Experts interviewed by AsiaOne spoke about ways to protect against coronavirus. According to doctors, the flu vaccine and vitamin C can prevent the disease.
Dr. Joyce Lai, a Hong Kong-based general practitioner, said it was not too late to get a flu shot. This is especially important for young people, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, she said. Lai recalled that the vaccine should not be given if a person is suffering from the disease in the acute phase.
The doctor also advised people with a cold not to leave the house for 24 hours after the temperature drops, then measure the temperature again and only then go outside so as not to catch a more serious illness.
“Wash your hands, take care of your body, get enough sleep, eat something nutritious - then you won't have to worry,” Lai said.
Nutritionist Sally Poon named the top 3 substances that provide a strong immune system: these are vitamin C, zinc and iron. The immunity-boosting benefits of vitamin C are well known, and Poon recalled that vitamin C needs to be taken care of before the onset of cold and flu symptoms. She advised getting it in its natural form - from oranges, grapefruit and kiwi, as well as from guava, bell pepper and broccoli.
Zinc deficiency has been linked to an increased susceptibility to pneumonia and other infections in children and the elderly, Poon said. To get enough zinc in your body, you need to eat poultry, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, and nuts (cashews and almonds).
Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth is one of the best things to do during a virus outbreak, said breathing coach Brian Lai. When air enters the body through the nose, it is heated, moisturized, and filtered before it enters the lungs. Continue breathing through your nose even when wearing the mask, Lee advised.
Personal trainer Santiac Serrano urged not to forget about physical activity and diversify training, involving more muscle groups.
The new virus was found in the Chinese city of Wuhan (Hubei province) in December 2019. According to the latest data, 362 people became victims of the coronavirus, the total number of cases in China exceeded 17 thousand, and 475 people recovered.
Cases of the virus have been identified in the UK, India, Italy, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, France, Germany, Finland, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Thailand, Japan and the United States. In total, 151 cases of the disease were registered outside China by February 3.
On January 31, it became known about the first two cases of coronavirus in Russia. The patients were hospitalized in Transbaikalia and the Tyumen region, both of them are Chinese citizens. On February 3, doctors reported that the patients were doing well.