Unfortunately this is the time of year illnesses are more common, probably due to the increased contact with others during the winter months. Even stay at home children get an average of six colds a year, and that number doubles for children in day care. These secretions are usually spread by contaminated hands or occassionally by kissing. Toddlers are especially prone to spreading these infections because of their habit of touching and mouthing everything. Droplet spread from coughing or sneezing is a less common means of transmission of respiratory illnesses.
Droplets can travel up to six feet.
Fecal contamination of hands or other objects accounts for the spread of most cases of diarrhea. There can also be other methods of disease transmission, such as contaminated hats or combs spreading lice or ringworm, contaminated food causing food poisoning, or direct contact with infected wounds or body fluids. But teach your child to wash their hands with soap and dry them before eating, after using the bathroom, after handling pets, and several times during the day. Make sure your day care center staff also practices and encourages handwashing. Don't smoke around your children.