How to strengthen the immune system?

The medical director of the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, Pablo Turrión, has recommended maintain healthy habits regarding food and rest night for strengthen the immune system before the arrival of flu season and other respiratory infections.

In the middle of October the incidence of viruses begins to rise such as rhinovirus, adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which They especially affect older people and patients with chronic diseases. For this reason, Sanitas has pointed out different preventive measures to prepare the immune system and reduce the impact of these diseases.

Among them, Turrión has detailed that follow a balanced dietrich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and quality proteins, provides the micronutrients necessary for the body to function properly.

In addition, prioritize rest and sleep well at night promotes cell regeneration, while regular practice of physical activity Moderate intensity helps keep the body active and strong against the flu and other seasonal infections.

Getting vaccinated is the best form of prevention

Turrión has emphasized that advancing vaccination “is a key strategy” against the flu. As explained, It takes two to four weeks for the immune system to develop a response protective after the administration of the vaccine, so doing it in these weeks allows us to reach the epidemic peak with consolidated defenses. The expert has commented on the advantages of vaccination, which reduces the incidence of respiratory complicationsreduces hospital admissions and, thereby, avoids overloading Emergency services.

Sanitas specialists have pointed out that the impact of these infections is not limited to the clinical level, especially in older people, in whom fever, fatigue and shortness of breath They usually lead to loss of autonomy, reduction of physical activity and limitation of social life, in addition to aggravate existing health problems.

Reduce exposure to viruses: ventilation and hygiene

Turrión has also pointed out the importance of keep interiors ventilated to reduce exposure to pathogens. To this end, you can open the windows for at least 10 minutes a day, use humidifiers, and keep spaces free of dust. Along with this, he has advised the frequent hand washing with soap and water, or hydroalcoholic solutionssince it is one of the most effective measures to stop transmission. In situations of high density of people, such as public transport, health centers or social events, the use of face maskespecially in people at risk.

In case of suffering fever for a long time, severe cough, or difficulty breathinghas urged not to normalize the symptoms and to go to the doctor for an evaluation, which allows rule out co-infections or complications such as pneumonia or exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma that can change the way the immune system works.

“These early infections are also relevant because can change the way the immune system responds to the flu and other viruses seasonal. In some cases, prior exposure to certain respiratory viruses can intensify inflammation or influence the severity of subsequent symptomswhich makes clinical monitoring and individualized attention essential,” concluded Turrión.