HEALTH JU N E 2 0 2 2
A WINTER BOOST FOR YOUR BODY
CONTENTS • Three ways to boost your immune system • Flu vaccine Q&A • Covid-19 or flu? • Superfoods for healthy skin • Stay cosy & save on electricity • Prepare for hiking season • Brew up spiced tea • Flu vaccine myths • Give yourself a natural boost
Editor’s note WINTER is here. And while, for some of us it’s an excuse to gorge ourselves on comfort foods, it’s really all about making sure our health is in tiptop shape. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had to focus greater attention on the state of our health. I remember in the early days of Covid-19 how fearful we were. Beyond just being scared to leave our homes, we were also taking extra precautions to not fall sick. Many relied on quacks, hacks and tips from the internet, some of which had bad effects on their health. Thank goodness that time is mostly over. Now that we know more about Covid-19 and vaccinations and boosters have come, we are better equipped to handle the virus. In this issue of the IOL Health magazine, we have stories that will help you prepare better for the winter months, from findings ways to boost our immune systems, to debunking vaccine myths, whether it’s the flu vaccine or the Covid-19 vaccine and
eating the right foods for our holistic health. With load shedding a constant in our lives, sometimes we find it difficult to keep warm. Luckily, we had some experts on hand who told us what we need to do to stay cosy and save on electricity this winter. While we know that summer bodies are made in winter, it is difficult to stay in shape. But there are ways of doing it, as we reveal in our stories about preparing for hiking season in winter. But also, don’t forget to indulge. I am certain many will enjoy our spicy tea articles and will be running to the kitchen to make a spiced-up beverage that’s nutritious and delicious and will warm you up. I hope you will keep referring to this magazine whenever you find yourself needing answers about the flu vaccine, the foods to eat to help boost your immune system and how to keep your skin and body looking good this season.
Buhle
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com ACTING HEALTH EDITOR Buhle Mbonambi buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za ACTING LIFESTYLE EXECUTIVE EDITOR Buhle Mbonambi buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za DESIGN Juanita Minshull juanita.minshull@inl.co.za PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
HUPER BY JOSHUA EARLE Unsplash
BOOST your nutrient intake with foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, avocados, oily fish, eggs, and lean protein. | READY MADE Pexels
Three ways to give your immune system
A BOOST FOR WINTER EVEN as you are enjoying the pleasant change in weather, the winter chill will soon bring along with it illnesses such as colds and flu. The best way to minimise the risk of getting sick during this season is to boost your immunity. Nutrition consultant and health and wellness expert Vanessa Ascencao says the body’s immune system is affected by a number of factors including diet, sleep, exercise, stress management, and even the quality of relationships. Ascencao says with the arrival of winter and the fifth wave of Covid-
Lutho Pasiya 19, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost the immune system and help prevent, fight and recover from illness. Here are some tips. Boost your nutrient intake with foods such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, avocados, oily fish, eggs and lean protein as these are loaded with vitamins, minerals, immune boosters, and antioxidants. Supporting your body with the right vitamins and nutrients will also help reduce
the risk of feeling run down and counter winter fatigue. In addition to eating healthily, exercise regularly, avoid sugary or processed foods, practise mindfulness to help reduce stress, get enough sleep and take a quality spirulina supplement. Numerous studies have shown the antiviral effects of spirulina, with one study showing that it may help to reduce the risk of severe illness in Covid19 patients by 70%. It is one of the most nutrient-rich wholefoods in the world and is packed with protein, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and enzymes.
FLU VACCINE Q&A Why medical experts recommend getting the jab to protect against seasonal influenza THE seasons are changing and with winter on its way, it heralds the start of the “flu season”. We chat to Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Head of Operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, on why a flu vaccine is recommended, not just by the scheme but also the World Health Organization (WHO). 1. Why should I get a flu vaccine? Although the flu vaccine will not eliminate your risk of developing flu, it helps reduce your chances of severe infection. Annually, seasonal influenza (flu) kills around 11 500 people in SA which is why it is a good precautionary measure to take. 2. How are Covid-19 and flu viruses similar? The WHO says that Covid-19 and influenza viruses are similar in disease presentation. “Firstly, they both cause respiratory disease, which presents a wide range of illness from asymptomatic or mild through to severe disease and death. Secondly, both viruses are transmitted by contact, droplets and any material that can carry infection. As a result, the same public health measures such as hand hygiene and social distancing is recommended.” 3. What are the differences between Covid-19 and flu? Flu is an acute viral respiratory infection, transmitted by the influenza virus. There are three types of influenza, namely Influenza A, B and C. Covid-19 and influenza are essentially different viruses with Sars-CoV-2 being a newly discovered coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
4. Why do I need a flu shot every year? The flu virus changes every year, this means last year’s vaccine will not keep you safe this year. The vaccine helps your immune system fight off the virus by producing antibodies – the soldiers in your body that battle the flu virus. 5. What vaccines have been developed for 2022? The flu vaccines available for this year are: The Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac and Influvac Tetra. 6. Can I get the flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine together? As per the National Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Circular 3 of 2022, the answer is yes. But, it is recommended that if you decide to have both vaccines at the same time, then one should be on the left arm and one on the right. 7. Who should get a flu vaccine? It is recommended that anyone in the high-risk groups including: • Healthcare workers • Individuals over 65 years of age • Individuals with chronic diseases – or comorbidities – for example: cardiac disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney diseases, etc. • Pregnant women • People living with HIV/Aids 8. Who should NOT have the flu vaccine? • Individuals who are allergic to eggs or egg proteins as the manufacturing process for the vaccine involves the use of chicken eggs • Infants under 6 months of age –
GETTING the flu vaccine annually will protect you and your loved ones. | CDC Unsplash
the vaccines are not licensed for use in such young children • Individuals who may have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past – if you are unsure discuss with your healthcare provider • Individuals who may be suffering from flu symptoms already 9. Will the flu shot give me a mild flu? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “A flu shot cannot cause flu. Flu vaccines are currently made either with flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are not infectious or with no flu vaccine viruses at all. The most common side-effects from the vaccine are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Serious allergic reactions to flu vaccines are very rare.” 10. Still not convinced? Flu viruses spread very quickly from person to person. Even if the flu vaccine is not 100% effective against the current flu strain, it will reduce your risk of getting flu and, if you do get it, it will be a great deal milder. More importantly, by having the flu vaccine you protect others, who may be vulnerable family members, small babies, the elderly or those who are immune compromised. | BRANDSTORIES
If you’re unsure if you’ve contracted Covid or have the flu, here’s a guide of what symptoms to look out for. | MUFID MAJNUN Unsplash
Covid-19 or flu?
Recognising your symptoms SE-ANNE RALL
HOW does one differentiate between flu and Covid-19? According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), flu and Covid-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses. “Covid-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus first identified in 2019, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses,” the CDC said. Flu symptoms • fever or feeling feverish/chills • cough
• sore throat • runny or stuffy nose • muscle or body aches • headaches • fatigue (tiredness) Some may have vomiting and diarrhoea, though this is more common in children than adults. Covid-19 symptoms • fever or chills • cough • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • fatigue • muscle or body aches • headache
• new loss of taste or smell • sore throat • congestion or runny nose • nausea or vomiting • diarrhoea Medical epidemiologist at the Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis Dr Sibongile Walaza added that although most people with flu will present with mild illness, it may cause severe illness which may require hospitalisation or result in death. If you have any difficulty breathing or moving about, contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately. | IOL
Superfoods for healthy skin this winter YOUR food habits have a huge impact on your energy levels and even show on your skin. The dietary choices we make every day can either make us feel energetic and look good or can make us look older than our actual age. The change in weather demands a change in diet. With Covid cases on a rise again, it poses a lot of health problems as we continue to work from home and there is less physical activity. Joint problems, weight gain, vitamin D deficiency, constipation are some of the common problems people are facing during self-quarantine. With winter stepping in, dry skin and hair falling also become a cause of concern.
Enriching your diet with nutrient-rich foods may help deal with all these problems and let you enjoy good immunity, good skin and overall good health. Healthy eating is beneficial for maintaining proper body weight as well as boosting the immune system. It rejuvenates your skin and improves your hair quality, thereby leaving you with glowing skin and reduced hair fall. Apart from that, it also helps to smoothen the skin, curb wrinkles and strengthen nails. Skin, during winters, can become dry, and one might not be able to protect it in the right manner despite moisturisers. Certain superfoods can help healthily protect the skin. Water This one is one of the most important elements in our daily diet. Water gives our body and
skin the much-needed boost of hydration. Consuming ample water makes the skin soft, smooth and supple. If the opposite is done, it can lead to dryness, clogged pores, wrinkles and blemishes. Further, drinking less water leaves you dehydrated that can trigger fatigue and make you look older. Fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, flax seeds, and fish like salmon and mackerel help in keeping the skin nourished. These polyunsaturated fats accelerate the production of the skin’s natural oil barrier, which is critical in keeping your skin hydrated. It even makes it plumper, and younger-looking. Carrots Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and lycopene that protect skin from UV damage. Although the sun is not too bright in winters, UV rays are still present all around us. Carrots are also packed with vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants that keep dry skin and uneven skin tone issues at bay. | IANS CARROTS can protect the skin from UV damage. | ARMANDO ARAUZ Unsplash
THERE are many ways to keep your home warm this winter that do not need electricity. | PIXABAY
Keep warm and save Our experts also offer advice on how to protect your home against weather damage Bonny Fourie WITH the cold season fast approaching, many of us are already relying on our heaters, using the geyser more for deeper and hotter baths, and eating a lot of hearty, oven-cooked meals. But there are ways we can stay warm and toasty this winter while still doing what is right by the environment – and our electricity bills. Although temperatures may not often drop below zero in South Africa, Yael Geffen, chief executive of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, says it can still get very cold, and most homes are built for enjoying long summer days, not for keeping the winter chill at bay. “We don’t really have bad weather in this country. But the truth is that it can be really cold for at least three months of the
year. “And in winter we do tend to stay in more often, spending time at home with family and friends or snuggling up with a good book or movie.” Thus, she says, it makes sense to winter-proof our homes. “Additionally, with the cost of electricity now being what it is, I think we’d all prefer to stay warm and comfortable in winter without having to face a huge monthly bill.” Extra energy consumption has a big impact on the environment. Geffen offers some suggestions on how we can keep snug and warm. Layer on the blankets, throws and cushions: Nothing says cosy like warm fleecy throws or woolly blankets, and extra pillows ensure additional comfort when snuggling
on a cold winter’s day. Include area rugs: Rugs will add warmth and style, especially next to your bed where you have to put your warm feet onto a cold floor. Choose textured materials with thicker weaves and vibrant colours for extra warmth and charm. Change your curtains: Curtains are more than merely decorative drapes as they also contribute to the retention of heat. So, when the nights get chilly, replace your summer curtains with heavier drapes to ensure warm evenings. Soften the lighting: Add a few candles and buy a lamp for softer evening lighting. Go for gas: Gas heaters are a great investment as they really heat up smaller areas quite quickly and they can be movedaround. And, with load shedding a regular feature, they offer both heat and
light. Invest in winter bedding: Cotton flannel, velvet flannel or heavyweight Egyptian cotton sheets are wonderfully warm alternatives to lightweight cotton sheets and will make your bed a lot cosier and more comfortable. Bulk up your towels: A new, plush set of towels will not only keep you warm, but make the prospect of getting up early easier. Outdoor heating: If you like spending time outdoors regardless of the weather, consider adding a fire pit or a standing gas heater. Not only should you be thinking about alternative ways to keep warm in the coming months, but Graeme Steen, chief operating officer at Kandua.com says a little cost-effective maintenance to winter-proof your home now could save thousands of rands in unnecessary heating or repair costs. He says professional service providers have seen first-hand how preventative maintenance – and lack thereof – can make a big difference in the long-term, and shares some of their top maintenance tips to winter-proof your home: Your roof is the best place to start: Whether you are coming out of the rainy season, or entering it, check your roof for leaks. Unchecked water damage can even lead to structural issues, which can cost a fortune to fix. Check ceilings and cornices for damp spots and ensure all the damp proofing measures you’ve implemented previously are still in place. Insulation is a game changer: Adequate insulation will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If your insulation is insufficient, your heating system will have to work overtime. Mind the gap: Another thing that will make your heating system work harder than it needs to – and cost you more money – is when cold air creeps in under doors and
through gaps around windows. It is best to get someone to install rubber seals on existing frames or choose doors and windows with weather seals. This will also keep dust and rain out. Don’t get left in the dark: A generator is noisy, and with the petrol price increasing, has become incredibly expensive to fuel. An inverter and battery backup system is a great alternative, depending on your needs. Steen adds that now may also be a good time to start saving up for a green alternative such as solar power. “Some of the banks and leading financial service providers are providing loans for solar power so it’s advisable to investigate this.” Carha Anderson of Leapfrog Durbanville agrees that you should ensure your property can withstand the upcoming winter weather. Anderson offers the following tips: • Ensure that your gutters are clean:
With trees shedding their leaves in autumn, there tends to be a lot of build-up in gutters over this period. Clearing this out will help protect your home from damp as water from the rain will be redirected down clear gutters instead of landing on your house. • Check all of your windows: Sometimes there might be a small crack or a faulty window fitting that you don’t know about. Walk around your house and check on all your window panes and frames to ensure that they are in good condition. • Prepare the fireplace: If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, now is the time to get it ready. Clean out the catchment tray and check that your chimney doesn’t have any blockages. • Wrap your geyser in a blanket: A great investment for winter and beyond is a geyser blanket to insulate your geyser and retain the heat without the use of electricity. | IOL WEALTH
INVEST in some cosy throws or blankets.
PREPARE FOR HIKING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS PAM MOORE
IF YOU took up hiking during the pandemic, you’re not alone. If winter’s chilly temperatures and short days are keeping you away from the trails, don’t sweat it. The off-season is an excellent time to work on developing the mental fortitude, endurance, strength and flexibility to hit the trails running. Any winter workout routine will depend on a number of factors,
WEAR the right gear and check the weather if you’re going on a winter hike.
including your fitness level, your goals and how much time you can devote to training. Below are a few suggestions to get you going – most of which can be done in the warmth of your home. Try something novel Taking time off from hiking now can prevent future injuries, says Gwen Buchanan, a physical therapist in Pennsylvania. Buchanan, 50, uses the offseason to experiment with novel
activities, such as tap dancing. She discovered it at age 44 and finds it requires balance, co-ordination, ankle strength and cardiovascular stamina – all of which support the physical demands of hiking. Her primary motivation, however, is to have fun – and to leave her comfort zone. “Try something you haven’t done before,” she suggests. According to Buchanan, the more experience you have with tolerating discomfort, the better equipped you’ll be to handle the inevitable challenges on the trail. Wear a weighted vest (even if you’re not working out) Wearing a weighted vest does more than prepare you to carry a heavy backpack. It works nearly every muscle in your body, including your core, Buchanan says. Plus, it offers an effective workout without taking time out of your schedule. She wears a 9kg vest while seeing patients. She suggests starting with a 4kg vest for an hour each day, and gradually increasing to eight hours daily. Once that feels comfortable, try a slightly heavier vest, again working up to eight hours. Add resistance training Resistance training helps prepare your body for the rigours of the trail, whether you’re using your body weight, dumbbells or household items as stand-ins for traditional weights. For a resistance-training sequence that hits most of the major muscle groups associated with hiking, Lee Welton, a physical therapy assistant, suggests
the following: a set of 10 to 25 lunges per leg; a set of 10 to 25 door-frame rows per arm; and a set of 10 to 25 calf raises, resting as needed. Aim to complete this sequence three to five times, two to four times per week, depending on your fitness level and how much time you have. To do a door-frame row, which targets your arms and back, stand in front of an open doorway. Grasp the door frame with one arm extended in front of you, and perform a squat, keeping resistance through your arm as you stand back up. Repeat, holding onto the door frame with the other arm. Calf raises may be “unsexy”,” Welton says, but they can prevent ankle sprains by working your calves, ankles and feet. Aim for two to three strengthtraining sessions per week. If your packed schedule leaves little or no time for a dedicated workout, try sprinkling short, frequent sessions into your day. Welton and Buchanan suggest doing squats or calf raises while your leftovers heat up or lunging down the hallway between meetings. Strengthen your core A strong core helps improve your balance and body awareness, ultimately guarding you from falls and injuries, says Rue Mapp, founder and chief executive of Outdoor Afro, a non-profit that connects black people with nature. Hiking, she says, is “not just your legs. It’s your whole body”. Core strength also protects your back, Buchanan says. Without it, hikers get “sloppy”, especially when they’re tired. Then, “they twist and they turn and they jerk a certain way, and poof: a back injury”. Both Welton and Buchanan say planks should be a key part of your core routine, using modifications as needed, such as starting on your elbows. You can also incorporate variations, such as side planks. The beauty of planks, Welton says, is “you don’t have to get too
YOUR winter workout doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective.
inventive with these exercises for them to be effective”. Improve your mobility A well-rounded off-season program also includes stretching. According to Buchanan, an improved range of motion in your joints helps you safely navigate hilly, uneven, rocky and/or slippery surfaces. Otherwise, “when your body weight slides and slips” under a heavy backpack, “you’re going to snap something”. Welton suggests doing a 20- to 30-minute gentle yoga class two to three times a week. . You can also stretch solo. One of Buchanan’s favourite stretches for your feet, ankles and calves is simply standing at the edge of a step and letting your heels hang down. Downward dog also targets multiple muscle groups, including the shoulders, mid-back and hamstrings, Welton says. For your back and arms, Buchanan and Welton suggest child’s pose. Keep walking Your winter workout doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective. “Walking is perfect,” Welton says. To add intensity and keep it interesting, he suggests “fartlek” sessions. During this unstructured
workout, you vary your pace intermittently to “sneak in some of these little intervals”. This helps build cardiovascular fitness. Another way to spice up your walk: Wear your backpack or weighted vest. If you’re pressed for time, Welton says, hill repeats offer a lot of bang for your buck. Although you might be tempted to turn your walks into jogs, Welton discourages non-runners from doing so, because of the potential for injury. “You may feel great for three or four weeks, and then all of a sudden, you start getting shin pain and foot pain and calf pain.” Try an easy hike Winter hiking certainly isn’t off-limits. According to Mapp, provided you have the right gear and knowledge of trail closures and weather, you’ll probably enjoy thinner crowds during the colder months. An easy hike can also serve as an active recovery workout to complement your harder sessions. But hiking doesn’t just do a body good; the benefits extend far beyond the physical. Sharing a hike with one or two friends, offers much-needed social connection. | THE WASHINGTON POST
The spice is right Adding cinnamon, cloves, ginger and more to your tea with increase metabolism and immunity
MASALA chai will warm you up in winter. | MAUDE FREDERIQUE LAVOIE Unsplash
BECAUSE they keep the body warm from within, hot beverages are synonymous with winter. Wearing your cosiest woollens and sipping a steaming hot beverage on a bright and sunny day is the order of the day this season. Did you know that adding a few spices to your tea can be beneficial to your health? In winter, a hot cup of spiced tea can provide your body with much-needed warmth to combat the bone-chilling cold. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, saffron and ginger warm the body while also increasing metabolism and immunity. Spices have been used in tea for nearly as long as tea has been consumed, and there are many different spiced tea drinks to choose from. Three of the most well-known spiced teas that should not be overlooked in the winter are: Masala chai Also known as “chai tea”, this is a popular spiced beverage. It can be made with a single spice (such as ginger or cloves) or with a combination of spices. Despite its origins in northern India, chai is now consumed in a wide range of locations worldwide. Ginger tea Many spiced tea blends and freshly brewed spicy teas contain ginger tea. Green tea, black tea, puerh tea, and even oolong tea complement ginger well. It gives teas a warming, tangy, slightly sweet flavour. Ginger has been used in tea since antiquity and can now be found in teas all over the world. Cinnamon tea Cinnamon is usually used to flavour black teas, but it can also be used to flavour green, oolong, or puerh teas. It has a sweet, warming taste that goes well with fruit ingredients in tea drinks. Some of the few benefits of having spiced tea in winter season are: • Boosts immunity:
GIVE youself a boost with cinnamon.
Antioxidants in spiced tea help to boost the body’s immune system and fight cold and flu symptoms. • Inflammation: Warm blends aid in the reduction of inflammation and pain. It is said that drinking saffron-infused tea or putting a few cloves in a boiling kettle of drinking water can help relieve pain by lowering inflammation in the body. • Weight loss: Because spiced teas are low in calories but high in nutritional value, they are an ideal beverage for anyone looking to lose weight. Squeezing a few drops of lemon juice into your tea acts as an excellent body tonic and aids in hunger control. • Blood circulation: Due to a lack of activity, our bodies stiffen and blood circulation weakens
during the winter months. Cinnamon tea improves blood circulation while also helping control blood sugar levels. • Improved digestion: During the winter, heavier foods, as well, have a tendency to sit and avoid movement, increasing the risk of digestive problems. Tea steeped with ginger, mint or star anise can aid digestion and relieve gastric distress, especially when consumed after or between meals. • Boosts energy: Because energy drinks frequently contain high amounts of caffeine, which can be harmful to one’s health, spiced tea can be used as a natural energy booster with few to no negative side effects, because it is high in critical nutrients and minerals. | IANS
FLU VACCINE MYTHS DEBUNKED COMMONLY known as “the flu”, influenza is a seasonal viral respiratory infection that affects all age groups and spreads easily from person to person. Dr Rajiv Kovil, consultant diabetologist at Dr Kovils Diabetes Care Centres in Mumbai said: “In Mumbai, of all the adults we see with influenza, 60% of cases with
THE flu is a serious condition that can lead to hospitalisation. | POLINA TANKILEVITCH Pexels
mild to severe complications, had chronic conditions. “Influenza vaccines are the safest and most effective option available to avoid such infection. Getting an annual influenza vaccination is important, not just for children but adults also, especially those with underlying conditions, in consultation with
their doctor.” Dr Jejoe Karankumar, the director of medical affairs at Abbott said: “At Abbott, we are committed to helping people stay healthy at every stage of their lives. Raising awareness about the need for annual influenza vaccination not just for children, but also at-risk adults, is key to ensuring
greater protection against influenza infection across the population. “Influenza is a vaccinepreventable illness, and the benefits and simplicity of prevention outweigh the complications of illness later.” Due to the lack of awareness and misconceptions around influenza and vaccinations, the flu is often neglected and passed off as a common cold. Here are four common myths about flu vaccines debunked to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this year. Myth: Influenza is not that serious, so it isn’t necessary to get the vaccine. Fact: Often mistaken as a common cold, flu is neglected. However, influenza is a serious condition that can lead to hospitalisation, especially among at-risk individuals, such as those with co-morbidities like diabetes and hypertension. Even healthy people can get the flu, while also putting at risk the people they may come in contact with daily – children, the elderly and pregnant women. Hence a flu shot is crucial not just for oneself but to ensure layered protection for our loved ones and society at large. Myth: Flu vaccine is only for children. Fact: The annual influenza vaccinations are recommended to people across all stages of life. The influenza vaccination, in addition to the benefits it offers for children, has proven useful for adults, especially those with co-morbidities. For example, according to research, flu shots reduce influenza or pneumonia-related hospitalisations for diabetics by 80%. Hence, getting the flu shot is key to reducing the risk of influenza-related complications in adults as well. Myth: I already got vaccinated against Covid-19, so I am safe.
A FLU shot is crucial to protect you and ayour loved ones.
Fact: Covid-19 vaccination does not protect against the flu or vice versa, as each vaccine is specific for the virus against which it was designed. Since vaccines do not offer crossprotection between influenza and Covid-19, it is important to get both in a timely manner. Flu vaccination is the primary and single most cost-effective method of preventing influenza and can prevent 70-90% of influenza-specific illness among healthy adults. People are also advised to get the annual flu shot two weeks before their region’s flu season. The schedule can be discussed with one’s medical practitioner. Myth: You do not need to get a
flu shot if you already got it in the past year. Fact: Getting the flu shot every year is important to ensure optimal, sustained protection against rapidly evolving influenza viruses and variants. Since immune protection from the flu vaccine declines over time, vaccines are constantly updated to adapt to the variant of the virus currently in circulation during the year’s flu season. As the influenza strains mutate every year, these annual flu shots are in accordance with WHO recommendations and guidelines, based on continuous global surveillance updates and therefore offer the best protection. | ASIAN NEWS
Give yourself a natural boost What you can add to your diet to prevent illness this winter Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi
STRAWBERRIES are an excellent source of vitamin C.
WITH chilly days in full swing, getting sick – whether it's a cold or, worse, the flu – is almost an inevitability. But there are some things you can add to your diet that can help keep winter illnesses at bay by boosting your immune system with foods rich in vitamin C and zinc. Bell peppers They are low in calories and exceptionally rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet. One medium-sized red bell pepper provides 169% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C; one of the richest sources of this essential nutrient. Strawberries Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant necessary for immune system and skin health. They’re also rich in manganese and contain decent amounts of folate (vitamin B9) and potassium. Broccoli Broccoli contains 89mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. Onehalf cup of steamed broccoli provides 57% of the DV (daily value) for vitamin C and may lower your risk of inflammatory diseases. Brussels sprouts One cup of cooked Brussels sprouts packs over 150% of the minimum DV C target. If you don’t like Brussels sprouts, try sprinkling them with fresh garlic, olive oil and parmesan. Remember, even if you bolster your immunity withthese items , your safest bet is to get a flu shot. People in good health can also boost their immune system by living a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise and enough sleep. However, that is not a substitute for the measures that protect you from contracting Covid-19, such as washing your hands, social distancing and wearing a mask.
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