How to strengthen your immunity system (best chance against) COVID-19 / coronavirus

A few months ago I was watching a documentary about Bill Gates where he was saying that the earth's population's biggest threat is not an asteroid, invasion nor climate change but a global epidemic. I have to admit that at that time I did not think much about it but seeing the news the latest weeks is making me more concerned. I do not believe there is time for panic (mortality rate is 0,6% reported from South Korea where there has been the highest (accurate) amount of testing) but we should try to stay vigilant and protect ourselves and our loved ones the best we could, especially if we have any elderly people in our family (or as friends) or people with compromised immunity. The experts on TV have been stressing that early diagnosis, protection of the elderly and compromised, avoiding large crowds and working on having our immunity system at top rate are the keys to battle this virus the best way on a global scale as only a strong immunity is the thing which will really keep the virus at bay in the long run and it will join the other coronaviruses as a common cold/flu (COVID-19 is said to be yet another zoonotic virus). If you are like me and feel a little overwhelmed about all the information, then I hope that this post will provide the first step of information.

*Information based on BBCs program Newsnight the 10th of March and information available from 11th March 2020 (this information provided with the information up till today, thigs can evolve rapidly and change as well, please stay updated). 

* All these tips are based on what I have collected by reading, from a nurse and common sense. I am not a doctor nor have I studied medicine, please keep this in mind while reading. This is to act as a simple collection of pieces of information into one place to give an easier overview and how to protect yourself and those around you better. If you have any questions, worries or symptoms call for medical advice immediately. 

*If your health practitioner or government tells you something else, then of course, please listen to them. 


Basic steps on how to protect yourself and others: 

Do not shake hands or kiss while greeting people as that is a way the virus can spread from person to person so easily. Not even the Royal Family shakes hands with people anymore (or they wear gloves) and Donald Trump supposedly has people sanitize his hands every time he touches or shakes hands with somebody (even when he tries to portray a different front-but I might be mistaken here of course but it seems to be accurate as he is a self-proclaimed germofobe).

Wash your hands - based on the recommendations one should wash their hands for a minimum time 20 seconds. This should involve scrubbing all the areas of your hands properly and washing it off thoroughly.

Cough into a tissue (which you dispose of) or into your elbow. Do not cough into your hand as the hand will most likely continue to spread the viruses around.

Cut your nails short as if you are contaminated with the virus it is extremely hard to properly clean the area under your nails.

Use gloves when you go out into high traffic areas to protect yourself - especially if you have no option of washing your hands when out and about. Hand sanitizers (with alcohol content over 60% should work well but it seems to be sold out in most places). It might sound quite extreme but it would really help in my opinion to prevent the large peak and minimizing overcrowding/overcapacity issues in hospitals.

Do not touch your eyes, mouth, ears, nose or face (I have found that wearing gloves helps this as one stops themself from touching the face with gloves subconsciously to first remove the gloves, which gives time to remember, that we should stop. If you touch your face, then wash your hands immediately. Also, this means, that you should not lick your fingers while eating.

Sleep more as good sleep is important. Your body recovers the best during your deep sleep and keeps your immunity in better state, too.

Eat healthily (fruits, vegetables, garlic) - depriving your body of important vitamins and minerals would make your immunity system less likely to fight off any type of threat to the system.

Take natural immunity-boosting supplements - I have been a long time fan of echinacea (a herb boosting your immunity, however, it was only aiding some and giving me constipation), but my best friend recommended me Source Naturals Wellness Formula and I have not looked back since. I do not know it is only a placebo but this little Award-Winning pill has helped me feel better in many situations and I have not developed an illness since. If you are interested I recommend you research the product for yourself but I recommend it to all my friends and family.

Exercise regularly (no not overdo it - consistency is key) To maintain your overall health (it really does affect everything from your lymph to your bones, to your heart and arteries and more) do some exercises from walking, skipping the rope, yoga, running, weight training or anything you enjoy.

Do not smoke as smoking is never a good idea. Expensive and unhealthy. Think about all you could do with the money you spend on cigarettes.

Minimize stress as much as possible as stress affects you in every way, even in your sleep and can compromise your immunity as well.

Avoid people who are unwell but provide assistance to them - you can bring items for them and leave it in front of their door so they have all the necessities and do not have to leave their home to compromise themself or others.

Pay with a card instead of cash - or if you work in service, propose that card payments are highly encouraged.

More professional protection: 

If you need to be in a place where practicing good hygiene is compromised and you would need to be surrounded by other people or you suspect that you might have the covid-19, then based what I have read is that one should try to stay protected in a mask with the filtration to be of the FFP3 grade which has a 99% filtration.
Also, keeping your hands clean with a hand sanitizer (with alcohol no less than 60%).

How to minimize exposure to the virus:

It is very important, that we try to minimize our exposure to the virus, even if the virus in unavoidable we need to keep everyone's chances of recovery as high as possible. We can make a big impact with delaying the infections as that can flatten the peak number of illnesses (even if your country has a low number today, it can change rapidly within 2 weeks) and significantly reduce deaths as the health care system will not be over their capacity that way. Chart for better understanding here.

Try to make online orders if possible and minimize unnecessary contact.

Instead of meetings try to hold video/call conferences. If your work allows, try to work from home.

Avoid large gatherings like concerts and sporting events.

If you are concerned, have any symptoms or have been in contact with a known to have COVID-19, please call to get advice and help from your medical system.