Managing through times of uncertainty poses a significant challenge for parents who prioritize their children’s happiness and safety. The various measures taken to combat COVID-19, such as school closures, regular handwashing, and maintaining distance, have added a layer of anxiety for both parents and children.

Although there is limited evidence to endorse natural remedies for this specific virus, you can take comfort in knowing there are natural ways to enhance your child’s immune system, bolstering their defenses against common infections, including seasonal colds and flu.

Natural defense mechanism

Think of traveling with your family and passing through airport security. The X-ray scanner checks your child’s luggage to ascertain its safety for the flight. Similarly, your child’s immune system evaluates whether elements from the outside world are safe to remain inside their body. When harmful entities like germs are detected, an immune response is triggered to expel them.

When germs settle in

The term “germs” encompasses various microorganisms that can lead to illness, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Despite the immune system’s efforts to fend off infections, germs can often make themselves at home.

Viruses are especially problematic as they require a living host, like humans, to thrive, hijacking our cellular mechanisms throughout their lifecycle. Common viral culprits include influenza, rhinovirus (which predominantly leads to colds), and human coronaviruses, responsible for colds and serious lower respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia.

Minimizing contact

The most effective strategy against infection is to minimize exposure to germs. Efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus emphasize this principle. The virus transmits from one individual to another via respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces.

While studies continue to explore the characteristics and transmission methods of this coronavirus, the current understanding is that it spreads primarily through inhaling droplets or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.

If you need to take your children along when shopping for necessary items, consider holding their hand or providing a toy to keep them engaged instead of touching surrounding objects. Turn avoiding face-touching into a fun challenge by encouraging them to distract themselves with different actions, like scratching their knees when they feel the impulse to touch their face.

Although research around COVID-19 is still evolving, other coronaviruses can remain infectious on surfaces at room temperature for up to six days. This emphasizes the importance of consistently disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in your home, as items contaminated with rhinovirus can retain infectious potential on fingertips for up to 24 hours.

Commonly touched surfaces at home include doorknobs, refrigerator handles, TV remotes, and bathroom faucets. Focus on cleaning frequently-handled items, especially toys and touchscreens, to ensure they remain hygienic.

Addressing nutrition concerns

Lack of essential immune-supporting micronutrients—such as the B vitamins, vitamins C, D, and E, iron, zinc, and selenium—can increase vulnerability to infections and affect the severity of the illness itself.

Among children in developed nations like Canada, the prevalent reason behind nutrient deficiencies is often attributed to picky eating habits, which can lead to the avoidance of various nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens. Insufficient vitamin D levels, resulting from limited dietary intake or inadequate sun exposure, can heighten the risk of respiratory infections.

Ensuring that your child receives adequate micronutrients can bolster their resistance to infections and facilitate quicker recovery. For children who are selective eaters, a multivitamin may be beneficial to help fill in the nutritional gaps.

Promoting active lifestyles

Encouraging physical activity in children and adolescents comes with numerous benefits, including enhanced cardiovascular health, improved self-esteem, and decreased anxiety and depression levels.

Furthermore, engaging in regular exercise can play a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune response. Moderate exercise has been shown to elevate immune functionality through enhanced surveillance, lowered inflammation, and alleviation of psychological stress.

The Canadian Paediatric Society advises that children should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days of the week.

Uplifting mood

If your child frequently inquires about COVID-19, they might be looking for support from you to alleviate their unease. Strive to clarify the situation without instilling unnecessary fears regarding germs, eroding trust in others, or generating anxieties about what lies ahead.

Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on immune functionality, making it essential to help manage your child’s stress. Engage in activities like play, creative projects, exercise, meditation, and open conversations to support their mental health during these challenging times.