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| - Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a child can heal without pharmaceutical products. We did the fact check to term this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
We recently came across a social media post on our WhatsApp tip line number +91-85078 85079.
According to the post on Threads, “A child’s body is born with everything it needs to heal naturally unless disrupted by pharmaceutical products.”
Fact Check
Is the body born with all it needs to heal naturally?
Not really. While the human body has remarkable natural healing abilities, it doesn’t have everything it needs to heal every condition. The immune system can fight off many infections on its own, but some conditions require medical intervention. For minor illnesses, children may not need medicine, but if symptoms persist for two days or worsen, it’s best to see a doctor. Urgent care should be sought if there’s a fever or other concerning symptoms.
Vaccines, antibiotics, and other treatments have been developed to support the body in overcoming diseases it cannot fight alone. While the body’s natural healing mechanisms, like the immune response and tissue repair, are crucial, they often need assistance to address more serious health issues.
Can pharmaceutical products disrupt the body’s natural healing process?
Not necessarily. Pharmaceutical products are designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural healing processes. In fact, many drugs are created to enhance or support the body’s ability to heal. For instance, antibiotics help the body fight bacterial infections that it might not be able to handle on its own. Painkillers can relieve discomfort, allowing a child to rest and heal more effectively. Vaccines stimulate the immune system, preparing the body to defend against future infections. These interventions do not disrupt the body’s natural healing; rather, they support it when necessary.
Are there risks associated with pharmaceutical products in children?
Yes, like any medical treatment, pharmaceutical products come with potential risks. However, these risks are carefully weighed against the benefits. Healthcare professionals prescribe medications based on a child’s specific needs, considering factors like age, weight, and overall health. While overuse or misuse of pharmaceuticals can be harmful, when used appropriately, they significantly improve health outcomes.
Despite the proven benefits of vaccines for children, there are claims that allege vaccines are poisonous and can harm children’s health. However, these are not true.
Can a child heal without pharmaceutical products in all situations?
No, not always. There are situations where natural healing alone is insufficient. For example, a child suffering from a severe bacterial infection might not recover without antibiotics. Similarly, conditions like asthma or diabetes require ongoing pharmaceutical treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications. While the body has natural healing abilities, certain illnesses and injuries need specific medical intervention to ensure proper recovery and prevent long-term damage.
We reached out to Dr Unmesh Upadhyay, President of Paediatric Association of Ahemdabad (2023 -24), Founder and Senior Consultant Pediatrician at Vismay Childcare Hospital, Ahmedabad, for his expert take on children’s ability to heal without medications. He says, “Children can often recover on their own from viral infections, like colds or mild fevers, without the need for antibiotics, as their immune system is capable of handling these naturally. However, for more serious infections or chronic conditions, medications like antibiotics are necessary to support healing and prevent complications. Vaccines are also vital in protecting children from life-threatening diseases, boosting their immune system, and reducing the need for further medical interventions.”
What role do vaccines play in a child’s natural healing process?
Vaccines play a crucial role in a child’s health and healing. They stimulate the immune system to produce an immune response without causing the disease itself, helping the body “learn” how to fight specific infections. This ensures that the child’s immune system is better prepared to handle the disease if encountered in the future.
A 2024 study highlights the significant impact of vaccination, showing that since 1974, the WHO’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has saved 154 million lives, including 146 million children under 5. Vaccination has contributed to 40% of the global decline in infant mortality, resulting in 10.2 billion years of health gained. The study underscores the importance of universal access to vaccines in improving child survival and preventing deaths from preventable diseases.
We spoke with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her expert take on vaccines for children’s health. She explains, “Vaccines play a vital role in a child’s natural healing process by preparing the immune system to fight infections more effectively. They don’t replace the body’s healing abilities, but rather enhance them, ensuring that the child is better equipped to combat diseases and recover more quickly.”
Far from disrupting natural healing, vaccines actually strengthen the body’s ability to fight infections, offering long-term protection and saving lives. Despite this, some claims suggest that vaccines are completely ineffective against infections, which is entirely false.
THIP Media Take
The claim that a child’s body is born with everything it needs to heal naturally, unless disrupted by pharmaceutical products, is mostly false. While the body has natural healing mechanisms, it does not have everything it needs to heal every condition. Pharmaceutical products play a vital role in supporting and enhancing the body’s ability to recover, especially in cases where natural healing alone is insufficient.
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