“Take care of a sick child is never pleasant. And to protect them, parents often seek to keep them away from any risk of infection.
“”However, falling ill is part of the normal and beneficial development of the immune system“Esides Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
Current infections make it possible to strengthen the immune system
Our immune system consists of two types of immunity.
- On the one hand, innate immunity acts immediately to eliminate microbes;
- On the other hand, acquired immunity learns to recognize these germs, and builds a solid immune memory (with the constitution of an arsenal ready to act in the face of intruders with which the organism has already been confronted).
In fact, exposure to everyday viruses and bacteria makes it more reactive and effective in the face of future infections.
“”Indeed, each infection stimulates the immune system. They thus make it possible to strengthen it and diversify the antibodies of the child“Confirm Dr. Kierzek.
The risks of a childhood “under bell”
Conversely, an overly sterile environment can slow down this “immune learning”. Dr. Kierzek explains: “Growing up in an overly protected environment can cause hypersensitivity of the immune system or reduce its ability to react effectively to large dangers “. Children isolated from microbes have a higher risk of developing allergies, asthma or certain serious infectious diseases.
Overprotection does not only concern the body, it also affects mental health. “”Imposing excessive hygiene can generate stress, anxiety and low self -esteem in children“Warn the doctor.
Children can feel these constraints as an attack on their freedom and their autonomy, which harms their psychological development. Moderate exposure to microbes, on the contrary, contributes to harmonious development.
How to protect without overprotecting?
Dr. Kierzek recommends “Promote reasonable measures: hand washing, up -to -date vaccination, general hygiene, sufficient sleep and balanced diet“.
He also insists on the importance of letting the child play outside, frequenting his peers and living small benign infections. “”Parents should only worry if the diseases are serious, frequent or unusual “.
Before concluding: “It is healthy that children sometimes fall ill, that is part of their physiological immune development “.