Back to School Immune Boost: How to Support Your Family's Health This Season

• Posted on 1 August 2025
• By Adrian den Boer, DC, ND, IFMCP
• 0

As the back-to-school season ramps up, so do colds, flu, and other seasonal bugs. Whether you're a parent, teacher, student, or just navigating busy fall routines, this time of year can be taxing on the immune system. Between new exposures in classrooms, increased stress, and disrupted routines, your body may need some extra support to stay healthy.

Here’s our updated guide to boosting immune resilience for the school and cold/flu season—featuring proven lifestyle strategies and targeted supplement support.

Smart Supplement Support for a Stronger Immune System

Even if you’re eating well and getting decent sleep, supplements can help fill in the gaps and support your body’s natural defenses—especially when stress, exposure, or nutrient depletion are at play.

Essential Defense

This Chinese herbal formula is designed to support a quick immune response at the first sign of illness. It’s especially helpful for those early back-to-school sniffles or if you're exposed to others who are sick.

How to use: At the first sign of illness, take 2 tablets every hour (up to 24 hours). You can also take a low dose preventatively during high-risk weeks (like the first few weeks of school).

ViraSupport

Formulated for rapid immune activation, Viracid contains a powerful blend of vitamins A and C, zinc, elderberry, L-lysine, and immune-modulating herbs like echinacea and andrographis. It’s a practitioner favorite for knocking out illness when taken immediately upon first symptoms.

How to use:

• Adults: 1–2 capsules every 1–2 hours for the first 24–48 hours (then taper)
• Teens (12+): Lower dose per practitioner guidance
• Younger children: Not typically recommended

Vitamin C

Vitamin C remains one of the most well-researched and effective immune boosters. It supports white blood cell function and helps shorten the duration and severity of illness.

• Ultra Potent-C® 1000 is a highly absorbable, buffered version.
• It is "buffered" because it contains vitamin C in a less acidic form, typically combined with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This buffering helps reduce the risk of stomach irritation that can occur with regular ascorbic acid. As a result, it’s gentler on the digestive system while still providing high-potency antioxidant support.
• Super C Chewable and Ultra Potent-C Powder are good options for children or those who prefer chewables or powders

Tip: Increase your dose for a few days when you're around sick people or feeling run-down.

Mycotaki® or Immunity Liquid

Medicinal mushrooms are immune powerhouses. These blends support T-cell activity and help modulate the immune system—perfect for stressed or overexposed bodies.

• Mycotaki®: A blend of 7 mushrooms, great for adults and teens.
• Immunity Liquid: Ideal for kids or those who prefer drops.

Tip: Increase your dose for a few days when traveling- this is a great supplement for an immune system under stress!

Immune Prime

Contains Wellmune® beta‑glucan, clinically proven to prime key immune cells without overstimulating—excellent for season‑long readiness under stress or school exposure. (This means it is getting your immune cells “primed” to act)

Tip: Immune Prime needs to be taken all season long to be effective- start it before cold/flu season for best effects!  

Immune Active™

A potent formula combining Vitamin C, Zinc, Quercetin, N‑acetylcysteine (NAC), and EGCG (green tea extract) to support antioxidant defenses and robust immune response.

Oscillococcinum

This homeopathic remedy is one of the most widely used early-response supports for flu-like symptoms (body aches, fatigue, chills). It’s safe for both kids and adults, has no known drug interactions, and dissolves easily under the tongue.

How to use:

• Take at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.
• Adults and children 2+: 1 full vial (entire contents of the tube), dissolve under the tongue.
• Repeat up to 3 times per day as needed.

Probiotics for Immune Resilience

Your gut is your immune system’s front line. A healthy gut microbiome strengthens the body’s response to pathogens and decreases inflammation.

Recommended Products:

• UltraFlora® Immune Booster: Contains two specific strains shown to reduce cold incidence and severity. Specifically targets the sinus and respiratory system
• Probio 100: A powerful blend of clinically studied strains for overall gut and immune health.
• UltraFlora® Spectrum: Broad-spectrum support for your gut

For kids: Look for chewable or powder versions like UltraFlora® Kids or UltraFlora Synergy

Best Back-to-School Picks for Younger Kids

Best Back-to-School Picks for Adults

Daily Habits that Strengthen Your Immune System

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration impairs lymph flow and immune cell movement. Children and adults alike often drink less water when school or work gets busy.

• Tip: Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces per day. Send your kids to school with a reusable water bottle and encourage regular sips.

Prioritize Sleep

Lack of sleep suppresses immune function and increases susceptibility to illness.

• Adults need 7–9 hours/night.
• Children need 9–12 hours depending on age.

Make sleep a non-negotiable family priority—especially during transitions or after long school days.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress weakens your immune response and disrupts gut health.

• Encourage outdoor play, family walks, or evening yoga/stretching.
• Consider adaptogenic support if your stress is high:
• Adreset® or Adrenal Complex (for adults under practitioner guidance)
• See our previous blog post on the Adrenal-Thyroid Tango for additional information

 Practice Smart Hygiene

While we’re past the days of obsessive sanitizing, basic hygiene still plays a huge role in staying well during the school year.

• Teach proper hand washing before meals and after restroom use.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces at home weekly.
• Encourage your child not to touch their face throughout the day.

Limit Sugar (Especially When Sick)

Excess sugar suppresses immune function and feeds harmful bacteria in the gut. During cold and flu season, be mindful of hidden sugars in cereals, snacks, and drinks.

Swap more processed or sugary snacks for:

• Fruit + nut butter
• Hummus + veggies
• Rice cakes + avocado

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back-to-sick. With the right foundation—nourishing foods, good sleep, probiotics, and smart supplements—you can help your whole household thrive this season.

Have questions about which products are best for you or your child? Talk to one of our providers or staff at your next visit. We're here to help you build an immune plan that fits your lifestyle and health goals.