Calling all scientists/medical professionals: Is it really possible to build up your child's immunity?

Question

I have twin toddlers and I hate taking them to the church nursery because 9 out of 10 times, they come down with a cold or some other "bug" a few days later (even though the nursery has a "no sick kids allowed" policy). As a result, we avoid taking them when possible. I regularly, however, have other parents tell me that it's better to allow them to get sick over and over now, so by the time they are school-aged, they won't have so many colds or other illnesses.
Personally, I don't buy it. Aren't there hundreds of strains of colds/flu/etc? Seems to me, they're going to continue to catch whatever is out there, now AND later, because colds don't share the same germs and thoughtless parents continue to bring their sick children to public places. What's the real science here?

Please! Read my question carefully! My question is really pointed towards everyday, run-of-the-mill colds/bugs. The question is that since there are hundreds, if not thousands of strains of colds and such, I'm not convinced that repeatedly exposing them now to other kids' colds will prevent them from catching colds and other bugs when they enter school. The proof to me is that almost everytime they get sick, my husband and I get sick! If we had built up an immunity to colds as kids, then why are we still catching them as 35-year-old healthy adults?

Answer 1

Ok, this is entirely my opinion and own experience since I have no medical training, but I do have a 2 year old in daycare, so our expierence of FREQUENT colds etc. is extensive. I've noticed with my daughter that yes, she still gets colds like every other week, but as she gets older, the symptoms are less and less. I think that you're absolutely right, there are thousands of bugs and viruses out there, and there is no real way to build up an immunity to everything. I think the key is to eat as healthy as possible, take a multi-vitimin (I give my kiddo Flinstones with Immunity Support), and do the usual hand washing, stay clean stuff. This is ALL we can do! Unless we have our children live in a bubble, they're going to get sick - and I've got friends whose kids are not in daycare or anything, and they're sick almost as much as my daughter. I think it's a factor of childhood, and the dirty world we live in.

I do think that as they get older, they're still going to be sick a lot, but I do think it'll get better - they'll learn how to stay healthy themselves, and they can tell you how they feel. I think the reason it's SO miserable to have a sick toddler is because they're whiny and clingy and can't help you to help them! Aaahhh childhood - it's not bad enough that we have spontaneous vomiting for no reason, poopy pants, food battles, sleep battles - we have to deal with a constant runny nose too. :)

Answer 2

As some with a immune problem who has never been vaccinated, I cry shy of crowded places. However, I was allowed to get dirty, as in eat mud, worms, grass, food that I dropped. I do think we are out own worst enemies, living in a cleaner environment, is not allow the immune system to be exposed. Question how would you feel in say five years time if one of your sons is seriously ill in Hospital, because you the Parent decided not to expose him to X and so later in life he is exposed to X and has no immunity to it?
I love life and I hate the fact that should any of my relatives have a sore throat, I cannot see them. Or the kids have chicken pox, I cannot see them. Mother had shingles and I had to lock her in the bedroom and leave her meals outside the door. Do you think this is FUN, but I have to do it.

Answer 3

in order for them to develop a healthy immune system they are going to need to be exposed to the virus in order to build an immunity against it. this is the way that immunizations work (i.e flu shots, for example in adults)...the best solution for keeping their little hands from picking up any unecessary germs is to keep wipes (antibacterial are best) handy and watch what they touching. It is never a good idea when playing w/ babies to touch their hands ( or first natural response, however) since they put their hands in their mouths often.

Answer 4

every time the child gets a bug, the body will build an immunity to it. its the same reason why you get shots. so your body will be immune to it. the reason why they keep getting sick is that there are lots of different strains of the virus. drink orange juice(which has vitiamen D) can help boost the immune system. they might just have a naturally weak system.