This significant date aims to make us think about the problems of children that threaten their health, the help they need and how important the profession of paediatrician is. On the eve of the International Day of Paediatricians and Child, we met with Alexandra Lobzova, a paediatrician, and candidate of medical sciences.

- Alexandra Vladimirovna, we congratulate you on the coming holiday. Thank you for your high professionalism and ability to heal and convey care. Let's talk about the ways to strengthen immunity and protect your child during the cold season.

- Immunity is the ability of the body to resist various kinds of infections, as well as to control the cells of your own body from pathological and uncontrolled growth. Immunity can be specific and non-specific.

Specific immunity is the presence of antibodies against specific infections, which in turn are produced by the cells of the immune system in response to encountering the infection itself or as part of a vaccine. To have protective antibodies, you must either have had the infection or have received a vaccine.

Non-specific immunity is the barrier function of the body that resists infection or inhibits its spread through cells and tissues. It includes the integrity of the skin, healthy, moisturised mucous membranes, and their healthy blood supply, as it is the blood that "delivers" to the tissues neutrophils and macrophages, which will fight the infection that has penetrated through the barriers.

Before and during colds, the child should be fully nourished. The diet should include protein food, like meat and cottage cheese for regular stools. And normal intestinal function needs fruit and vegetables. Rooms should be regularly ventilated and moisturised. Walking in the fresh air is mandatory. I also recommend avoiding places with large crowds and poorly ventilated rooms. These include the much-loved playgrounds in shopping centres.

Please check back in a week - let's talk about distinguishing between ARVI and flu, what symptoms you should consult a doctor and whether it is worth vaccinating your child against the flu.

Lobzova Alexandra Vladimirovna is a paediatrician and a candidate for medical sciences.  In 2003, she graduated from the medical faculty of KRSU. In 2005 - residency on speciality "Pediatrics". From 2005-2008 she studied at the postgraduate course on speciality "Pediatrics". Since 2008, Alexandra Vladimirovna has been a lecturer at KRSU. She combines clinical and pedagogical activities. She is an assistant professor at Ala-Too International University. She is fluent in English. In April 2022, she graduated from the Early Start Denver Model.

We congratulate everyone once again on the International Day of Paediatricians and Children. We wish everyone prosperity and happiness. May all children be healthy and happy!