Why does my child get high fevers and sore throats every month? What can they eat to boost their immunity?

Children differ in their physical constitution and development. Some rarely fall ill, while others seem to be "constantly under the weather"—getting sick at the slightest provocation, with the same recurring ailments that just won't seem to go away. Faced with a child who is frequently ill, mothers naturally worry and long for their little ones to be healthier.

Why is it that, among all children, mine happens to get high fevers and sore throats every single month? Just as they’ve barely recovered from one bout of illness, they end up "catching" something else before you know it. Why is it so difficult for a child to just stay healthy for a decent stretch of time? When a child is constantly sick and has a weak physical foundation, what can they eat to strengthen their immune system?

Among young children, fever is an extremely common occurrence. A cousin of mine has a child who frequently runs fevers—it seems like every few days, I hear news that the little one is sick again. If these high fevers are accompanied by a sore throat, it is possible that the fever is actually a sign that the child’s immune system has been triggered by an underlying throat infection.

In many cases, a fever is simply the body’s immune system fighting against invading viruses or bacteria; once the immune response is activated, a fever is one of the resulting symptoms. In daily life, the causes of high fevers and sore throats can generally be categorized into external and internal factors.

1. External Factors: These primarily involve infections from various respiratory pathogens present in the external environment. Because children often have lower immune defenses, they are susceptible to contracting various bacteria and viruses through their respiratory tracts, which can lead to symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, and a runny nose. Medications and vaccinations serve as critical defensive measures against such infections.

2. Internal Factors: This category relates to concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as the accumulation of undigested food (*jishi*) or the buildup of internal heat (*ji-re*). When a child’s spleen and stomach—responsible for digestion—do not function optimally, "internal heat" can develop, often manifesting as what is colloquially known as "excess heat" (*shanghuo*). This internal heat frequently causes throat inflammation, which can subsequently trigger high fevers. Addressing these issues requires reducing inflammation and clearing away this internal heat.

Regardless of the underlying cause of high fevers and throat inflammation, medical treatment only addresses the immediate symptoms. To truly protect a child from recurring illness, the key lies in strengthening their overall immune system. Daily diet plays a crucial role here; for children with a weaker constitution, consuming nutrient-dense foods that help nourish and balance the body is essential.

A diet rich in high-protein meats—such as beef, fish, shrimp, and chicken—is highly beneficial, as these are excellent sources of animal-based protein. Furthermore, the human body requires eight essential amino acids that must be obtained through the consumption of meat. For children with lower resistance to illness, incorporating more meat—whether in main dishes, soups, or porridges—is particularly important.

Increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits provides a broader spectrum of essential vitamins. Some children may develop picky eating habits, avoiding vegetables or fruits altogether. A lack of these foods can lead to vitamin deficiencies; since vitamins play a vital role in immune function and the absorption of various minerals, fresh, seasonal produce serves as an invaluable source of nutrition. 

If you want your child to be healthy, avoid an over-reliance on supplements or nutritional products. Instead, focus on their daily diet: ensure a well-balanced mix of meat and plant-based foods, incorporate a wide variety of nutrients, and help your child achieve a more balanced intake of essential nourishment. Maintaining healthy, regular meals three times a day is the best way to ensure your child thrives and grows well.

Finally, physical exercise is also key to reducing the frequency of illness. As the seasons change—especially heading into autumn and winter—keeping the home environment clean and ensuring your child is dressed warmly are crucial steps in preventing sickness.

Important Note: Frequent fevers and sore throats in children may be caused by respiratory infections or by "internal heat" and digestive issues (indigestion). To strengthen a child's immune system, ensure their daily diet includes plenty of meat—providing high-quality animal protein—along with a variety of vegetables and fruits to supply sufficient vitamins. Proper nutrition is the foundation for healthy physical development.