All parents have experienced it and new parents who are now entering the kindergarten/school they will experience it too: with the start of the school year, their merry-go-round also begins of viruses. However, this is normal and expected. A healthy preschool child who goes to daycare can contract a viral infection 10-15 times per school year, Maria Papadaki, Director of the Metropolitan Hospital Pediatric Clinic, tells us. “This happens partly because the organism of young children is more vulnerable, as their immune system is not fully developed, but also because at these young ages it is more difficult to follow hygiene rules. Usually the most difficult year is the first, when the child’s organism comes into contact for the first time with a multitude of infectious agents, mainly viruses but also bacteria in the school room.

How can we strengthen the immune system of children and protect them from the outbreak of viruses?

The good health of children and the strengthening of their immune system is based on the tripartite healthy diet-exercise-adequate sleep, emphasizes the expert. Proper nutrition is the basis for building a strong defense system, which will help the child effectively deal with the viruses with which he will come into contact. Foods rich in vitamins and trace elements such as vitamin A, D and E, ω-3 fatty acids, iron and selenium, are “weapons” for shielding the body’s defenses.

It is recommended that children follow a balanced diet, which includes all food groups, rich in fruits and vegetables, according to the standards of the Mediterranean diet. In addition, we should remind our children to drink water often, as insufficient hydration weakens the body and makes it more vulnerable to infections.

Schools

At the same time, sport offers children physical and mental well-being, reduces stress and helps them sleep better. Young children should sleep at least 9-12 hours a day and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Screen use should be avoided after evening hours, as it disturbs the child’s tranquility and interferes with the sleep process.

Finally, do not forget that the most effective way to strengthen the immune system of children is to be consistent with the vaccination schedule, as defined by the National Immunization Program for children and adolescents and implemented by the family pediatrician. According to the 2024 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, influenza vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months to 5 years and for older children who belong to high-risk groups for severe disease, such as children with chronic respiratory, cardiac or neurological problems.

Read more at monopoli.gr