Latest data shows that those with a compromised immune system, men, and the elderly are at greatest risk of contracting the coronavirus, highlighting the urgency to take action to boost immunity.
Recent data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that “the people most likely to develop severe forms of the virus are men, those with pre-existing illnesses and the elderly.”
Host response matters
According to reports, immune response impacts directly on infection. “The virus matters, but the host response matters at least as much, and probably more,” says Stanley Perlman, a virologist and paediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Iowa.
Latest global figures show over 90 000 confirmed cases, more than 3 100 deaths and around 50 000 recovered patients. The coronavirus, named COVID-19, has reached almost every continent. In Africa, Nigeria has confirmed its first case.
Matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’
At least two South Africans aboard a Japanese cruise ship are reported to be infected and the SA government has announced that SA citizens living in Wuhan city will be repatriated.
Speaking to ENCA recently, the SA Medical Association’s (SAMA) Dr Angelique Coetzee, said it was not a matter of “if” but rather “when” the virus would reach our shores.
Health expert, Vanessa Ascencao has urged the public to boost immunity and to consider the following:
- Vitamin C’s role in supporting immunity, helping recover from illness, protecting cells from free radical damage and generally contributing to improved health is well documented. Biomax Liposomal Vitamin C uses liposomal technology which entraps vitamin C molecules, delivering proven superior bioavailability and more vitamin C into the blood stream.
- Bio-Curcumin, one of the most bioavailable curcumin extracts, is backed by 40 clinical studies validating its unique health benefits, including countering inflammation. A study shows that high doses of curcumin helped cellular defence against an earlier strain of the coronavirus which also affected the respiratory system.
- An extract of the cultured shiitake mushroom mycelia, AHCC, has been shown in studies to activate cellular immune function and help defend against bacterial and viral infectious diseases. It’s efficacy had been supported by more than 30 human clinical studies and over 120 research papers.
- Vitamin D has become essential for immunity and a UK analysis has found that vitamin D helps reduce the risk of infection. BetterYou DLuxvitamin D oral spray is rapidly absorbed by the mouth’s blood vessels and has proven to be far more effective than pills.
- Follow a nutrient dense diet, including immune boosting citrus fruits, don’t smoke as studies show that smokers are more vulnerable to the virus, exercise regularly and get eight hours sleep a night.
- Wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with the sick and educate yourself by consulting credible sources of information about the virus.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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