The coronavirus named COVID 19 which infected 105,586 people globally and killed more than 4,000 people can be destroyed by boosting our immune system and practicing proper hygiene. The virus created a mass hysteria and prejudice among the people all around the world. This virus, however, is not something that our bodies cannot defeat.
The coronavirus spread through droplets transmitted into the air from coughing or sneezing, which people nearby can take in through their nose, mouth or eyes. According to Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, the coronavirus controls the infected cell and commands it to reproduce more virus instead of doing its job in taking care of the body.
If we have a strong immune system, our defensive cells can destroy the infected cell and stop the virus from spreading all over our body. Experts say that the effect of the virus appears to depend upon the weakness or strength of the immune system. Older people or those with existing health issues like diabetes or other chronic illnesses are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
Lowering stress level, sleeping at least seven hours a day, maintaining healthy dose of vitamin D, avoiding excessive alcohol, and eating a balanced diet are 5 ways to strengthen our immune system.
Studies show that stress, worries, and arguments can weaken the immune system. We can lower our stress level by learning techniques on managing stress such as meditation, therapy, and controlled breathing.
Studies suggest that sleep deprived individuals are 4.2 times more likely to catch a cold compared to those people with at least 7 hours of sleep.
Our bodies need adequate Vitamin D to kill viruses and bacteria. The sun is our best source of vitamin D. Our skin exposed to sunlight makes vitamin D from our stored cholesterol. Other sources of vitamin D include fatty fishes like salmon.
Excessive alcohol intake can alter the helpful microbes in the body. It can also damage the lungs and impair the mucosal immune system.
A healthful balanced diet and exercise are important to a strong immune system. Some people suggest eating “super foods” such as ginger, garlic, kale, and turmeric, however there are no scientific evidence that prove that they alone are sufficient. We should eat a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins. We should also skip unapproved food supplements.
We can prevent the virus from spreading in the air by practicing proper hygiene such as covering our mouth and nose with a handkerchief when we sneeze or cough. We should thoroughly wash our hands with soap and water when we arrived in our home or office, and whenever soap and water is available. We should make it a habit not to touch our eyes, mouth, and nose with our hands even if we sanitized.If we are sick, we should avoid attending mass gatherings. If we cannot avoid it, we should always practice proper hygiene to avoid infecting other people.
All of these practices can prevent the further spread of the COVID19 virus. Instead of panicking and blaming different races for its spread, we should understand that no one wanted to be infected by this virus. Regardless of what country we came from, we should work together and help each other in overcoming the spread of covid19. Nothing is permanent, we can wipe COVID19 as one.
Sources:
Belluk, P. (2020).What does the coronavirus do to the body?. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-body-symptoms.html
Parker-Pope,T. (2020).Can I boost my immune system?. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/well/live/can-i-boost-my-immune-system.html.
Leave a Reply