How Your Child’s Immune System Develops

Children tend to fall sick more easily that adults. That’s normal given that their immune system has yet to mature.

When children fall sick due to viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, their immune system is summoned to fight off and control these infections. As they recover, they gain immunological memory. This means that over time, protection provided by the immune response increases, and they suffer fewer infections as they grow older. 

There are many factors in the development of a child’s immune system. Gut bacteria plays an essential role, so a healthy digestive system is of great importance. Allowing your child to have natural contact with germs in the environment will also help develop her immunity. Lastly, acquisition of viral nutrients from daily food intake is equally as important to build a healthy immune system.

References

Simon, A., Hollander, G., & McMichael, A. (2015). Evolution of the immune system in humans from infancy to old age. Proceedings Of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 282(1821), 20143085.

https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2014.3085