While you thought you were out of the woods last week, you are once again stuck in bed this week with a nasty flu. How can we explain such a (bad) alignment of the planets/chain of viruses? Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, gives us some answers.
Multiple factors influence our vulnerability to viruses
While no one is safe from catching the flu, Covid-19 or gastro, certain profiles seem more vulnerable to infections/viruses. And this ease of falling ill would not only depend on our immunity.
Certainly, genetics plays an “important role,” says Dr. Gérald Kierzek.”Some individuals inherit a genetic configuration that makes their immunity more effective or more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Variations in genes such as HLA, or in immune memory factors, explain different susceptibility to infections.
he admits.
But other factors must also be taken into account. As :
- Lifestyle and environment. “Chronic stress, lack of sleep, unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine, insufficient physical activity, or poor hygiene (especially oral and hand hygiene) can reduce resistance to infections”;
- The level of exposure. “Working in collective environments or being a parent of young children exposes you to more germs and viruses”;
- Age and certain chronic illnesses
(diabetes, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency, immunosuppressive treatments) “which also promote susceptibility”.
Strengthening your immune defenses: instructions for use
Although it may be difficult to protect yourself from viruses when you have a child in daycare (or a “risky” job, exposed to the population), certain good reflexes can nevertheless permanently strengthen our resistance to diseases, according to Science.
- Have a balanced dietrich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, proteins, zinc, vitamins A, C, D and E;
- Hydrate well every day, because water helps eliminate toxins and maintain the mucous barrier;
- Prioritize regular sleep and repairer; lack of sleep directly impairs immunity;
- Managing stress via relaxation, meditation, breathing, sport, or even magnesium supplementation or natural anti-stress solutions;
- Do physical exercise moderate but regular: walking, swimming, cycling, yoga strengthen the immune system and reduce the frequency of illnesses;
- Limit alcohol consumption and caffeine which disrupt sleep and weaken the respiratory barrier;
- Maintain good hygiene (hands, oral and dental) to avoid the spread of microbes and local inflammations;
- Avoid overprotecting children by sanitizing their environment too much, because reasonable exposure helps build their long-term immunity.
“Possibly, discussing an immune check-up with your doctor if infections are very frequent to rule out an underlying cause or organize appropriate treatment is a good idea,” confides Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Finally, being up to date with your vaccinations is recommended. Each year, the vaccination schedule is updated.
Any doubts about the injections received/to be performed? Make an appointment quickly with your doctor so that he can take stock with you.