We have been learning about COVID-19 and all of the ways that it negatively impacts our health. This article provides a good overall look at what we in the medical community have been reporting, researching and discussing for the last several weeks. Clearly there are people who are not affected, others who are only minimally affected, and those who are mortally affected and the reasons for this are being researched. We have known for some time that this not just a problem of severe pneumonia, as the article attached discusses.
In a prior post I had already discussed the reasons that COVID-19 is highly contagious and the need for social distancing to slow the spread. Nothing short of minimal contact will keep someone from getting the virus. But I do believe that we can maximize our health, added armor so to speak, to have our bodies in a better position should we become infected. We do not know why some people are not affected, but I believe that Vitamin D supplementation for improved immunity and decreased severity of respiratory illness is still important (see my prior post on the role of Vitamin D in immunity). Additionally, as this virus' negative affect vasculature, that can cause damage in multiple systems, became more evident, I have encouraged my patients to continue to supplement with Vitamin C twice a day, as it is vascular protective. In general, though, we cannot overlook the fact that exercise is a very important aspect of remaining healthy and of improving immunity and minimizing stress. Don't succumb to the "quarantine fifteen". Find ways to exercise, with in-home weights, online workouts, and walks (while maintaining social distance). But please avoid high risk activity that will result in injuries and a trip to the emergency room.
