Why Kids Need to Get Sick: Building Lifelong Immunity the Natural Way
As parents, it’s easy to worry every time our kids get sick. But what if we could reframe “getting sick” as the way the immune system grows up? Just like learning to walk or talk, the immune system needs practice. And the practice comes through runny noses, fevers, and the occasional stomach bug.
TH1 and TH2: The Two Sides of Immunity
Think of your child’s immune system as having two teams:
TH1 = The Firefighters
They rush in when there’s trouble. Coughing, sneezing, fever, diarrhea, vomiting—these are all ways the firefighters are “putting out the fire” by forcing germs out.TH2 = The Inspectors
Once the fire is handled, the inspectors come in to figure out what caused it. They write a report (antibodies) so the body remembers. If that same germ shows up again, the body is prepared and doesn’t need to get as sick the second time.
The real magic is in the handoff—TH1 alerts TH2, and the two work together. That’s how the body becomes educated and develops true resilience.
Balance is the Key
Just like your nervous system needs balance between “fight-or-flight” and “rest-and-digest,” your immune system needs balance between TH1 and TH2.
Balanced: Your child fights infections, remembers them, and grows stronger.
Out of balance (too much TH2): The body can become more prone to allergies, asthma, and even autoimmune issues.
Every “sick day” is actually a training day that helps your child’s immune system stay balanced for life.
Red Flags: Signs the Immune System May Be Out of Balance
Sometimes the immune system tips too far and doesn’t stay in rhythm. Here are some red flags to watch for:
Frequent ear or sinus infections that don’t seem to improve
Allergies or asthma that flare up regularly
Autoimmune conditions (the body attacking itself rather than invaders)
Constant illness without recovery, or never seeming to “bounce back”
Chronic fatigue or poor sleep despite plenty of rest
Ongoing digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, or food sensitivities
Over=reactions to minor exposures (severe responses to pollen, foods, or simple colds)
Green Flags: Signs the Immune System is Strong and Balanced
On the other hand, these are green flags that your child’s immune system is learning, practicing, and thriving:
Occasional colds, fevers, or stomach bugs—followed by a healthy recovery
Bouncing back quickly with good energy
Sleeping soundly and waking rested
Digesting well and tolerating a variety of foods
Cuts and scrapes healing normally without prolonged infection
A few sick days per year, but not constant illness
Steady growth and development physically, emotionally, and mentally
These are signs the firefighters and inspectors are working together—building an immune system that’s not just reacting, but truly learning and growing stronger with each experience.
What Moms Pass to Babies
Moms give their babies a huge head start:
During pregnancy, antibodies (IgG) cross the placenta, protecting babies for the first few months of life. Moms can even ask for an antibody titer test to see what they’re passing on.
During birth, babies are coated with IgA antibodies from mom’s vaginal flora, which help line and protect the gut.
Through breast milk, babies continue to receive IgA and other immune factors that protect their lungs, gut, and nervous system while their own immunity develops.
When the Immune System Grows Up
Birth–6 months: Baby leans heavily on mom’s antibodies.
1–3 years: Firefighters (TH1) start to strengthen—those colds and fevers are training.
By age 6: TH1 and TH2 are more balanced.
Teen years: The immune system is mature and fully coordinated.
Why Natural Immunity Matters
Natural infections engage both the firefighters and inspectors, creating strong, long-lasting education.
Vaccines train the inspectors by introducing a piece of the germ, but don’t fully engage the firefighters. That’s why vaccine-driven immunity can fade more quickly—which is why boosters and repeated doses are scheduled so often.
This is also why some countries, like Japan and several in Europe, have delayed certain vaccines until children are older—allowing the TH1 system to mature before stimulating more antibodies.
And research has shown that children who naturally went through chickenpox had a lower risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma later in life—a reminder that the immune system’s training years can set the stage for long-term protection.
What Controls the Immune System?
Here’s the part many parents don’t know: your immune system doesn’t run on its own—it’s controlled by your nervous system.
The brain and spinal cord are the command center. Every immune cell, every antibody, every fever response is directed and coordinated by signals from the nervous system. If the nervous system is stressed or stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode, the immune system can’t regulate properly.
That’s why chiropractic care and nervous system support are so powerful: by restoring calm and balance in the nervous system, we also improve the body’s ability to regulate, coordinate, and strengthen immunity.
How Parents Can Support the Process
You can’t (and shouldn’t) keep kids from ever getting sick—but you can help their immune system do its job well. Here’s how:
Encourage Play & Movement → Running, jumping, and swinging move lymph—the immune system’s transport highway.
Nourish with Whole Foods → Vitamins C, D, zinc, and magnesium are essential for immune balance.
Prioritize Sleep → Sleep is when the inspectors file their reports (antibody memory).
Let Fevers Work → Fevers slow germs down and activate immunity (more on this in our next article).
Support the Nervous System → Chiropractic care, outdoor play, and calm routines keep the nervous system—and therefore the immune system—regulated.
Be Informed → Ask for inserts, request single-dose vials, check titers, and treat vaccine reactions with the same seriousness you would a food allergy.
The Big Picture
Your child’s immune system isn’t fragile—it’s brilliant. Every runny nose and fever is practice. Every germ encounter is education. And the stronger the immune system grows now, the more it protects against not just colds and flus, but long-term risks like allergies, autoimmune challenges, and even some cancers.
And remember: the immune system takes its cues from the nervous system. When the nervous system is clear, balanced, and adaptable, the immune system can learn, respond, and grow exactly as it was designed to.
Key Takeaway for Parents:
The immune system is guided by the nervous system. Safe exposures, healthy lifestyle choices, and nervous system support are the keys to raising children with strong, resilient immunity that protects them for life.
