New COVID Strain and Tips to Boost Immunity System

As the new Covid strain spreads across the world, there are now approximately 73 people in India who have tested positive for the new UK variant of Sars-CoV-2, according to the Union Health Ministry. All 73 people who have the COVID strain in India have been kept in a single room in isolation in designated healthcare facilities by the government. Their close family and people that they have been in contact with have also been put under quarantine to prevent anyone else from possibly contracting the virus from them.

The UK has imposed its strictest lockdown yet, while other countries including India have now banned incoming flights from the UK to prevent the virus from spreading further. It is also important that we all try our best to stay safe on an individual level.

New COVID Strain and Tips to Boost Immunity System

Doctors and scientists have explained that most mutations of viruses are usually harmless and have no impact on the functioning of the virus. However, as with the new strain of the coronavirus, some mutations can affect the way the virus functions. The new strain is more contagious than the first one, but it does not make you sicker and the likelihood of dying from the virus is also the same. The new variant of the coronavirus has a genetic mutation in the “spike” protein, which could be why it is much more contagious. Scientists have suggested that the new variant could be why the virus is now spreading even faster.

Along with COVID 19 immunity after infection, scientists have noted that those who have already been infected by the earlier strain, don’t get reinfected by the new strain. This suggests that the old strain gives immunity against the new strain, and means that we do not need to worry about everybody who has already had the virus now being infected with the new strain. However, as the new virus is 70 percent more contagious, we need to continue to take strict precautions as we have been all year. Doctors recommend following the same precautions as for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Precautions

Social distancing, keeping 6 feet apart, is just as important with the new Covid strain. Wearing masks is essential when going out to a public place or meeting people who do not live in the same home as you do. Avoiding crowded places, celebrations, and parties are necessary to prevent mass spreading. You must avoid touching your mouth, face, and nose when out, and wash or sanitize your hands after touching anything and once you return home. Avoid shaking hands and hugging people, and cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you sneeze. If you show symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention. You can begin by getting an online consultation, and if necessary, safely getting a test done, without meeting anyone, or touching anything.

Symptoms and precautions for the new Covid strain in India

In addition to the symptoms of COVID-19 like dry cough, fever, loss of taste and smell, and tiredness, the new COVID strain symptoms include loss of appetite, sore throat, aches and pains, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, mental confusion, and skin rashes.

While you take the necessary precautions, you can find out how to boost immunity to try and lessen your chances of contracting both COVID-19 as well as the new strain of the virus. A strong immune system won’t prevent you from contracting COVID-19, as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in a novel pathogen, means that we do not have antibodies to defend us against it. Therefore, social distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing, are incredibly important. However, developing a strong immune system can help you stay healthier if you do contract the virus. Boosting your immunity can also help you fight colds, flu, and pneumonia, which are all too common in the winter season.

Tips to boost your immunity

There are several tips to boost immunity during coronavirus. Consuming a balanced diet with enough nutrition is crucial to have high immunity. A diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins is necessary. Vitamin E, found in nuts and other plant-based food, helps prevent cell damage, while vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lemons, and pepper helps fight against bacteria and infections. Vitamin D also helps fight infections, and Vitamin A helps to regulate the immune system. If you are not getting enough vitamins from your food, you can also take multivitamins and other supplements to ensure that you get a good intake of vitamins and minerals.

Another one of the tips to boost your immunity during COVID is to exercise regularly, at least three times a week for half an hour. For younger people, playing a sport, running, cycling, and going to the gym are all good ways of exercising. For older people, yoga, pilates, or a brisk ten-twenty minute walk is good exercise. Any activity which gets your heart rate up for a least twenty minutes is great for your health.

Consistently getting quality sleep is also a COVID immunity booster. 9-12 hours is ideal for young, school-age children, 8-10 hours is ideal for teenagers, and for adults, 7-9 hours is recommended. Lack of sleep can affect your immune system. People who do not get enough sleep consistently, will have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to colds, flu, and the coronavirus.

Stress is another factor that can affect your immune system. It weakens your immune system’s ability to fight against bacteria and viruses. Effectively managing stress is crucial. Meditation, exercise, journaling, and spending time with friends, family, and loved ones are all ways to reduce stress.

For more tips to increase the immunity system against corona, check out our other blogs.