Maintaining good health with 10 way to avoid a weakened immune system.
Here are several measures individuals can adopt to maintain their health despite having a compromised immune system. These include practicing good hygiene, managing stress, consuming a nutritious diet, among others.
The immune system serves to shield the body from infections. Individuals with weakened immune systems may experience heightened susceptibility to frequent infections.
The immune system comprises white blood cells, antibodies, as well as various organs and lymph nodes.
Numerous conditions can undermine immune function, rendering individuals immunocompromised. These conditions can vary in severity and may be congenital or acquired due to environmental influences.
They include:
- HIV
- certain types of cancer
- malnutrition
- viral hepatitis
- some medical treatments
Individuals with compromised immune systems face an elevated risk of recurrent infections and severe symptoms. They are particularly susceptible to ailments such as pneumonia and various other conditions. Pathogens, including the virus responsible for COVID-19, can significantly impact individuals with weakened immune systems.
In this article, we explore the indicators and manifestations of a compromised immune system, along with providing suggestions to promote overall health and well-being.
The predominant indication of a compromised immune system is increased vulnerability to infections. Such individuals are prone to experiencing infections more frequently and with greater severity compared to those with stronger immune systems.
They may also encounter infections that would typically not affect individuals with robust immune responses. Common infections among people with weakened immune systems include:
- pneumonia
- meningitis
- bronchitis
- skin infections
These infections may recur with a high frequency.
Individuals with a compromised immune system may also exhibit:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Internal organ inflammation
- Blood disorders or abnormalities, like anemia
- Digestive problems such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
- Growth and developmental delays, particularly in infants and children.
A baseline blood test conducted by a doctor can determine whether a person has a weakened immune system by assessing antibody levels within the normal range.
Individuals with compromised immune systems can implement various measures to enhance their overall health and minimize the risk of infections.
1.Good hygiene
For individuals with weakened immune systems, maintaining good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, is among the simplest ways to preserve health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is advised to wash hands at the following intervals:
- before, during, and after preparing meals and snacks
- before eating
- after blowing the nose, sneezing, or coughing
- before and after treating a cut or another open skin wound
- after having contact with someone who is unwell
- after using or helping a child use the bathroom
- after changing a diaper
- after touching an animal or animal food or waste
- after touching garbage
Effective handwashing greatly diminishes the incidence of illnesses. As per the CDC, handwashing reduces cases of infectious diarrhea by 58% among individuals with weakened immune systems.
Additionally, the CDC emphasizes that handwashing with soap and water is crucial in safeguarding children and reducing mortality rates from pneumonia and diarrheal diseases in those under the age of 5 years.
» Learn more: Mastering Personal Hygiene: Tips for a Clean and Healthy Lifestyle
2.Avoid people who are sick
People with a weak immune system should avoid being too near to anyone who has a cold or another infection.
Viruses and other infectious illnesses can spread from person to person through close contact. They can also spread in the water droplets that a person expels into the air when they cough or sneeze.
It is not always possible to avoid people who are ill. However, a person with a weak immune system should always avoid close contact, such as hugging or kissing, with the unwell person until the illness resolves. They should also avoid sharing food and beverages with the person.
3.Self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic
People with a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
During the pandemic, individuals should:
- Opt to stay at home whenever feasible
- Practice frequent handwashing
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
- Seek medical assistance promptly if any health concerns arise
- Stay connected with family, caregivers, and others who can provide necessary support and take appropriate action if illness occurs.
4.Disinfect household objects
Some surfaces and household items, like doorknobs and remote controls, can harbor germs capable of causing illnesses. Regular disinfection of these areas and objects can help reduce the presence of germs and minimize the risk of infection.
5.Follow a doctor’s advice on vaccines
Doctors generally recommend that most people stay up to date with their vaccines.
However, they may advise a person with a weak or compromised immune system to delay or not receive certain shots.
If a short-term illness or a medication is responsible for the weak immune system, the person may be able to have the vaccine once the illness has resolved or they have stopped the treatment.
Examples of vaccines that doctors may recommend delaying or avoiding include:
- MMR vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella
- live flu vaccine
- MMRV vaccine, which combines the MMR vaccine with a varicella-zoster (chickenpox) vaccine
- rabies vaccine
The CDC advises following a vaccination schedule that is generally recommended for most individuals. However, those with compromised immune systems should consult with their healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are safe for them to receive and adhere to their doctor's recommendations. Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing serious illness.
6.Manage stress
Excessive stress can exacerbate immune system weakness, increasing susceptibility to illness. Research suggests that individuals under significant stress are more prone to falling ill. It's essential for those with compromised immune systems to actively manage stress. Strategies to reduce and cope with stress include:
- yoga
- meditation
- massage
- spending time pursuing hobbies
- staying in touch with friends, relatives, and others who can offer support
7.Get enough sleep
Research indicates that sleep deprivation has comparable effects on the immune system as stress. Insufficient sleep disturbs the regular production of white blood cells, which are integral to the body's immune response.
As per the CDC, adults should strive for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep daily, while infants and children require between 8 and 17 hours, depending on their age..
8.Eat a healthful diet
A person with a weak immune system should eat a healthful diet.
Eating a healthful, balanced diet can improve a person’s overall well-being.
For people with a weak immune system, doctors generally recommend a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruit, which will provide plenty of nutrients.
In cases where an individual is severely immunocompromised, such as during cancer treatment, a doctor may advise taking additional precautions to prevent foodborne illnesses.
These may include:
- washing all fruits and vegetables before peeling them
- avoiding undercooked meats, fish, and eggs
- refrigerating food promptly
- choosing pasteurized juices and dairy products over unpasteurized products
9.Exercise regularly
Engaging in regular exercise promotes overall health by strengthening the body and triggering the release of endorphins, which can lower stress levels. However, individuals with compromised immune systems should exercise caution not to overexert themselves, as this may further weaken their immune function.
Therefore, people with a weak immune system may wish to avoid exercising:
- at too high an intensity
- too frequently
- for extended periods without stopping to rest
However, regular, low intensity exercise is likely to be beneficial.
10.Consider taking supplements
Certain vitamins and minerals play a role in influencing the immune system. For instance, inadequate intake of vitamin C can lead to compromised immunity. Additionally, other vitamins and minerals impact immune function, such as:
- vitamin A
- vitamin D
- vitamin E
- iron
- folic acid
- zinc
best vitamin ：Bio-Active Complete Multi-Vitamin
It's important to recognize that although certain nutrients are vital for bolstering the immune system, they do not serve as cures or preventatives for diseases.
Ideally, obtaining nutrients from dietary sources is recommended; however, if this proves difficult, supplements can aid in supporting immunity.
Various supplements, including multivitamins, are readily available for purchase in health stores or online.
The immune system, composed of a complex network of blood cells and organs, serves to shield the body from harmful germs that can lead to illness.
If someone experiences frequent infections, it could indicate a weakened immune system. In such cases, individuals can implement various measures at home to promote health and enhance immune function.
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