Can you boost your immune system to fight COVID-19?
COVID-19
This is the subject on everyone’s mind as we face a worldwide crisis. We don’t yet skills to completely prevent or manage the damage caused by COVID-19, the disease caused by a coronavirus that’s new to us all.
We see online claims that we will “boost” our immune system with almost everything from vitamin C or vitamin D to essential oils and silver nanoparticles. But how can we know which of those recommendations, if any, really work?
That’s a worrying question to answer, mainly because the immune system isn’t “one thing” that we will easily measure. It’s an intricate and delicate system with many various components. Helping one section might impair another, or boosting a particular section may have nothing to do with fighting viruses.
That’s a worrying question to answer, mainly because the immune system isn’t “one thing” that we will easily measure. It’s an intricate and delicate system with many various components. Helping one section might impair another, or boosting a particular section may have nothing to do with fighting viruses.
That makes knowing what to do stimulating. Plus, how do we know if something that helps with another virus will help with this new coronavirus? As you’ll see, there’s much we simply cannot know.
Finally, if you’re older or have an underlying health condition (including diabetes and high blood pressure), you’ve got an increased risk of severe symptoms, and potentially, loss of life from COVID-19. We recommend taking every precaution to avoid it.
If you’re young and otherwise healthy, your risk of complications is much lower. If you are doing contract the virus, you’ll probably have mild symptoms and fully recover within a few weeks. However, it’s possible that you may be infected with the virus without showing any symptoms.
[su_quote]So retaining excellent hygiene and practicing social isolation is crucial to avoid spreading it to high-risk individuals.[/su_quote]
Many Australians are anxious and emphasized about the coronavirus, COVID-19. There are reports of panic-buying at the supermarket. People have been donning face masks they have no symptoms. You cannot make a cup of tea at work without someone mentioning ‘coronavirus.’
You might feel a little powerless but there are a few things you can do to support boost your immune system and help protect yourself from many types of viruses. And none of them involve a hazmat suit.
Do vitamin pills protect you from the coronavirus?
No. It’s much enhanced to get all the nutrients you need for a robust immune system from a balanced diet. And with a couple of exceptions — folic acid for pregnant women, for example — most healthy people do not need to use luxurious supplements.
Social media has been infiltrated by claims that megadoses of vitamin supplements, like vitamin C, can treat the flu-like symptoms of COVID-19, but there’s no evidence to back this up. Consuming high doses of certain supplements, like vitamin A and vitamin D, can actually be toxic.
Social media has been infiltrated by claims that megadoses of vitamin supplements, like vitamin C, can treat the flu-like symptoms of COVID-19, but there’s no evidence to back this up. Consuming high doses of certain supplements, like vitamin A and vitamin D, can actually be toxic.
Vitamin C is water-soluble, which suggests it isn’t lethal, but if you consume quite your body can store, it’s removed via your urine. So, excess vitamin C goes down the toilet.
[su_quote] While there is no vaccine for COVID-19 yet, there’s a vaccine for an additional global killer, the flu. Search for updates on this season’s influenza vaccine and book during a jab when it’s available.[/su_quote]
Get more sleep
Sleep is most important for your immune system. Research shows that sleep-deprived people can have suppressed immunity, meaning that they are more in danger of catching viruses. If you are feeling worried otherwise you are anxious (about COVID-19, for example), you’re more in danger of sleep problems like insomnia. And if you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to worry.
So, if you’re reading this on your phone in bed immediately, put the phone down — watching a bright screen within the evening can disrupt your sleep.
For more tips on having an honest a good night in bed, visit the Sleep Health Foundation.
Clean your phone
As well as keeping you up at night, your phone can also transfer germs.
According to a new study, some viruses (including human coronaviruses that came before COVID-19) can remain infectious on surfaces for up to 9 days. So you ought to disinfect the ‘portable petri dish’ that’s your mobile regularly with a cleaning product that’s 70% ethanol.
Washing your hands regularly with plenty of soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds — or using an alcohol-based hand rub if the soap isn’t available — is that the best way to protecting yourself from COVID-19.
Should you wear a face mask?
If you’re feeling anxious, you would possibly be considering wearing a mask for protection. But face masks aren’t recommended for the overall population. Only people that have symptoms of COVID-19 or who are caring for an individual with suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 got to wear a disposable (surgical) mask.
Where to travel for help if you are feeling anxious?
Fortunately, if you’re feeling stressed or worried about the coronavirus (COVID-19), assistance is available. Speak to your GP or contact any of those organizations:
Beyond Blue offers mental-health counseling 24 hours each day on 1300 22 4636. you’ll also speak to someone via online chat (3 pm to 12 am, 7 days every week ).
Children and young adults (up to age 25) can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 to talk with a counselor, 24 hours each day . Online chat is additionally available 24/7.
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 to talk with a trained psychological state supporter, 24 hours each day . Online chat is out there between 7pm and midnight (AEST), 7 days every week . you’ll also text 0477 13 11 14 between 6pm and midnight (AEST), 7 days a week.
