How To Strengthen The Immune System At Home

 

A year has passed. Living with the reality of the Covid 19 pandemic has definitely turned our world upside down. Words such as “unprecedented,” “socially distanced,” “hand washing,” “wear a mask,” and the worst, “the new normal” is part of every conversation.

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We have gone through lockdowns, school closures, stay at home, restaurants closing, and the unemployment rate is at a historical high. We have learned about essential workers and first responders. High school graduations are now online, recitals being held virtually, places of worship have been closed and the list goes on…

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It seems like fear, uncertainty; anxiety and distress are taking over our mental health. What do you expect? We have been bombarded with such negativity and death rates that people are questioning their own behavior.

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But is this healthy? Are these practices stopping the virus as the World Health Organization (WHO) said it would? And if so, to what extent?

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It has been documented that the population

that is mostly touched by Covid 19 is the

elderly. The Center of Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) says the older adult is the

most vulnerable. Those in the over 65 age

group have been classified being the most

apt to die from Covid 19. Why?

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Older adults may have other medical issues

which they are being treated for. A few

common illnesses many are living with

include hypertension, coronary heart disease,

obesity, diabetes, asthma and more. It has

been shown that people with an underlying

illness are more susceptible to Covid 19.

Why?

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With that being said, it has been determined

that the person with comorbidities may have

a more severe reaction to the coronavirus

as one increases in age. Since the statistics

show that there is a fatality rate of over

50% those infected with this virus of those

over the age 65 with underlying health

concerns, the action plan is to isolate these individuals as not to become infected. Their argument is their immune system would not be able to fight off this virus.

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However, these susceptible adults are still in the danger zone. They are now lonely. And loneliness hampers the immune system... The longer the person is lonely, the more the person is at risk.

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Loneliness can be transient or chronic in nature. Some examples of transient loneliness are…..

• A teenager suffering the loss of breaking up with a special friend.

• A college student who has just graduated, living alone for the first time

• Losing a beloved pet after many years of devoted friendship.

• And a myriad of other life situations.

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The above situations should not be taken lightly as any one of them could turn into a chronic condition. Severe loneliness involves a long-term feeling of isolation and separation. It is this situation which leads to physical ailments. Let me explain.

When someone exhibits loneliness over a prolonged period of time, this affects the T-cell component of the white blood cells. The T-cell is an important part of the immune system. These cells go throughout the body looking for foreign substances or antigens. It is the function of the T-cell to fight off these invaders.

If the production of T-cells has been decreased, the body loses its ability to fight off these antigens. The body is invaded with these antigens causing the inflammation.

As behavioral specialists have discovered, the same stay at home orders meant to protect the vulnerable actually has a paradoxical effect. So instead of strengthening the immune system, it becomes less efficient and is actually harming what it was meant to protect.

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How is this remedied?

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Social interaction has been proven to increase T-cells. Those who benefit the most are those who spend time with friends and family. In person is the best way.

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For those who are still cautious, making contact through social media is a good alternative. Can’t go to church? Find one who has online services. Want to see the grandbabies? Get on facetime and blow them kisses.

Don’t forget coffee time on the patio. It’s easy to social distance while enjoying the must needed interaction we crave. Being outside has its own set of benefits.

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 Fresh air and sunlight boosts the immune system by becoming a catalyst in producing Vitamin D. The Vitamin D will make the immune system stronger. Simply put, just being outside will lift spirits as well.

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It is possible to maintain the recommendations that the CDC has encouraged us to follow while maintaining the much needed social interaction. This can be done without sacrificing their immune system in the process. Our ageing population needs the reassurance that they will not be forgotten but actually shown how to live an active and healthy life in spite of the restrictions being put upon them.