Paediatrician María González from HM Hospitales Málaga debunks the trend of supplements: "Immunity doesn't come in a bottle." A varied diet, sleep, exercise, vaccines, and hygiene are the foundation for facing the school year starting in Andalusia on September 10.
The return to school brings the star question in paediatric consultations: what supplement should I give my child to prevent them from getting sick? Doctor María González, paediatrician at HM Hospitales Málaga, responds emphatically: "Immunity doesn't come in a bottle." According to Diario Sur, the specialist insists that for a healthy child, five pillars are sufficient: varied diet, sleep, exercise, vaccines, and hygiene.
"If the child is well-nourished, engages in physical activity, sleeps well, is properly vaccinated, and follows basic hygiene rules, that child is doing well, unless they have an illness or another type of problem," she concludes. Only in cases of specific deficiencies "do paediatricians sometimes prescribe iron and vitamins to help, but generally, it's not necessary."
In Andalusia, Infant, Primary, and Special Education begin on Thursday, September 10, while ESO, Baccalaureate, and Vocational Training will start on the 15th. With the start of classes, colds, coughs, and viruses return. The doctor distinguishes between having a runny nose and being ill: "A runny nose, cough, or fever are defence mechanisms. We produce mucus to prevent microorganisms from entering through the nasal passages."
Thus, a child with a runny nose but with energy, happy, and without fever can go to class. If irritability, fatigue, or fever appear, "they should stay home. Or with any other symptoms of illness, they must remain at home, in relative rest, until they improve."
Regarding fever, the specialist recommends monitoring at home for 24 hours to see if the child is in good general condition and responds to antipyretics: "Often, they are taken to emergency services too soon, and even after two or three hours of fever, we paediatricians do not see the source." Emergency care is necessary if the child is lethargic, drowsy, has skin lesions, uncontrolled vomiting, or diarrhoea with dehydration.
The adjustment to the school schedule should start now, in the two weeks leading up to the start. "They should be gradually put to bed earlier and woken up earlier," in addition to limiting screen time, especially at bedtime. Not recovering sleep can affect "academic performance and the immune system." The recommended hours range from 10 to 13 hours daily for children aged 3 to 5 years, 9 to 10 hours for those aged 6 to 12, and 8 to 12 hours for those over 13.
As for backpacks, they should not weigh more than 10% to 15% of the child's weight and should be carried with both wide straps, close to the body. "Carrying a backpack incorrectly does not cause scoliosis," she clarifies, although it can lead to muscle strains and back pain. Shoes should be "the right size, flexible, and breathable," and screens should not be used at least one hour before bedtime.
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