What I do to boost my immune system

What I do to boost my immune system

As we battle this COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic, what we need is an optimum level of our immune system. You may (or may not) know that viruses have no definite cure. They are self-limiting and what we can rely on is our immune system to fight them off.

As a healthcare worker, it is necessary that we do our utmost best to take care of ourselves. Even when performing CPR training, which is short for Cardio pulmonary Resuscitation, the first thing that we need to do is to see if the scene is safe. Likewise, it is the same with today's war with COVID-19. We have to be safe and healthy ourselves in order for us to help others. Aside from the proper donning out and removal of personal protective equipment, here are some of the precautions that I take:

1. Handwashing. This is first and foremost the most essential of all. Though it is usually said in the news that 20 seconds would suffice, I'd rather do the 40-60 seconds of handwashing with soap and water. Any soap will do whether it is an antibacterial soap or not. Handrub, on the other hand, which can be pretty self-explanatory is the use of 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol where you rub your hands together until they are dry. I noticed that when people use alcohol, they would just rub their hands for a mere 2-3 seconds. Hand rub should last for 20-30 seconds until dry. It is recommended to do a handrub when soap and water is not available. What alcohol do is to kill off the germs in your hands but it won't take away the dirt.

2. Proper cough etiquette. Sometimes, we can't help but sneeze or cough. So as not to spread it to others, we should use a handkerchief or better yet a disposable tissue when we sneeze or cough. If you have nothing on hand, your upper sleeve can be an option. Never use your hands and always remember to wash your hands after.

3. Get the proper amount of sleep. But of course, different strokes for different folks. An infant need a lot of sleep compared to an elderly. If it isn't necessary, please refrain from sleeping late at night. We need to get a sufficient amount of sleep because this is the time when our body recuperates. Avoid caffeinated foods or drinks. Make it a habit to set a consistent time for sleeping and waking up. I thought that it was our circadian rhythm that would be broken if we do not set a time for sleeping but in the book that I am currently reading, Why We Sleep by I learned that everytime we forego sleep, we are increasing the level of what we call sleep pressure. Circadian rhythm is consistent regardless. That is why we get jetlagged when we go another country with a different timezone. If the level of our sleep pressure is too much, that's when we feel sleepy.

4. Drink a lot of fluids preferably water. I would like to emphasize about 2 to 3 liters of water if it is not much for you. Water cleans and moistens your throat. Water also detoxifies your body.

5. Sip some hot soup/broth. If I am  feeling sick or feel that I might be sick, I consume hot beverages and soups. I avoid dairy

 products for the mean time.

6. Take 1000 mg of vitamin C. Let's face it: we can't consume a lot of Vitamin C through food. That is why supplements are there to help us fill up deficiencies and that's why they are only supplementary. Don't be frightened if you think that 1000 mg of Vitamin C is a huge amount. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin. Any excess will go into your urine.

I would like to put on a disclaimer beforehand that the things I recommended is based on my own experience: on what I know and what worked for me. Everyone is different. I hope that if not all, some of these tips will work for you too. Take care and keep safe everyone!