Many parents are worried about their children's frequent colds, suspecting weakened immunity or possible complications. However, the results of a study by scientists from the University of Helsinki show a different picture: frequent colds in childhood can have a positive effect on health in the future.
Scientific justification:
A group of researchers from the University of Helsinki studied the medical history of more than 100,000 people for the period from 1989 to 2022. The findings showed that:
- Contact with viruses and bacteria at an early age stimulates the immune system.
- An active immune system not only fights germs, but also reduces the risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes.
How does it work?
When a child has frequent colds, his immune system receives "training", learning to recognize and fight various infectious agents. Scientists suggest that this reduces the likelihood that the immune system will "mistake" foreign organisms for healthy body cells.
Another important condition is the interaction of children among themselves:
- Groups in kindergartens or schools provide a constant exchange of microbes.
- It helps the immune system stay active, preventing autoimmune reactions.
Preliminary research results are only part of a larger scientific project. The scientists plan to continue the analysis to better understand how frequent illnesses in early life affect the development of diseases such as diabetes and other autoimmune conditions.
Tips for parents:
- You should not panic because of frequent colds if the child recovers without complications.
- Ensure a balanced diet, physical activity and proper hygiene.
- Remember that active immunity in childhood lays the foundation for good health in the future.
