It’s only been three weeks since your child skipped excitedly through the doors of their Madison elementary school, backpack bouncing with fresh supplies and new possibilities. Now you’re staring at a positive COVID test, fielding calls from the school nurse about strep throat outbreaks, or watching your little one battle their second respiratory virus since Labor Day. Sound familiar?
If you’re a parent in the Madison area wondering “Why is my child already sick again?” you’re definitely not alone. Back-to-school season brings more than new friends and learning opportunities—it ushers in what many families call “the back-to-school bug season.” Between RSV surges, lingering COVID concerns, and the annual parade of strep throat and seasonal flu, September and October can feel like a revolving door of illness for many Middleton, Verona, and Sun Prairie families.
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The Reality of Back-to-School Illness: More Common Than You Think
Every August, pediatric offices across Dane County brace for the inevitable surge. Within weeks of school starting, examination rooms fill with children displaying familiar symptoms: persistent coughs, sore throats, fevers, and exhaustion. Parents arrive feeling frustrated, worried, and often guilty—wondering if they’ve somehow failed to protect their child’s health.
Here’s what many Madison parents don’t realize: this pattern is incredibly common, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable.
The “back-to-school bug” phenomenon happens for several predictable reasons:
Increased Exposure: After months of smaller social circles, children suddenly encounter dozens of new germs daily in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds.
Stress on Young Systems: New routines, academic pressures, social dynamics, and schedule changes create stress that directly impacts immune function.
Sleep Disruption: Earlier wake times and packed after-school schedules often mean children aren’t getting the restorative sleep their immune systems desperately need.
Indoor Air Quality: Spending more time in enclosed spaces with limited air circulation increases transmission rates of respiratory viruses.
Seasonal Timing: Many viruses naturally surge in fall months, coinciding perfectly with school reopening.
Understanding Your Child’s Immune System: Beyond Hand Washing
Most parents focus on external prevention strategies—hand sanitizer, masks, avoiding sick classmates. While these tactics help, they miss a crucial piece of the puzzle: your child’s internal resilience.
Think of your child’s immune system like a garden. You can build the highest fence around it (external protection), but if the soil is depleted and the plants are stressed, that garden will still struggle when challenges arise. However, when the soil is rich and the plants are strong, they can weather storms much more effectively.
Your child’s immune system operates similarly. It’s not just about avoiding germs—it’s about building a robust internal defense system that can handle the inevitable exposures of childhood.
The Nervous System Connection Most Parents Miss
Here’s what surprises many families: your child’s nervous system plays a central role in immune function. When the nervous system is balanced and functioning optimally, it supports every other system in the body, including immunity.
Dr. Eric Kurzinski and Dr. Alexandria Quick at ADIO Chiropractic explain it this way: “Think of the nervous system as your child’s body’s communication network. When this network is clear and functioning well, immune cells can respond quickly and effectively to threats. When there’s interference in this system—often from stress, poor sleep, or spinal misalignments—immune responses can become sluggish or overactive.”
Research consistently shows that children under chronic stress (even low-level stress from busy schedules or academic pressure) experience compromised immune function. Their bodies remain in “fight-or-flight” mode, diverting energy away from immune surveillance and repair processes.
The Four Pillars of Immune Resilience for Madison Families
Building your child’s immune resilience isn’t about complicated supplements or extreme measures. Instead, focus on these foundational pillars:
Pillar 1: Quality Sleep (The Non-Negotiable Foundation)
Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s when your child’s immune system does its most important work. During deep sleep, the body produces infection-fighting cells, processes toxins, and repairs daily damage.
For Madison families, this means:
- Elementary children need 9-11 hours of sleep nightly
- Middle schoolers require 9-10 hours
- High schoolers need 8-10 hours
Practical sleep support strategies:
- Establish consistent bedtimes, even on weekends
- Create a calm bedtime routine starting 30-60 minutes before sleep
- Keep bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet
- Limit screens for at least one hour before bed
- Consider earlier dinner times to avoid late digestion
Pillar 2: Stress Management and Nervous System Support
Chronic stress is one of the most powerful immune suppressors in children. Madison families juggling school, activities, and busy schedules often underestimate their child’s stress levels.
Signs your child may be experiencing immune-suppressing stress:
- Frequent minor illnesses
- Changes in appetite or digestion
- Sleep difficulties or nightmares
- Increased emotional sensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
Supporting your child’s stress response:
- Build in unstructured play time daily
- Practice deep breathing exercises together
- Spend time in nature (Madison’s parks offer perfect opportunities)
- Create predictable routines that provide security
- Address any underlying nervous system imbalances through chiropractic care
Pillar 3: Nutrient-Dense Nutrition
Your child’s immune system requires specific nutrients to function optimally. Rather than focusing on restriction, emphasize adding immune-supporting foods.
Immune-supporting nutrients and food sources:
- Vitamin D: Eggs, fatty fish, mushrooms, and sensible sun exposure
- Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, beef, chickpeas, cashews
- Vitamin C: Bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, citrus fruits
- Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, fermented vegetables
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds
Practical nutrition strategies for busy Madison families:
- Pack colorful snacks with different nutrients
- Include one immune-supporting food in each meal
- Keep easy options available: nuts, seeds, fruit, yogurt
- Stay hydrated with water rather than sugary drinks
- Consider a high-quality children’s multivitamin after consulting your healthcare provider
Pillar 4: Physical Activity and Fresh Air
Regular movement supports immune function by improving circulation, reducing stress hormones, and supporting quality sleep.
For Madison families:
- Take advantage of our beautiful bike paths and parks
- Encourage outdoor play even in cooler weather
- Walk or bike to school when possible
- Try family activities like hiking at Devil’s Lake or exploring the Capital City Trail
- Limit sedentary time, especially after school
How ADIO Chiropractic Supports Your Family’s Immune Resilience
At ADIO Chiropractic in Middleton, we take a unique approach to supporting children’s immune systems—one that addresses the neurological foundation of health rather than just managing symptoms.
Our Comprehensive Assessment Process
When Madison families bring their children to us for immune support, we begin with a thorough evaluation that includes:
Detailed Health History: We explore your child’s overall health patterns, stress levels, sleep quality, and previous illness frequency to understand their unique immune challenges.
Nervous System Evaluation: Using state-of-the-art neurological scanning technology, we assess how well your child’s nervous system is functioning and identify areas of stress or imbalance.
Posture and Movement Analysis: We evaluate how your child’s spine and posture might be affecting their nervous system function and overall health.
Lifestyle Assessment: We discuss sleep habits, nutrition, stress levels, and daily routines to identify factors that might be compromising immune function.
Gentle Pediatric Adjustments for Nervous System Balance
Our gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments help optimize your child’s nervous system function, creating the ideal internal environment for strong immune responses. These adjustments are nothing like adult chiropractic care—they’re extremely gentle, often feeling like light pressure, and many children find them relaxing.
How nervous system balance supports immunity:
- Improves communication between the brain and immune organs
- Reduces stress hormone production
- Enhances sleep quality
- Supports proper digestion and nutrient absorption
- Helps the body maintain appropriate immune responses
Family-Centered Wellness Planning
We don’t just work with individual children—we support entire families in creating healthier lifestyles. This might include:
- Practical strategies for improving family sleep routines
- Stress management techniques appropriate for different ages
- Nutritional guidance tailored to your family’s preferences and schedule
- Environmental modifications to support immune health at home
The Benefits Madison Families Experience
When children receive neurologically-based chiropractic care combined with solid immune-supporting habits, families throughout Madison, Middleton, Waunakee, and surrounding areas report:
Immediate Benefits:
- Fewer sick days: Children miss less school due to minor illnesses
- Faster recovery: When children do get sick, they bounce back more quickly
- Better sleep quality: Deeper, more restorative sleep that supports immune function
- Improved stress tolerance: Better ability to handle academic and social pressures
- Enhanced energy levels: More vitality for learning and play
Long-Term Benefits:
- Stronger baseline health: Overall improved resilience to seasonal bugs
- Better stress management skills: Tools that serve them throughout life
- Healthier family habits: Positive changes that benefit everyone
- Reduced antibiotic use: Less reliance on medications for minor illnesses
- Increased confidence: Children feel more capable and resilient
Sarah’s Story: From Constant Sick Days to Thriving Third Grade
Sarah, a Middleton mom, brought her 8-year-old son Jake to ADIO Chiropractic last October after a particularly challenging start to the school year. Jake had missed 12 days of school in the first six weeks due to a rotating series of respiratory infections, strep throat, and stomach bugs.
“I felt like I was constantly picking him up from the nurse’s office,” Sarah shares. “His teacher was concerned about him missing so much instruction time, and honestly, I was starting to wonder if there was something seriously wrong with his immune system.”
During Jake’s assessment, we discovered significant stress patterns in his nervous system, likely related to sleep difficulties and anxiety about starting at a new school. His scans showed his body was stuck in a chronic stress response that was suppressing his immune function.
We developed a comprehensive care plan that included gentle adjustments to balance his nervous system, along with specific recommendations for improving his sleep routine and managing school-related stress.
“The changes didn’t happen overnight, but by December, Jake had only missed two days of school—and that was for a family vacation, not illness,” Sarah reports. “This school year, he’s missed just one day so far, and even when his classmates have been dropping like flies with various bugs, Jake either doesn’t get sick or recovers within a day or two.”
Sarah adds, “What I love most is that Jake feels more confident now. He’s not anxious about getting sick, and he has more energy for the activities he enjoys. Our whole family sleeps better and feels more resilient.”
Smart Strategies: When to Keep Your Child Home
Even with the strongest immune support, children will occasionally get sick. Knowing when to keep your child home protects both your family and your community:
Definitely keep your child home if they have:
- Fever (100.4°F or higher)
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours
- Signs of strep throat (severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands)
- Unusual fatigue or listlessness
- Any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
Your child can usually return to school when:
- Fever-free for 24 hours without medication
- Able to participate in normal activities
- No longer contagious (follow your healthcare provider’s guidance)
For Madison area families, most school districts have clear illness policies. When in doubt, contact your school nurse—they’re excellent resources for determining when it’s safe to return.
Building Long-Term Immune Resilience in Your Family
Supporting your child’s immune system isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating sustainable habits that build resilience over time. Small, consistent changes often produce the most significant results.
Start with these simple steps:
- Prioritize sleep: Make bedtime routines non-negotiable
- Address stress: Notice signs of overwhelm and provide appropriate support
- Focus on nutrition: Add one immune-supporting food to each meal
- Encourage movement: Aim for daily physical activity, even if brief
- Consider nervous system support: Explore how chiropractic care might benefit your family
Remember, building immune resilience is like strengthening a muscle—it takes time, consistency, and the right support. But the investment pays dividends in your child’s health, school attendance, and overall quality of life.
Your Next Step Toward a Healthier School Year
If you’re a Madison area parent tired of the back-to-school illness cycle, we invite you to explore how neurologically-based chiropractic care can support your family’s immune resilience.
At ADIO Chiropractic in Middleton, we specialize in helping children and families build the strong foundation needed to thrive through school seasons and beyond. Our gentle, family-focused approach addresses the root causes of immune vulnerability rather than just managing symptoms.
Ready to help your child build lasting immune resilience? Call our Middleton office at (608) 824-0950 to schedule a comprehensive immune resilience consultation. During this visit, we’ll assess your child’s unique needs and create a personalized plan to support their nervous system and overall health.
Your family deserves to enjoy school seasons filled with learning and growth—not constant trips to the nurse’s office. Let’s work together to make that vision a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How quickly can I expect to see improvements in my child’s immune function? A: While every child is different, many Madison families notice improvements within 4-6 weeks of implementing comprehensive immune support strategies. Some children show enhanced resilience even sooner, while others with more complex patterns may take 2-3 months to see significant changes. The key is consistency with both nervous system care and healthy lifestyle habits.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe for children who are currently sick? A: Gentle pediatric chiropractic care is generally safe for children with minor illnesses, and many families find it helps their children recover more quickly. However, we always assess each situation individually. If your child has a fever or is in an acute phase of illness, we may recommend waiting until they’re feeling better or modify our approach to support their recovery.
Q: How much does immune-focused chiropractic care cost, and does insurance cover it?
A: ADIO Chiropractic is a self-pay practice, which allows us to focus entirely on providing the highest quality care without insurance restrictions or limitations. We offer various care plans designed to fit different family budgets and health goals. While we don’t bill insurance directly, we do accept FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) payments, which many families find helpful for managing their healthcare investments. We’re happy to provide you with detailed receipts that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all payment options and work with you to find an approach that fits your family’s budget. Many families find that investing in preventive immune support reduces their overall healthcare costs by avoiding frequent sick visits, missed work days, and urgent care expenses.
Q: My child hates taking vitamins. Are supplements necessary for immune support? A: While a nutrient-dense diet is the foundation of immune health, we understand that getting children to take supplements can be challenging. We focus first on optimizing nervous system function and creating healthy lifestyle habits. If supplements are beneficial for your child, we can suggest kid-friendly options and work with you to find approaches that work for your family.
Q: Can you help with recurring strep throat or other specific infections? A: We don’t treat specific infections—that’s the job of your pediatrician or family doctor. However, we can support your child’s overall immune resilience and nervous system function, which may help their body better handle exposures and recover more efficiently. Many families find that children with balanced nervous systems experience fewer recurring infections, but we always work in partnership with your child’s medical providers.
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others.” CDC.gov. 2023.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. “Back to School: Health and Safety Tips.” HealthyChildren.org. 2023.
- National Sleep Foundation. “Children and Sleep.” SleepFoundation.org. 2023.
- Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. “Chiropractic Care and Immune Function.” JMPT. 2022.
- Harvard Health Publishing. “How to Boost Your Immune System.” Harvard Medical School. 2023.
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services. “School Health Guidelines.” DHS.Wisconsin.gov. 2023.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Kurzinski, DC, is the founder of ADIO Chiropractic in Middleton, Wisconsin, where he specializes in neurologically-based chiropractic care for families. With extensive training in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic techniques, Dr. Eric is passionate about helping children achieve optimal health through natural approaches that support the body’s innate healing abilities. He works alongside Dr. Alexandria Quick to provide comprehensive family wellness care to the Madison area community.
Last reviewed: December 2024
