News Flash

For Immediate Release

09/04/2020                        

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Upping Your Immunity as We Phase Into a New Way of Life

As we ease into Phase 2.5, citizens may be coming into contact with more people in the days and weeks to come. With that said, we need to know how to continue to stay healthy and to find ways to continue to boost our immunity, even more.  

Your first line of defense is to remember the 3 W’s when venturing out into public and into more crowded areas. Remember to Wear a cloth mask or face covering whenever you go out. It is also important that you remember to frequently wash your mask or face covering in a washing machine once or twice a week, more if it becomes soiled.  Secondly, you should remember to always Wait at least 6 feet apart from any individual(s) that isn’t a part of your immediate family. By doing this, you are avoiding direct contact with infectious droplets, which reduces your chances of becoming infected with COVID-19.  If by chance you do find yourself venturing out and there are not designated spaces on the floor or ground for you and the next person, the American Red Cross suggests picturing “two large dogs standing nose to tail” in between you and the next person to guarantee there is  enough space. Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer is the third “W” and the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. You should practice this line of protection often, especially as more people are going out and more items are being touched.

In addition to practicing the 3 W’s, a healthier lifestyle can bolster one’s immunity to COVID-19 and other illnesses. As discussed in earlier bulletins, being active, eating healthy, reducing your stress levels, and getting enough sleep all help boost your immune system.  Recently, research has shown that by exercising at least 5 days per week, you can reduce your chances of developing an upper respiratory infection by nearly 50% compared to being inactive. Daily exercise also reduces the severity of one’s symptoms, if or when one does become sick. Research has also shown that healthy eating leads to a healthy gut, which increases your immune system and allows your body to fight off an infection faster.  As far as one’s stress levels, a direct correlation has been found between the weakening of one’s immune system and the amount of stress one is under. With that said and more importantly than ever, 

finding healthy ways to reduce your stress level can definitely boost your immunity. As far as sleep goes, research has found that getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night can make you 4 times less likely to catch a cold, compared to someone that gets 6 hours of sleep or less. 

Together with these hygienic practices and healthier lifestyle choices, supplements are also known for their immune-boosting potential. Based on a current interview with local pharmacists, the following supplements were suggested to help prevent one from getting sick as a way to boost one’s immunity and/or as a form of treatment after getting sick:

• Vitamins C and D help reduce your chances of developing an upper respiratory illness, while boosting your immunity.
• Zinc has also been shown to help prevent upper respiratory illnesses and can reduce the duration of an infection.
• Probiotics have been found to help prevent one from getting sick. Similar to eating a healthier diet, probiotics offer a good bacterium that helps keep your gut healthy and enhances your immune system. 

Please be advised that some supplements may interact with your prescriptions and/or any over-the-counter medications that you are currently taking. In addition to this, some supplements may pose a risk to you if you have certain health conditions. With that said, you should always speak with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before starting any type of supplement. Any individual that is pregnant or breastfeeding needs to be sure to also speak with your OB/GYN before taking any type of supplement. 

As we ease into another phase, hopefully everyone will be smart, patient, wear their PPE, and continue to practice social distancing. By doing your part and trying to be the healthiest you can be, you will help our community re-open in a safer and healthier way. As healthy individuals, it is our responsibility to practice healthy guidelines to not only protect ourselves and our families, but to also protect those who are at a higher risk of becoming sick. Remember our actions, whether good or bad, can impact everyone around us!

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Contact: 
TJ Brown
704-216-8918
tj.brown@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - September 4, 2020 (PDF)