I don't have much advice for you because I am in the same boat. I have been reading the other suggestions that people have given you in hopes the advice will help me too, but I certainly can sypathize and tell you that you are not alone! On top of all of this, I have had a sinus infection for over a month and I caught the flu too, so it has been quite grim this winter season. I have been disinfecting my home everyday hoping that my husband and I don't catch the stomach flu that my daughter is still battling today, and so far it has worked. The best you can do I guess is keep a clean home, disinfect when you can, open your doors and get fresh air going through the house and hope your child's immune system becomes stronger with time. Good luck to you!

Hi Cindy! I am so sorry to hear about you and your little guys health. When my daughter was at that age we started changing our diet and started on this amazing nutritional cleanse. It was so easy to fit into our lives because my daughter was able to take the yummy nutritional shakes that this program provided.
She is now 5 years old and very rarely gets sick. If so, it is once or twice a year and only for a day. Our energy, immune systems, and moods have soared because of this program. Let me know if you want more info.
GOD BLESS!

You didn't say anything about your diet or any supplements you may be taking. There are many ways to enhance your immune system so that you don't get every illness that's going around. If you'd like information more information, please contact me and I'll be happy to provide it for you...

T.

I work in daycare for a health club and we wash our hands so much that our hands are cracked, but I think it helps.
You also have to remember that in order for your son to fight off stuff he first has to be innoculated, that is by his enviroment. The T cells that fight viruses have to have a virus to work with....My doc says that the more the child is normally exposed to the day to day viruses the healthier he'll be when he's older...Kind of a catch 22...
We also use Hyline homeopathic 25 mg vit C, it helps and any other good foods like brocolli and oranges etc....
hang in there....
A.

Check out our website at www.myhexagonalwater.com I think I have a solution for you and your dear son.

Hi Cindy,
I totally understand your frustation, but also think that your child is building up his immune system!
I make sure that my kids get their vitamins every day, that they eat healthy- a lot of fruits and vegetables!- and we also drink a natural juice as a dietary supplement every day. Science has proven that that juice has over 100 medical benefits. I have to say that my kids' ability- as well as mine- to fight colds and flu, and so on, is much better since we've been drinking this juice. The beauty of it is that anyone can drink it! If you are interested in finding more about it, go check out the following website.
www.davidstephen.themangosteenrevolution.com
I know that we don't spend one day without taking the juice, and my kids love it so much that they even ask for it!
Hope this help!
A.

It may not be fun, it can be exhausting and heart breaking to have a child sick, but he is really building up his immune system which is important. You just make sure to keep their hands clean, keep them from putting things in their mouth, use hand sanitizer personally. I used to be a germaphobe, however it was so much harder on my daughter when she entered preschool and she had previously not been exposed to those kids of germs, it is better early on, hard on all of you though, I KNOW, just have to ride it out. My son who was exposed a lot earlier on due to my daughter in school is so much healthier then she was at the same age!

Hi Cindy, My name is P.. I have 3 teenagers so it has been a while since I was in your shoes, and my children were never terribly sick. However, over the years I have found natural products that I have used (and still do today) to keep my kids off antibiotics as much as possible. There have been times when we really needed them but I tried to supplement with acidophilus (I didn't spell that right)to build their immune system since antibiotics depletes the immune system. You may want to find a good health food store and start asking some questions of the people in the supplements department (Wild Oats, Good Earth, Dave's Health and Nutrition are some around here- SLC). There are also products that can be taken at the first sign of getting sick that will either stop it from coming to fruition or greatly diminish it's impact-such as Oscillococcinum (this may be difficult for a 17 month old to take but there are other products for children that are drops, and this would keep the adults from getting sick and passing it onto your son). Anyway, I hope this helps.

Cindy, all three of my boys have been sick since then too...until the past week and a half. Oh bliss! You may have tried all of this, but for us it took be disinfecting everything all of the time for about 2 days and vitamins, vitamins, vitamins! I even spent the little extra to get the liquid vitamins for my boys when they wouldn't eat the others. (Smells aweful by the way, but mom's must fight sickness smelling good or bad!). Anyway, we did that, did some of the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) and honestly it seemed overnight to work. If you've done all of this, I'd say stay strong and consistent Mom!
-A.

I know to some this may sound a little strange, but if your baby has had a pretty hard hit to the head (falls, bumps, etc.) it can throw their immune system off. I have a neice who fell out of a shopping cart head first. She has been sick constantly ever since. One correct chiropractic adjustment and you will be ABSOLUTELY blown away with how much stronger your baby will be. IT WORKS!!! Just a thought!

Maybe this year he'll get everything, and be healthy next year....some years are like that for me, depending on the weather and what's "going around". Plus, I think some kids (people)have stronger immune systems than others. My husband never seems to get sick! My daughter also was less sick as a little one than my son has been (but maybe that's because there was no one bringing home germs when she was really little). Anyway, instead of putting him in a bubble or a SARS mask, I'd say try to have him wash his hands a lot and take vitamin C. Some people also swear by Ecenacia. Good luck. I feel for you!