Infections are just as common at 2 ½ years of age as they are at 1 ½ years: nearly half (48%) of toddlers had at least four infections (ear infection, stomach flu, cold with fever, etc.) over a 12-month period. There was however an increase in the proportion of toddlers who contracted at least one gastro-intestinal infection (39% to 50%).
The analysis is based on the longitudinal study Growing Up in Québec. This large-scale study is following more than 4,000 children born in 2020–2021 until they reach adulthood. Its objective is to better understand what can influence the development and well-being of Québec children.