The headlines every day at the moment are the growing concern over the spread of Coronavirus. Countries are being shut down, economies are suffering and the shelves are emptying as people panic buy. For many of us, it means we are focusing on our wellness and building a strong immune system which helps protect you and the people around you from preventable diseases. So this is an ideal time to encourage family, friends and colleagues to focus on building a strong immune system through exercise, healthy nutrition, stress reduction, stopping smoking and personal hygience.
‘Your body’s first line of defence against any infectious disease is your immune system; maintaining and enhancing your immune system begins with actions you take to optimise your nutrition, exercise, sleep, social connections and mental health.” Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, and 17th Surgeon General of the United States,
What Is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses. This includes the common cold and SARS. In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak in China, which has now spread to multiple countries across to world, leading some countries to take drastic actions.
What Are The Symptoms Of Coronavirus
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
The severity of the symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Those who are older or have existing medical conditions might be at a higher risk of serious illness, similar to other respiratory illness like the flu.
Am I At Risk of Corona Virus?
The main risks for getting coronavirus are
- Recent travel from or residence in an area with ongoing spread
- Close contact with someone who has it — such as when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person
How do I Prevent Coronavirus?
The best defence against any infectious disease, like Coronavirus (COVID-19) is to build a strong immune system and follow sensible precautions to protect yourself. Focus on getting enough sleep, regular exercise, healthy nutrition, stress reduction, stop smoking, personal hygiene, drinking plenty of water and staying positive.
