When children are exposed to viruses and bacteria, their immune systems must react quickly to prevent illness. Zinc plays a pivotal role in strengthening the immune system, aiding in the production of immune cells that fight off infections, and supporting the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens.

The 14-Day Protection Timeline

While zinc starts supporting the immune system immediately, its full immune response benefits typically take about 14 days of consistent supplementation. During this time, the mineral accumulates in the body and begins to enhance immune cell function, reduce inflammation, and provide more effective protection against pathological issues. ¹

Why Do Symptoms Last Longer? ²

Immune Response Complexity: When children are infected with multiple pathogens (viral and bacterial), their immune systems are under increased stress. The presence of both types of pathogens requires the body to mount a dual immune response, which can overwhelm the system and slow recovery. ³

Complicated Treatment: Viral infections generally resolve with time, but bacterial co-infections may require additional treatments such as antibiotics. The need to address both types of infections can lengthen the illness's duration and complicate treatment strategies.

Prolonged Inflammation: Viral infections typically cause inflammation in the respiratory tract, and when combined with bacterial co-infection, the level of inflammation can be much more intense, leading to longer-lasting symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and fatigue. ³

REFERENCES

1- Skalny, A. V., Rink, L., Ajsuvakova, O. P., Aschner, M., Gritsenko, V. A., Alekseenko, S. I., & Tinkov, A. A. (2022). Zinc and respiratory tract infections: Perspectives for COVID-19 (Review). The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 364(1), 20–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjms.2022.07.017

2- Paalanne, N., Honkila, M., Mattila, S., Pokka, T., Renko, M., & Tapiainen, T. (2023). Duration of clinical symptoms in children with acute respiratory infection. Acta Paediatrica, 112(4), 813–819. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16607

3- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Acute respiratory infections. In R. B. A. Mehta (Ed.), Major Infectious Diseases (3rd ed.). World Bank. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/