👉 During childhood, infections were common and often a significant part of daily life. Children frequently caught colds, flu, ear infections, and other illnesses due to their developing immune systems and close contact with peers. These infections could range from mild to severe, causing symptoms like fever, cough, congestion, and body aches. While many infections resolved on their own, some required medical attention, especially if they led to complications such as pneumonia or meningitis. The experience of recurring infections often taught young children the importance of hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, and sometimes instilled a fear of certain illnesses, shaping their health behaviors and awareness from an early age.