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3 Foods To Strengthen Your Body To Avoid Risk Of COVID-19


About COVID-19 and its Transmission

Following the Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, who would have expected Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to emerge from Wuhan city in China and impact the world in unprecedented ways. Countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Iran and Italy are also not spared from imported and local transmission within their communities. Thankfully, with the lesson learnt from SARS in 2003, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the world are now better equipped to manage epidemics of this scale. 

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus closely related to the SARS virus. It is primarily spread by small droplets from infected individuals when they cough or sneeze into their surroundings. These respiratory droplets can be directly deposited on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes of persons nearby. A person can also be infected if one touches a surface which is contaminated with the infectious droplets and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes thereafter. 

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Symptoms of COVID-19

Infected individuals can show no symptoms or develop symptoms from mild common ailments such as cough and flu to severe, including fever or shortness of breath. There may also be upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and sore throat). Patients with risk factors may develop complications such as pneumonia or multi-organ failure and can result in death.

How can I Avoid the Risk of Infection?

While there are numerous vaccines developed for COVID-19, there are also other essential precautionary measures which everyone can take to reduce the chances of infection. Frequent and proper hand washing still remains the most effective way to safeguard yourself against infection. Hand washing should take at least 20 seconds with the use of soap and in 8 steps: palm to palm, between fingers, back of hands, base of thumbs, back of fingers, fingernails, wrists and rinse and wipe dry. If soap and water are not readily available, you may use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) to eliminate germs on your hands.

Practicing good personal hygiene, along with social responsibility are the crucial steps to curb the spread of COVID-19. By taking extra precaution not to touch your nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands, you can greatly reduce the chances of infection. It is also important to monitor your health and watch out for respiratory symptoms. Seek medical help promptly and practice good social responsibility by wearing a surgical face mask and staying at home if you are unwell.

Travel restrictions are put in place due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Should you decide to go ahead with your pre-planned travel plans, please stay healthy and monitor your health at all times while travelling. As a rule of thumb, avoid crowded places to prevent close contact with people who may be asymptomatic. Learn how to better manage the risk of COVID-19 while commuting too.

Asymptomatic patients are people who are infected by the virus but do not show symptoms. Likewise, practice good hand hygiene overseas and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid raw or undercooked foods as high temperatures can kill the germs present in food.

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Is a Surgical Mask Necessary?

While it is mandatory to have a surgical mask on when out in public, N95 mask is not a must. Surgical masks act as a ‘source’ control, preventing germs or bacteria from the wearer to be spread to others. 

N95 mask on the other hand offers more protection, but it is only recommended for those working in settings where risk of transmission is higher. 

If you wear a mask, the surgical mask must be properly put on (mouth and nose should be fully covered and no gaps should be between your face and the mask) and properly disposed. Avoid touching the mask while using it and remove the mask without touching the front of the mask. 

Nutrition to boost immunity

Eating certain foods may also help to keep COVID-19 at bay. It is known that both fresh garlic and ginger have antiviral properties which can enhance immunity response by stimulating protective immune cells, which may safeguard against viral infections. 

Turmeric has also been in the spotlight since the emergence of Influenza A virus (H1N1) in 2009. Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound which helps to boost immunity and may inhibit influenza virus infection. It has been shown that turmeric can also reduce the severity of pneumonia caused by H1N1, which may also do the same for pneumonia caused by COVID-19.

Nutrition to boost immunity

All Link Calcium+

While we are understanding about this amazing food, let’s take a look at All Link Calcium+.  L- Calcium aspartate with a 90% absorption rate, has better bio-availability as compared to other forms of calcium. Unlike other calcium products, it is absorbed in its molecular form and does not require the participation of Vitamin D for absorption. Combined with turmeric, it provides additional benefits to bone health. Not only does it help to prevent bone loss, it can also reduce swelling of joints. As above, other than bone health, turmeric can also help boost your body immune system.

All Link Calcium+

All Link Calcium+ is formulated with L- Calcium aspartate and a herbal extract – turmeric. They both work synergistically to increase bone strength and density for overall bone health.

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