What Does The Lockdown Teach Us About Our Immune System?

Whether you call it lockdown, self-isolation, or quarantine, the coronavirus pandemic has forced us to reconsider our immunology efforts. For most of us, the routine to keep a strong immune system involves drinking probiotic yogurt in the morning and a glass of fresh orange juice. Some choose to rely on vitamin C tablets to meet their vitamin intakes. 

What else could your immune system need? 

The answer is a lot more! Observations of the current COVID-19 cases don’t tell the whole story, but they highlight some recurring factors that can be part of your healthy immune-boosting routine. Of course, there is no cure against COVID-19. While these suggested immune system friendly tricks can boost your natural defenses, they don’t shield you from the virus. Common sense about social distancing and washing will play a significant role in keeping your safe. Nevertheless, here are some tips to help your immune system get stronger under lockdown. 

There’s no health without fitness

Staying fit is not just a matter of personal preference or being able to maintain your weight. Your fitness level is tightly connected to your immune system. Regular workouts support the immune defenses. Therefore, for those who need to get motivated about their fitness journey, creating your lockdown fitness plan needs to include long-term benefits. More often than not, fitness is perceived as a weight-loss solution that can be cut down once you’ve achieved your goal. But as doctors are pointing out, keeping fit keeps your body a better fighting chance against the virus. Other factors will also come into play. Your immune system will need to recognize the attack for what it is. Unfortunately, the virus pretends to be something else, which is why a strong immune system that has had little exposure to viruses may not be able to react. 

Bacteria can spread on most surfaces

If you’re running everywhere inside your home with a pack of wipes to clean all surfaces, you can be sure your efforts are helpful. Indeed, bacteria can spread on most surfaces. They can survive for several hours and even days on kitchen surfaces, such as your old sink. Surfaces that are cracked or damaged could keep bacteria alive for longer. It might be a good idea to consider a kitchen sink replacement to be able to keep your home as germ-free as possible. Wipes, however, may not be the best solution. Instead, keep a fresh stock of sponges, soaps, and safe cleaning products. Soap is highly effective against the virus! 

You need plenty of direct sun exposure

Scientists have measured a link between vitamin D and the severity of coronavirus. Indeed, your immune system needs vitamin D to manage inflammatory responses. When it comes to COVID-19, health complications can often be linked to highly inflamed reactions that damage internal organs. Vitamin D can be produced by the body when you get direct sunlight exposure. The lockdown process is forcing people indoors, affecting their vitamin D levels. While this isn’t to say that vitamin D only can cure the virus, deficiencies make you more vulnerable. As such, you might want to schedule frequent walks outside! 

The coronavirus pandemic is a wake-up call to reality. Many of us have not been maintaining our immune systems. However, we can learn from the global response to understand what the body needs to stay healthy and defend itself. A robust immune system doesn’t guarantee beating infections and diseases. But it provides the body with an adequate defense mechanism against bacterial and viral attacks.