Doesn’t it come around fast? One minute it’s suncream and sand, the next it’s pencil cases and kids swapping germs like Pokémon cards. Meanwhile, students are off to Uni with bags of pasta, a cookbook they’ll never touch, and a fresh wave of September sniffles – thanks to unfamiliar germs, sleep deprivation, dodgy diets, and too much booze. Cue classic freshers’ flu.
The new academic term means immune systems working overtime. If you’re juggling packed lunches, commutes, and food drops with trying to keep the household well, these natural steps might just be your answer to supporting their bodies, steadying their minds, and staying ahead of those sniffles.
Why kids get ill every September
According to Public Health England, children can catch eight or more colds a year, with up to three in the first month of term. Young immune systems are still developing, and schools are petri dishes of sticky door handles, sneezy hugs and shared everything.
NHS - Colds, coughs and ear infections in children
Signs their immune system needs support:
- Constant coughs, colds, or infections
- Low energy or poor sleep
- Tummy upsets or fussy appetite
- Moodiness or clinginess
How to support your children’s immune systems, naturally
Feed their defences
Load up on colourful fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, quality protein and healthy fats to keep immune cells firing. Skip the ultra-processed snacks – they take more from the body than they give.
Cut the sugar
By age seven, UK kids are eating three times the recommended daily sugar – that’s about 18 teaspoons a day, according to UCL research. Sugar fuels inflammation and weakens immunity. Watch out for hidden sugars in protein powders (often maltodextrin), yoghurts, juices, and smoothies.
Healthy fats
Omega-3s from oily fish, flax, and chia help reduce inflammation and support immune and brain health. Ideal during sniffle season.
Smart supplementation
Kids go through food fads and growth spurts — so when real food isn’t enough, Immune Hero helps fill the gaps.
Immune Hero for Children includes:
- True natural Vitamin C & Zinc to support immune response
- Beta-glucans to activate immune cells naturally
- No added sugars, synthetic fillers, or nasties
Shop Immune Hero for Children (2+) or Try Immune Hero for Adults (12+ Years)
Back-to-school anxiety: signs & natural support
New teachers, loud corridors, changing routines – it’s a lot. Even the most resilient kids can wobble at the start of the term.
- Bedtime resistance or poor sleep
- Morning meltdowns or tummy aches
- Refusing to go to school
- Mood swings or clinginess
Saffrosun: clinically proven mood support for kids & teens
Saffrosun contains a clinically proven, high-strength saffron extract shown to reduce anxiety, mood swings and social stress in children and teens.
In a leading 8-week clinical trial of 80 young people aged 12 to 16:
- Those taking the saffron in Saffrosun saw a 33% reduction in mood-related symptoms
- Parents reported a 40% improvement
This is the first major study to look at saffron’s effect on teen mental health, making Saffrosun’s saffron the most evidence-backed saffron extract for youth wellbeing.
Shop Saffrosun for Children or Explore Saffrosun Calm (for 12+)
Uni life: immune stress, fresher’s flu & fatigue
Freshers’ flu isn’t folklore. A Cambridge University study found nearly half of students fell ill within weeks of arriving, with first years hit hardest. Late nights, communal living, and exposure to new viruses? The perfect immune storm.
Supporting students naturally
Black Garlic + Vitamin D3 = Your daily defence
- Black garlic is rich in S-allyl cysteine – a powerful antioxidant that supports immune cells, reduces mucosal irritation, and boosts circulation.
- Vitamin D3 helps immune cells respond appropriately, reducing the risk of overreaction or burnout – especially during darker months.
Take Black Garlic with Vitamin D3
Olive Leaves: more than just a pretty tree
Olive Leaf ELA packs a punch when it comes to natural immune support - especially when you're feeling run down or picking up every bug going.
- Grown under the Spanish sun, olive leaves are packed with Oleuropein and concentrated Elenolic acid - a powerful antioxidant that helps your immune system stand its ground
- Traditionally used to support ear, nose, and throat health (you know, the places colds love to hang out)
- Great when you need a little help bouncing back after illness
Not just for the little ones
We’ve already mentioned Immune Hero and Saffrosun for the back-to-school crowd - but they’re just as handy for the big kids, too.
- Saffrosun Calm (12+) is ideal for students feeling the pressure – whether it’s social overwhelm, homesickness or deadline dread. It contains clinically studied saffron extract, shown to support mood balance and emotional wellbeing.
- Immune Hero blends vitamin C, zinc, and beta-glucans to keep defences sharp when fresher’s flu is flying around and takeaway habits take over.
Because University life might come with more freedom, but it also comes with more germs.
Immune support for kids, teens & students
How can I boost my child’s immune system naturally?
Start with a good diet, sleep, and fresh air. Top up with vitamin C, zinc, and beta-glucans (like in Immune Hero).
What causes back-to-school nerves?
New routines, sensory stress, and social changes. Saffron extract (within Saffrosun) is shown to help reduce nervousness.
Do antioxidants really help immunity?
Yes – they protect immune cells from damage. Black garlic is especially rich in these immune-supporting compounds.
Why does my child always get sick at term-time?
It’s normal, but not inevitable. With consistent immune support, their system becomes better equipped to handle the classroom bug-fest.
Stay ahead of the term-time chaos
From sniffly schoolkids to run-down students, staying well this term is all about consistency. Good food, proper rest, and a little daily support from pharmacist-formulated supplements can help your family thrive — whatever the timetable throws at you.
Shop Immune & Mood Support Now
Let us guide you
Our expert pharmacists are here to help you choose the right natural supplements to help support your child's or teen's immunity, mood and stress.
Give us a call if you have any questions, our team of pharmacists are delighted to hear from you. You can reach us on 01483 678 438 or book a call at a time that's convenient for you, and we will call you back.
