6 Ways to Reduce the Effects of Viruses and Strengthen Your Immune System

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Virus graphic

“Cover your mouth!” This is something you have probably heard growing up when you cough or sneeze. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, sneezing or coughing in public is often viewed as someone with the black plague.

strengthen immune system

Many symptoms such as coughing and sneezing come from viruses, which can disrupt how the body works. The immune system acts as an army to keep that virus from harming the body, which is why you run a fever. Body heat can inactivate many viruses.[1]

Scientists call viruses microscopic parasites. What that means is that viruses are usually much smaller than bacteria and need a host to reproduce and thrive. Otherwise, they cannot survive. [2]

Once a virus infects a cell, it can then direct that cell to create more viruses.[3] In other words, the virus hijacks that cell into a virus-making machine. This continues until the immune system can stop the virus.[4]

Once your body is infected with a virus, modern medicine has no pill or drug that can stop the virus. We’ve all heard the term, “it had to run its course.”

That is why having a strong immune system is so vital to recover from a virus. The immune system is the first and only line of defense against a virus.

COVID-19: Understanding A New Virus

A virus creates a certain illness. For instance, the influenza virus creates the flu.[5] Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the coronavirus that has led to chaos, isolations, and fear.[6]

Coronavirus itself is not new, and many types exist. However, COVID-19 is a new coronavirus because it hasn’t been previously seen in humans.[7]

COVID-19 Affects Everyone Differently

Research has made some observations about how COVID-19 affects people:

  • The risk of developing harmful symptoms from COVID-19 increases for those with chronic, pre-existing health issues.[8]
  • Being obese can increase your risk for being hospitalized with COVID-19.[9]
  • A recent study from Boston University found that people who are deficient in vitamin D have a 54% higher risk of acquiring COVID-19.[10]
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