Preventing The Flu In Your Children This School Year

The common cold and influenza are viral infections usually caused by viruses that intrude into the nose, throat, sinuses, or ears. The pathogens travels either from hand to mouth and nose, or through the air on minute droplets carrying infected secretions from one person to another. Catching colds can actually be beneficial as it continues to train the immune system to be well tuned and capable of identifying and dealing with pathogens. It is important to recognize this and respect the body’s own ability to move viruses through and heal. If your child gets sick and gets over it within a couple of days this is usually a sign of a strong immune system- even if your child experiences more intense symptoms such as a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. This shows that your child’s defenses are strong and the immune system is working in a timely and efficient manner. On the other hand, if your child gets sick often and takes a long time to get over it, or if a child always seems to be experiencing a low grade cold or flu but rarely spikes a fever, this may be a sign of a weaker immune system. Either way there is a lot you can do naturally to support your child’s immune system to help minimize the frequency and duration of colds and flu.

Dr. Hilary Trojano

Summit Holistic Medicine