The “immune gap” in young children is an extremely important time in the development process, when the child’s immune system is not yet complete. During this stage, children are more susceptible to infection because the immune system is not strong enough to fight pathogens. Factors such as contact with other children, public spaces and polluted environments can increase the risk of infection in young children. So how to prevent and fill the immune gap for children, let’s find out with Autoru and how to prevent it!

What is the immune gap?

The immune gap in childhood is a period when a child’s immune system is not fully developed, making them susceptible to infections. During this period, a child’s body is not able to fight off bacteria, viruses and other pathogens as effectively as an adult. This usually occurs in the first years of a child’s life, from birth until the child’s immune system is fully developed, usually around 6 to 36 months of age. During this time, it is important to protect children from diseases through approaches such as vaccination and hygiene.

The time your child falls into the “immune gap”

The period from 6 months to 36 months of age is considered the “immune gap” in children, our grandparents often call it “the 3-year burn”. At this stage, children will begin to build their own resistance each time they deal with illness. This is probably the most tiring time for children, because they get sick more often than at other times. Looking at the crowded, overloaded scenes at clinics and children’s hospitals, it is enough to understand how much the number of cases has increased. Respiratory diseases, rhinopharyngitis, hand, foot and mouth disease, dengue fever, acute diarrhea… all tend to increase significantly. Children have not yet recovered from one illness, but another one is piled on top of it, making parents feel like their children have never been sick.

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Common health problems in children during the “immune gap” period

During the “immune gap” period, children often encounter a number of common health problems due to their immature immune systems. Here are some common conditions that children often encounter during this period:

• Respiratory tract infections: Children can be susceptible to illnesses like colds, pneumonia, sore throats and rhinitis because their immune systems are not yet strong enough to fight off disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
• Gastrointestinal infections: Bacteria can cause illnesses such as diarrhea and vomiting, especially in unsanitary environments or through contact with others who have the disease.
• Skin infections: Children’s skin can also become sensitive and susceptible to conditions like dermatitis, rashes, and bacterial folliculitis.
• Ear infections: Bacteria can cause ear infections in children while their immune systems are still developing.
• Urinary tract infections: Some children may develop conditions such as cystitis or pyelonephritis due to bacteria entering the urinary system.
• Tropical diseases: In tropical areas, children can be susceptible to diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and other insect-borne infections.

These problems often appear during the “immune gap” period of children and require timely care and treatment from doctors and families to ensure the child’s health and normal development.

How to help your child avoid minor illnesses during the “immune gap” period

Parents are often tired of talking about the “immune gap”, but to help their children avoid minor illnesses during this period, here are some ways to help parents prevent and fill the immune gap for their children.

Mother milk

Breast milk not only provides important nutrients for the development of children, but also plays an important role in helping children prevent minor illnesses during the “immune gap” period. Breast milk contains many antibacterial and antiviral substances, helping to strengthen the child’s immune system during this period.

Antibodies in breast milk, especially IgA antibodies, help protect the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts from disease-causing bacteria and viruses. This helps reduce the risk of diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal infections.

In addition, breast milk also contains nutrients and white blood cells, which help strengthen the baby’s resistance and reduce the risk of disease. Studies have also shown that breastfed babies are less likely to get sick than babies who use formula milk. Therefore, continuing to breastfeed during the “immune gap” period is an effective way to protect the baby’s health and help their immune system develop strongly.

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Supplement children with foods rich in vitamins

Supplementing your child with vitamin-rich foods is an effective way to help them avoid minor illnesses during the “immune gap” period. Vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin A all play an important role in strengthening the immune system and protecting children’s health.

Vitamin C, found in abundance in fruits like oranges, lemons, strawberries, and tomatoes, not only boosts antioxidant capacity but also helps the body produce white blood cells, which are essential for the immune system.

Vitamin D is mainly synthesized from sunlight, but can also be provided through foods such as salmon, eggs and milk. Vitamin D helps strengthen the immune system and reduces the risk of illnesses such as colds and flu.

Vitamin A, found in foods like carrots, pumpkins and watermelon, helps maintain healthy mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts, helping to protect the body from infection.

Adding these vitamin-rich foods to your child’s daily diet not only provides important nutrients but also strengthens the immune system, helping your child effectively fight minor illnesses during the “immune gap” period.

Zinc supplements for children

Zinc supplementation for children is an important measure to help children prevent diseases during the “immune gap” period. Zinc is a mineral necessary for more than 300 biological processes in the body, including strengthening the immune system.

Zinc helps stimulate the production and activity of white blood cells, which are an important part of the body’s immune system. It also helps strengthen resistance against disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Zinc deficiency can weaken a child’s immune system, increasing the risk of illnesses such as colds, sore throats and diarrhea.

Good sources of zinc that you can give your child include poultry, seafood, nuts, and dairy products. If your child is not getting enough zinc from their daily diet, you may consider taking a zinc supplement recommended by your doctor or nutritionist.

Zinc supplementation for children is an effective way to help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of disease during the “immune gap” period, helping children maintain good health and comprehensive development.

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Vaccination

Vaccination is an important measure to help children prevent minor illnesses during the “immune gap” period. Vaccines help stimulate the body to produce antibodies against disease-causing bacteria and viruses, helping children’s immune systems develop resistance. By vaccinating on schedule, children will be protected from many dangerous diseases such as flu, hepatitis, Japanese encephalitis and many other infectious diseases. Helps reduce the risk of disease and protect children’s health during the period when their immune system is not yet fully developed.

Do not abuse drugs

When children are sick, using antibiotics or corticosteroids without proper indications or if prescribed but not in the correct dose or on the correct day will affect not only the immune system but also many other organ systems of the children.

The immune gap is an important stage in the development of the immune system in children, making them susceptible to minor illnesses. Thus, through the above article, Autoru can help parents understand the immune gap as well as how to cope with it to help their children stay healthy and avoid unwanted minor illnesses.