How does our Immune system respond to COVID -19 attacks?

It has been months now since the first outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. The virus has gradually spread across the whole globe, causing serious impacts on the health and wellbeing of people as well as slowing down economic growth. As we all grapple with COVID-19, there are several indigenous communities around the world, who are finding it hard to fight the pandemic. The virus is so pervasive that it even infected remote tribes in the Amazon rainforest. A recent report by CNN spoke about how the coronavirus has infected the Kokoma and Yanomami tribes residing in the Amazon rainforest. Indigenous tribes like these are more susceptible to communicable diseases because they are isolated from the microorganisms that the rest of the modern world deals with on a daily basis. Such people are at the highest risk of a pandemic like this. So how does the immune system play such an important role in fighting the coronavirus? Let’s find out.

How do we fight against COVID -19?

Our bodies have an inbuilt army known as the immune system.  It is made up of a complex network of cells and proteins that seek and destroy any abnormal cells and protect it from foreign invaders called pathogens (like harmful bacteria, viruses, and other organisms). But our immune system can function properly only if we maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a wholesome meal which has essential nutrients, and sleep on time.

Quite interesting, isn’t it?

Watch this video to understand how does our immune system works and ‘who’ forms them.

Why boost our immunity?

As we have understood from the above video, our inbuilt immunity enables us to improve our chances of fighting back common diseases. It keeps a record of every germ it has ever defended in the types of white blood cells (B- and T- lymphocytes) known as memory cells. This means that it can recognise and destroy the germs quickly if it enters our body again. But our immune system might fail against newer, more resilient diseases. Hence, it is essential to boost our immunity so that our immune system is always ready to defend our body. Here are five healthy ways to strengthen our immune system:

Maintain hygiene – The first line of defence to keep pathogens at bay is to maintain a good hygiene habit. By doing this, we can stop infections and germs before it begins spreading. Adopt these healthy habits to maintain a hygienic lifestyle:

Eat Healthily – A healthy diet includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This provides the body with necessary supplements and boosts the immune system.

Manage stress levels – Although it is said that a short burst of stress might help the immune system, lasting stress is harmful to the body. Hence to keep the stress away, it is essential to give our body enough rest, exercise every day for 30 minutes and give time to self.

Stay hydrated – Hydration pays an important role in keeping our body germ free and prevents it from getting dehydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches, affect our mood, digestion, and hinder our physical activities. So make sure to drink enough water.  Consuming 8 glasses of water per day is a good rule of thumb.

In the current pandemic situation, until scientists find a vaccine for COVID-19, we need to take some precautionary measures to boost our immune system and improve our chances of fighting off such viruses and other pathogens. Stay safe and keep learning!

What healthy measures are you taking to keep yourself and your family healthy and safe? Do share with us in the comments below.