Denizli Servergazi State Hospital Pediatrics Specialist. Dr. Özgün Taban explained what should be done to strengthen the immune system in children against diseases that increase with the opening of schools and the arrival of autumn months.
Stating that with the opening of schools and the arrival of the fall months, the risks of infection for school-age children have increased and families have question marks in their minds about what should be done to strengthen their children's immune system, Pediatrics Specialist. Dr. Özgün Taban; “A healthy child can have upper respiratory tract infections 6-8 times a year. This number can increase up to 10-12 in the first 1-2 years they start school. Upper respiratory tract infections in children develop 70-90 percent due to viruses. There is no need to use antibiotics in the treatment of these infections. The stronger our immune system is, the stronger we are against infectious diseases,” he said and listed simple but effective methods to strengthen the immune system of children during this period.
“One of the most important ways to prevent diseases is hygiene”
Emphasizing that one of the most important ways to prevent winter diseases is personal hygiene and that children should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, Uz. Dr. Taban said, “One of the most important ways to protect against winter diseases is to pay attention to personal hygiene rules. Hand washing is a simple but effective method to protect children starting school against diseases. Children should be taught to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Children should be warned about washing hands after coughing and sneezing and not sharing personal belongings with other children.”
“Vitamins A, C and D for children play an important role for the immune system”
Uz. Dr. Taban emphasized that eating a regular and balanced diet and drinking enough water will support the immune system. Stating that vitamins A, C and D play an important role in supporting the immune system in children, Taban said, “Protein, carbohydrate and fat content should be balanced and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Fruits and vegetables help strengthen children's immune systems naturally. Avoiding sugar and processed foods and drinking enough water are important to protect the health of the immune system. Vitamins A, C and D play an important role in supporting the immune system of children. Vitamin D in particular is essential for the immune system to function. In vitamin D deficiency, the functioning of the immune system is impaired and susceptibility to infections increases. The need for vitamin D varies according to age and person. To prevent vitamin D deficiency in infancy, all newborns should be given 400 units of vitamin D orally from the first day of life, regardless of their diet. The vitamin D requirement for the period after the age of one year is determined as 600 units per day. In cases where vitamin D deficiency is thought to be deficient, laboratory evaluation should be performed by the pediatrician and if there is no obstacle to the use of vitamin D, if there is a deficiency, replacement therapy should be applied during the winter period.”
“Exercise, adequate and regular sleep strengthen the immune system of children”
Stating that exercise, adequate and quality sleep strengthens the immune system of children, Taban said that activities and care are also important for the immune development of children in cases such as stress and anxiety about adaptation in schools, “Regular exercise strengthens the immune system of children. Children should be encouraged to play age-appropriate sports. Sleep is an important factor that positively affects the immune system. Adequate and quality sleep helps strengthen the immune system. For a healthy immune system, it is important to give children regular sleep habits. For a quality sleep, stimuli such as computers and phones should be turned off at least one hour before bedtime. The process of adapting to the school environment can increase stress and anxiety levels in children. In such cases, stress-reducing activities and measures are important for the development of immunity in children.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241008AW303718