Darrick Robles Overview:
- Babies and small children are particularly often ill because their immune system is still in its infancy and builds up with every illness. They get an infection 8 to 12 times a year .
- In babies up to 2 years old, vitamin D can help to strengthen the immune system.
- Children recover most quickly from respiratory infections when they get a lot of sleep .
“Children between the ages of 6 and 18 months are particularly susceptible to infections. The protective antibodies they inherited from their mother then slowly disappear. At the same time, they haven’t been able to make enough antibodies of their own,” says Tommy Södergren, a pediatrician at Med-Healths.
On average, children under the age of 2 catch colds 8 to 12 times a year. This is because immunity develops in 2 ways. Innate immunity provides universal protection from birth. Acquired immunity only develops over time by reacting to pathogens and antigens and independently forming suitable antibodies. This also happens when we are vaccinated with weakened pathogens.
Because children often come into contact with new pathogens, their immune systems are on constant alert. This could explain why children are less likely to contract Covid-19 . Researchers suspect that their defenses can identify and destroy the corona virus even before the infection breaks out. Unfortunately, occasional infections in children are inevitable. But there are a few things you can do to strengthen your child’s immune system.
1. Make sure you get enough sleep
Sleep is often the best medicine – not just proverbially. When we sleep, inflammation can heal. When we rest, our body can repair damaged cells, which strengthens the immune system. When our immune system is fighting off pathogens, we often feel tired because the body is using a lot of energy to fight the infection.
Babies and toddlers need at least 12 to 16 hours of sleep including naps throughout the day. Children aged 3 to 5 need 10 to 13 hours of sleep, school children aged 6 to 12 should sleep 9 to 12 hours a night. For young people, 8 to 10 hours of night rest is sufficient.
Sometimes it’s not easy to get children to sleep. A solid bedtime routine is key. A warm bed, dim lights and a quiet environment also help children to calm down. Avoid tablets and the like before going to bed and make sure that the children’s room is well ventilated. A room temperature of 16° to 18° C is ideal for sleeping.
2. Promote healthy eating
Your child’s immune system needs the right fuel to fight off infection. Studies confirm that a lot of fruit and vegetables support the activity of immune cells.
Protein is also important — especially the amino acid arginine, which is found in nuts, soy, meat and beans . These foods are also high in zinc, which can reduce the duration and severity of infections. Probiotic yogurts and drinks can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.
3. Give vitamin D
In the dark season we have lower vitamin D reserves , at the same time the cold season has reached its peak. In summer, it is no problem for healthy children from the age of 2 to soak up sunlight outside and produce enough vitamin D. This does not apply to babies: since they do not get enough sun, they should be given a vitamin supplement. Consult a pediatrician before giving your child vitamin D.
4. Communicate that movement is fun
“If the whole family is active, it can help keep colds away. Exercise helps the immune system seek out and clear infections,” says Dr. Sodergren. “Winter is the peak season for infections because we spend more time indoors, where viruses are more easily transmitted. By spending time outdoors while keeping our distance from others, we can reduce the spread of the common cold virus.”
5. Thinking about an animal roommate
According to a British study, children with pets are less likely to get sick because they have a stronger immune system. Some researchers even suspect that pets can protect their owners from Covid-19 – since they have already been exposed to other corona viruses that occur in animals.
Petting your pet has been shown to increase the body’s levels of immunoglobulin A — a substance that fights infection. People with pets are less likely to get some gastrointestinal viruses. Plus, growing up around animals can help your child’s immune system tell the difference between dangerous pathogens and harmless allergens.
6. Use antibiotics with caution
“If a child has a cold, they don’t need antibiotics. These don’t work against cold viruses and coughs,” says Dr. Sodergren. “In this case, antibiotics can lead to additional symptoms such as diarrhea. They make the child more susceptible to infections because they disrupt the beneficial gut bacteria.” You can usually treat colds at home: Plenty of rest and plenty of fluids are important, and paracetamol or ibuprofen can also help.
“In rare cases, children can get a bacterial infection in addition to a cold – like strep tonsillitis, an ear infection or pneumonia,” adds Dr. Södergren. “Even then, antibiotics are not necessary in most cases.”
get medical help
- if the cold does not get better after 1 week,
- if it significantly worsens after 3 days or
- if your child has a very high fever.
“A runny nose and cough are signs that the immune system is working to rid the body of antigens and mucus – and these symptoms can persist for some time after the common cold,” says Dr. Sodergren. If the symptoms last longer than 6 weeks, you should see a doctor.
7. Pay attention to hygiene – but don’t overdo it
Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and before eating . To really get their hands clean, suggest that your child sing their favorite song while washing their hands.
If someone in the family has a cold, keep toothbrushes away from other family members. Change them out once the symptoms have gone away. Use tissues only once to avoid spreading germs.
Discourage your child from rubbing their eyes or biting their fingernails. When he goes to school, put some wet wipes or hand sanitizer in his bag so he can always clean his hands.
Don’t worry if your child gets a little dirty while playing. In fact, that’s a good thing: Studies show that exposure to germs and everyday infections boosts immunity, while over-hygiene doesn’t necessarily help the immune system.
children and Corona
Children cope better with Corona than adults. Even with a higher viral load, they show fewer symptoms. Most children have a symptom-free to mild course with mild symptoms.
Possible Covid-19 symptoms in children:
- high temperature
- Persistent cough (coughing fits lasting more than an hour or 3 or more coughing fits within 24 hours)
- Loss or a change in the sense of smell or taste
Get medical help right away if your child
- is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher
- is 3-6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- has a rash or other symptoms of illness in addition to a fever
- has a fever for more than 3 days
- is breathing rapidly or has difficulty breathing
- does not want to eat or is lethargic
- Has a fever that cannot be reduced by paracetamol
- is dehydrated (nappies not very wet, sunken eyes and no tears when crying)
When to talk to a doctor
This time can be troubling for many, especially parents. If you’re unsure whether to seek medical attention or are worried about a specific symptom, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Our paediatricians are there for you.
