HOW PARENTS CAN HELP KIDS STAY STRONG & HEALTHY
Feeling like your child is always coming down with some new bug or infection? You’re not imagining it. Kids get sick more than adults because their immune systems are still developing. “Infants are born with a certain degree of immunity they received from their mothers in utero,” explains Gemma Furman, a registered nurse who has worked in Acute Care Pediatrics in the University of Virginia Health System and as a school nurse at Burnley-Moran Elementary. “As babies begin to age, the antibodies from mom go away, and they are left with a ‘naïve’ immune system.” As children interact with their world, their bodies are exposed to viruses, bacteria, microorganisms and other pathogens. This teaches their immune systems to build antibodies to fight future infections.
How to Boost Your Child’s Immunity

Essential Oil Treatments
Alternative treatments such as essential oils or herbal medicine may offer some benefit in boosting immunity or helping your child navigate an illness. However, many of these products affect children differently than they do adults, and the body of research about their use in young people and babies is limited.“It’s easy to assume that because a product is [labeled] ‘natural’ or ‘pure’ that it is safe and helpful,” Furman cautions. But these products aren’t regulated, and companies often don’t disclose ingredients or provide evidence to support claims about their benefits. “Many loopholes exist allowing companies to market products to make them appeal to parents as a ‘natural’ alternative to a more traditional medical treatment.” If you are considering alternative medical treatments for your child, discuss them with your child’s doctor first.“It’s easy to assume that because a product is [labeled] ‘natural’ or ‘pure’ that it is safe and helpful.”
When To Take A Child To The Doctor
In general, the many small germs of childhood aren’t something parents should be worried about. However, there are instances when exposure to new illnesses can be dangerous. If your child has a compromised immune system, this level of normal childhood exposure can be life-threatening. And even if your child is otherwise healthy, some diseases can be serious. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s pediatrician if you notice:- Symptoms that go beyond a common childhood illness,
- Symptoms are persisting for several days,
- High fever,
- Trouble breathing, and
- Anything else that seems irregular or makes you concerned.

is a freelance writer, CharlottesvilleFamily‘s Family Health Editor and mother to one busy toddler. You can see more of her work at katharine-writes.com.
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