As we move into the colder months, I know firsthand how challenging this season can be for families like yours. Caring for children with PANDAS or PANS is already a full-time job, and when infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae - which is spreading through schools - start circulating, it adds a whole new level of worry. 

For most kids, it might just be a mild illness, but for our children, it can trigger so much more - tics, anxiety, obsessive behaviours, and a whole host of other symptoms that can turn your world upside down.

But I want to reassure you: there are steps we can take to protect your child and reduce the impact of these infections. In this blog, I’ve pulled together the practical, evidence-based strategies we use every day at the clinic. My hope is to give you the tools you need to face the winter months feeling more confident and less anxious about what’s around the corner.

You’ll find a quick-read summary below, but for more insights, I encourage you to dive into the full blog. And remember, you’re not alone - I’m here to help you through whatever challenges come your way this season.

Stella Chadwick, BSc (Hons) mBANT CNHC

Founder, Functional Medicine Practitioner & Registered Nutritional Therapist

Quick Read Summary

 Mycoplasma is currently circulating in schools and can be much more than a mild illness for children with PANDAS or PANS, often triggering spikes in anxiety, tics, and OCD-like behaviours. So, what really works?

⚖️ Microimmunotherapy helps balance the immune response, ensuring it’s regulated without causing neuropsychiatric flares.

🌿 NAC is essential for supporting respiratory health and reducing inflammation. 500-1000 mg/day can help prevent infections, with an increased dose during illness.

🌞 Vitamin D is your winter essential! A daily dose of 1000-2000 IU can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, especially when sunlight is scarce.

🧪 Zinc plays a crucial role in immune function and can help your child recover more quickly. 10-20 mg/day is a good target.

🍊 Camu Camu is a natural source of vitamin C, which is absorbed better than synthetic supplements. Adding it to meals or smoothies can give your child’s immune system the support it needs.

🦠 The gut and lung axis can positively influence respiratory health. Probiotics, especially those that contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve, can be beneficial in preventing respiratory infections.

💤 Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is essential for a strong immune system. Aim for 9-11 hours per night to help your child stay healthy through winter.

👐 Regular Handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of infection. Encourage it after school and before meals.

💧 Humidifiers can make a difference by keeping airways moist and reducing respiratory infections. Keep indoor humidity between 40-60%.

🌿 If your child gets sick: Increase NAC to 1000-2000 mg/day to help clear mucus and ease recovery. Quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory (500 mg twice a day), and Olive Leaf Extract with Mullein helps manage respiratory symptoms and support the immune system.

Discover more about our innovative strategies and book a free chat with us to see how we can help.

Meet our practitioners
We are a unique clinic in that many of our practitioners have a child with special needs, and they all have different passions and expertise. Please head to our website to meet Stella, Coriander, Jo, Sarah, Haley, Mémé, Aira, and Emma and get in touch if you'd like to know how to work with us.

Pure Defense by Pure Encapsulations

In our clinic, we understand how important it is to support the immune system of children with complex health needs, especially those managing conditions like PANDAS and PANS. That’s why we recommend PureDefense, a powerhouse immune support supplement packed with key ingredients like NAC, EpiCor®, elderberry extract, and quercetin to keep your child’s immune system balanced. 🌿

This carefully crafted blend also includes essential vitamins and minerals—Vitamin C, D3, and Zinc—to support normal immune function, making it an ideal addition to your child’s winter routine. Here's why we trust PureDefense for children with PANDAS and PANS:

WHY WE RECOMMEND Pure Defence:

🌟 Immune Support You Can Trust: With Vitamin C, D3 (1000 IU), and Zinc, PureDefense supports your child’s immune system during those tricky winter months.

💪 NAC Powerhouse: Featuring 450 mg of NAC per serving, this supplement helps regulate the immune system and supports respiratory health, a key factor for children prone to infections.

🍇 Elderberry & Quercetin: These natural compounds are known for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, making PureDefense a great ally in fighting off colds and flu.

🧪 Clinically Researched EpiCor®: This yeast fermentate complex is backed by published clinical research, offering additional support to maintain a balanced immune system.

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