How to support your immune system

Writer: Dr Arien van der Merwe.

Fear is insidious and more contagious than any virus can ever be. There are countless research studies confirming that stress (e.g. from fear, anger, worry) impairs the efficacy of our immune system. With the current frenzied panic around the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the winter flu season approaching, it is more important than ever to support our immune and respiratory systems.

The Coronavirus is part of the influenza (flu) group of viruses affecting the respiratory system. Reported symptoms in patients with confirmed Covid-19 have varied from mild to severe, and can include fever (found in all infections as part of the body’s natural inflammatory immune response to support recovery), dry cough and shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, headache, and sore throat.

It is quite clear that all respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms, therefore do not panic if you experience any of them – it might be influenza or even the common cold.

To minimise the spread of any infection, including colds and flu, we should try to keep our immune defences optimal and our exposure down.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 18)