Coronavirus – Simple Precautions to Take

With the ongoing pneumonia epidemic, caused by a coronavirus, currently affecting Mainland China along with 27 other countries, it becomes evident that it is a matter of worry for all of us.

The Coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei region. It was detected after 41 people had developed pneumonia without a clear cause. The virus evidently transmits from human to human mainly through the fluid droplets passed on through sneezing and coughing.  Some of the symptoms include fever, coughing, and breathing difficulties. The virus can be fatal.

Since it attacks the body as any usual virus, it becomes evident that keeping our immune systems boosted will help us stay safe from it. Along with many other precautions, below are some customized diet options that can help you to boost your immune system.

Consume food rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, to decrease the risk of catching the flu. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by acknowledging feelings of anxiety, and you will feel more emotionally stable.

Some precautions that can be taken to avoid the spread of infections and viruses are:

1. Defend yourself with powerful nutrients

The best three nutrients to ensure a strong immune system are vitamin C, zinc, and iron. The benefits of vitamin C to boost immunity are well-documented reminds people to take it before the onset of cold or flu symptoms.

Try to get your vitamin C in its natural form, unless you know you aren’t getting enough from dietary sources, such as citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and kiwis. Guava, bell peppers, and broccoli are all good sources of vitamin C.

Zinc deficiency is related to high susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections, especially in children and the elderly. To get enough zinc, I recommend eating eggs, poultry, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, chickpeas, and nuts (cashews and almonds). You can also take a good Zinc Supplement.

If you are getting enough zinc in your diet, then you are likely getting enough iron as the two are present together in a lot of common foods. Vegetarians must make sure they eat the plant-based iron with vitamin C, which can enhance the absorption of plant-based iron.

A good Vitamin D Supplement is a must for everyone to keep his or her vitamin D levels on track these days. Go out in the early morning sunlight for vitamin D absorption.

2. Avoid consuming meat and poultry or any animal products

Care must be taken while consuming meat and poultry or any animal products. Make sure that the products must be carefully procured from hygienic places and must be cooked very well before consumption. Undercooked or raw meat or any other animal products such as eggs, milk, etc. must be avoided completely.

Best is to rely on vegetarian food options more than animal products during these outbreak times. There are many plant proteins that can be consumed instead of regular animal protein options.

3. Apart from wearing a mask in crowded places, washing your hands and using hand sanitizer, what can we do to stay healthy – and calm – during the flu season, especially in the midst of a coronavirus outbreak?

The need for a healthy diet, maintaining personal hygiene, and getting good rest to boost your immune system cannot be ignored.

Begin with prevention… It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine, and this is especially important for the young, the elderly. Those with compromised immune systems; the key is to get it when you are healthy. Though it will not prevent coronavirus but will defend the common seasonal influenza during the winter peak season.

If you do feel unwell, see your doctor as soon as possible. A rapid influenza test gives results in 15 minutes, and can quickly determine what you might have.  For prevention, the antiviral drugs for the flu should be taken within 48 hours. This is important to see your GP promptly.

If you have a fever, after visiting the doctor, wait for at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided (without using fever-reducing medicine) to leave home. If a family member is ill, adjust the sleeping arrangements – as best you can – so that they don’t infect other household members.

Optimize everything that you can control – wash your hands, take care of your body, get enough sleep, eat nutritious food, and then you have no need to stress.

Staying healthy and happy involves getting enough sleep and vitamins. Keeping your stress levels in check is equally important.

Don’t forget, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.