Although a robust immune system should always be among your foremost priorities, maintaining healthy immunity is particularly important amidst an active pandemic. In addition to the mortal threat presented by COVID-19, the novel coronavirus can facilitate undesirable long-term effects in survivors – even those whose infections were largely asymptomatic. So, if you’re not currently taking measures to bolster your immunity, there’s no time like the present to get on top of this. The following measures will help you guard and strengthen your immune system amidst the current pandemic.
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Eat a Healthy Diet
Healthy eating habits can prove beneficial on a number of fronts. Improved mood, heightened energy levels and increased longevity are just a few of the perks associated with health-conscious eating habits. Furthermore, a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables can help bolster immune system health. Since fruits and veggies tend to be high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they’re the ideal foods for anyone looking to foster a resilient immune system.
A healthy diet is also conducive to maintaining a healthy weight – which, in turn, is conducive to heightened immunity. This isn’t to say that there’s anything wrong with the occasional junk food indulgence, but healthy eating choices should account for the bulk of your diet.
Talk to a Doctor
If you want to cultivate a consistently resilient immune system, consulting with your physician should be high atop your to-do list. A knowledgeable physician will be able to offer invaluable tips on bolstering your immune system and work with you on creating a long-term plan that’s well-suited to your age, weight and general lifestyle. There’s also a chance that your doctor will recommend the use of immunity boosting supplements, like high-quality liquid zinc.
Improve Your Sleep Habits
In the absence of proper sleep, your body is liable to have trouble functioning on even the most basic of levels. This is particularly true in the case of individuals who habitually get very little sleep. Since proper sleep is essential to healthy energy levels, information processing, toxin expulsion and strong immune systems, improving your sleeping habits should be a priority, especially if your current sleep schedule leaves much to be desired.
So, if you’ve grown accustomed to going to sleep at wildly inconsistent times, give yourself a manageable bedtime. Additionally, the bedtime you choose should allow for between seven to eight hours of sleep each night. You should also engage in relaxing activities in the leadup to your nightly respite to ensure that your brain is primed for sleep. Furthermore, for good measure, try sticking with your chosen bedtime during weekends and periods of downtime.
Get Vaccinated
In the quest to protect yourself from COVID-19, no step is more effective than getting vaccinated. The various vaccines have proven to be highly effective in preventing serious and fatal cases of the novel coronavirus. Additionally, since they’re available free of charge at a wide range of pharmacies and medical facilities, accessibility shouldn’t be a problem for anyone in the U.S. As is the case with virtually every vaccine, you may experience side-effects, but in most cases, they’re fairly mild and shouldn’t last more than a few days.
Mask Up
Even if you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, continuing to mask up is generally a good idea. While the vaccines are quite effective, they’re not impenetrable shields, and as is the case with virtually every virus, breakthrough cases are entirely possible. With this in mind, continue donning a mask whenever you venture out in public. Doing so not only stands to protect you, it may also save the lives of any unvaccinated individuals with whom you come into contact.
Even with COVID-19 vaccines widely available, the novel coronavirus continues to present a very real threat to all Americans. Because of the emergence of new variants and millions of people’s refusal to get vaccinated, a pandemic that should be largely over has yet to cease. While you may be powerless to control the behavior of the people who are actively making the situation worse, you can at least take steps to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of the people around you. With this in mind, make a point of keeping your immune system in peak condition during this difficult time.
