In scientific practice, there are two types of immunity: innate and acquired. The innate one is also called nonspecific; it is transmitted genetically from parents. The second one, acquired (adaptive or specific), develops and forms from the beginning of birth along with the growth of a person. Adaptive immunity is the ability of the human body to eliminate pathogenic and potentially dangerous microorganisms (or toxin molecules) that have already entered the body before. The so-called immunological memory is created.
In order to understand whether it is necessary to strengthen the child's immune system, you should first understand that, from birth to 16 years of age, it is customary to distinguish five main periods of development of the human immune system. During certain periods of a child's life, the immune system undergoes enormous changes and stress.
Causes of weak immunity in a child
As we have already seen, immunity has its own characteristics for each of the above-mentioned periods of a child's life. There are many causes and factors of weak immunity in a child. Factors that can serve to reduce the immunity of a child, including an adult:
- Malnutrition;
- Lack of physical activity;
- Psycho-emotional depression;
- Past injuries or surgeries;
- Chronic congenital diseases;
- Bad habits and passive smoking;
- Poor water and air quality.Weak immunity in children
Signs of weak immunity in children
If a child is exposed to these negative factors for a long time, sooner or later such negative consequences may still appear: - Pallor of the skin and prolonged inactivity of open wound healing;
- Lack of body resistance to viral and bacterial infections;
- Frequent ARI with prolonged or severe complications;
- Fungal infections and allergic reactions;
- Drowsiness, frequent dizziness and headaches;
- Fatigue, weakness and inability to learn in kindergarten or school.
How to strengthen the child's immunity
- Positive atmosphere in the family. The child's psycho-emotional state is very important. Therefore, try your best to protect the child from scandals, cries and other negative factors in the house. Severe stress in a baby can quickly weaken the immune system, and the child's body cannot cope with another attack of viruses and bacteria.
- Personal hygiene. Cleanliness, hand and face hygiene are important for a child. From an early age, instill a good habit in your child wash your hands after a walk, before eating and after using the restroom. In addition, create a healthy microclimate in the house - it is cool (18-22 C) and humid (50-70%) air. Devices such as hygrometers will help to control these indicators.
- Food. Provide your child with complete and varied nutrition. To increase the child's resistance to respiratory diseases, it is necessary to give foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and trace elements such as zinc, iron and selenium.
It is important to give vegetable and fruit salads, they are rich in fiber and important micro and macro elements. If there is a lack of a particular biologically important substance in the body, there are special vitamin kits to strengthen the child's immunity. To choose a vitamin for a child, you should first consult a pediatrician.
- Daily routine and hardening. Create and follow the right rhythm of life for the child. The child's daily routine should be structured so that he or she wakes up at about the same time every day, eats at a certain time. And between the modes, there should be active games, educational activities, walks.
Also to strengthen the child's immunity hardening procedure is very effective, as long as it is done regularly. It can be a simple wiping of the child's hands and feet with a cool towel and is suitable even for the youngest children.
- Fresh air. A sufficient level of oxygen in the air is very important for the formation of a healthy and strong immune system of a child. Without fresh air, the normal development of the organs of the body's vital systems is impossible. Try to ensure that your child walks outdoors for at least 2-3 hours a day.