Immunity Insights: To Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr Anil Pratap Singh throws light on some immunity-boosting measures that would surely go a long way in preparing individuals and the society to bravely face the current coronavirus pandemic.

- Dr Anil Pratap Singh

People around the world are suffering due to COVID-19 or coronavirus disease which was asserted as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hundreds of millions of people are presently suffering from severe health, social, and economic impact of COVID-19. Elderly population, children and those with comorbid conditions are more vulnerable to this infection and require special attention. Individuals with ailments like diabetes, hypertension, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases are at higher risks. Moreover, a person’s general immunity reduces at older age which also magnifies complications. Concerted efforts are also being made towards development of vaccines, treatment, and diagnostics. However, in such a crucial time, several key measures are advised in order to enhance general immunity. In addition to maintenance of hygiene standards such as frequently washing hands, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer for disinfection, wearing masks as well as avoiding touching hand or mouth, social distancing, staying indoors and avoiding non-essential travel, etc., in order to prevent the virus infection; immunity boosting measures are vitally important at this juncture. So, in order to augment immunity, some of the imperative measures are discussed here.

Diet Amelioration

Nutrients play vital role for key functions of the immune system of an individual which include the role of macronutrients, micronutrients as well as gut microbiome in mediating immunological effects. Under-nutrition impairs immune function of the body. Specific nutrient interventions such as taking probiotics enhance immune function and also prevent the onset of infections or chronic inflammatory diseases.