Is it possible to boost DC immune system?

[Bemyclementine]

Dc 6 and 7, between us there is rarely a fortnight goes by without one or mire being ill. Dc1 is in the red for school attendance, (tipped over by me bring unable to get him to school when I and dc2 had d&v). Dc2 is on Amber. I am on "monitored absence" at work because I've been off more than 3 times in 6 months. 5 now actually.

I really don't know what to do. They eat well, fruit and veg, and take a daily vitamin chewy.

Have you looked into improving your gut health? Lots of evidence that your gut biome is linked to immune system. Adding live yoghurt is a good way to start, my kids also have gut chewies as well as vitamins

What kind of ill? Would checking to see how well/often they are washing their hands prevent some of the illnesses?

Any type of ill really. D&V (started with me once so hopefully not hand washing related!) Strep, tonsillitis, generally unwell with a fever, really awful colds (with a fever).

We have Greek yogurt abd they have actimel daily, not sure if that counts @LondonLovie ?

I think at this time of year when you've had a tough winter everyone can just be so run down that you pick everything up.

My kids are younger but we both work full-time and so they're in nursery/childcare five days a week and frankly just a bit knackered. I'd try get a few lazy weekends to let them rest and then make a conscious effort not to over schedule them over the summer in the hopes they're heading into September in good health and next year will be easier.

Disclaimer: I have precisely zero medical training!

We do have lazy Saturdays most weekends, and they go to their dad's Sundays (where they play, in the garden and on devices, so nothing strenuous)

They have been staying up a bit later which I will change.

We've never been this ill. Dc 1 absence has been reported to the LA so on top of everything else I'm likely to get a fine

Garlic, more exposure to germs to toughen immense systems, less hand washing, more sleep, plenty of water.

Soup regularly. Lots of vitamin c from fruit and veg. Reduce sugar.
Garlic and ginger.
Vitamin d.

They have plenty if exposure to germs, we have cats and outdoor animals too, they play outside in the pony field, stables, garden, and get filthy, most days. 🙄 we do wash hands but aren't sterile.

Neither are keen on soup unfortunately.

Actimel has a lot of sugar. Is it live Greek yoghurt? Kefir is excellent and has more beneficial bacteria. I do also agree with the hand washing, a lot of germs enter the body through touch eyes etc so good hand washing essential.

When dc were in nursery and year 1 we had similar where both caught everything over autumn/winter/spring. Then after that they generally toughened up a little. I remember a friend with similar aged dc going though the sanme. There's been so many bugs around this winter with everyone getting back to normal after covid.

I'd make sure everyone is getting plenty of rest and keeping well hydrated. Make sure everyone is washing their hands too. But it may just be their time for building immunity as it's the first 'normal' winter we have had for a few years.

@LondonLovie dc2 has an easily upset tummy and the actimel seems to help. I'll look for an alternative though. Its just Greek yogurt, I don't think it mentions being live. Not good enough then presumably?

We didn't have this in pre school/reception. They're yr 1 and 3 now. Dc1 has strep. Again!

I looked for "immunity" gummies in boots earlier, £15 ish for a month. Each.

They can’t fine you for illness. Tell them if they try that it’s unlawful

No idea why that is ^^ immunity gummies were £15 a month each in boots earlier. Any cheaper alternatives that help?

@Makingthebest unauthorised absence . I'm assuming they think it's excessive?

I dont know why MNHQ is hiding my post about immunity supplements.

So they stopped authorising illness ?

If all genuine illness still appeal it

Did they give you an opportunity to submit proof before they unauthorised certain dates (appt card, prescription etc?)

I just got a letter saying it was being referred to the LA. Dc1 had 2 days off without being ill, I had D & V one of those days, I could have managed the 2nd day but dc2 had started with it by then.

Make an appt with your gp, they will write you a letter (you may have to pay) it’s what we had to do In a very similar situation and once we had proof the LA backed off

Hey, I just checked the name and these are the gummies we are taking in addition to vitamins; Optibac kids gummies

We have had the same since just before xmas. Tonsillitis, strep, flu b, slapped cheek, and most recently chicken pox.

It's tag teaming here once one is over it the other gets it.
Coupled with teething on the 15mth old it's just been great.
We had a reasonable diet and grow our own veg etc. I think between being so isolated with covid and then ds got his boosters which floored him and hasn't been able to recover. He has had all the above illnesses since.
Hes normally the healthiest kid going and it's his second year in primary and he was grand in his first.
Anyway no idea what advice but watching closely.

You need to step off the covid-go-round

Many viruses leave you "run down" for a while after the acute infection. Covid is really rather good at this, and the dysregulation of the immune system can last for months (studies used to say up to six months, but some are showing longer than this now).

So lobby your school for better ventilation, consider wearing a mask in certain indoors situations, keep away from people with symptoms (and do your bit by keeping away from people if you have symptoms).

Yeo valley organic is live and they do little childrens ones too which are nice😋