People are concentrating all efforts toward protecting themselves against infection from the Covid-19 virus. It is right to do so. You must not limit your focus to this virus, though.

There are other illnesses that you can catch or diseases that can develop within you during this period. Some of these conditions can become chronic. All these will destabilize your immune system, and a weakened immune system is defenseless against Covid-19.

Covid-19 Comorbidities

Experts state that people with comorbidities who get Covid-19 are prone to have a more severe development of the disease. Comorbidities refer to existing chronic diseases at the time the patient gets Covid-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these diseases include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and hypertension, among others.

These diseases do not appear overnight. These conditions developed for several years in people who now have them.

It is now the time for you to check if you are at risk of developing any of these conditions. If you have a family history of these diseases, your risk increases. Even if no one in your family has any of these, check your lifestyle. You may have habits that could lead to one of these. Smoking leads to lung and heart conditions. A diet that is high in sugar and bad cholesterol can be a deadly combination.

Change your lifestyle and harmful habits now to prevent the development of chronic illnesses. Adopt healthy alternatives like regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Other Infections to Avoid

Infections can happen in ways you least expect. For instance, you can have impacted wisdom teeth without your knowledge. This can cause swelling and infection. If it is not treated, an infection from an impacted wisdom tooth can damage other teeth and even your jawbone. If you notice any swelling, you must see an oral surgeon immediately even during the pandemic. Dental professionals will accommodate you if a delay causes you harm.

If you get wounded, clean it with soap and water and apply an antibiotic cream or gel. Cover the wound and change the dressing daily. Keep the area dry. Consult a doctor if you see signs of infection such as swelling, redness, warmth, or continuing and increasing pain. You will also need a tetanus shot.

The most common viral infections are colds and the flu. Authorities recommend having regular flu shots as protection. There is no vaccine for the common cold, but you can avoid it the same way you avoid Covid-19. Keep away from people who have it, wash your hands often, keep your surroundings scrupulously clean, and boost your immune system.

Do not take the common cold and the flu for granted. They can lead to pneumonia which is a deadly bacterial infection. Covid-19 also leads to severe pneumonia. Avoid getting a cold or the flu to prevent the complication of pneumonia.

Other common bacterial infections are eye infections, food poisoning, and urinary tract infections. Again, you can prevent these with proper hygiene. If they occur, get proper treatment immediately. Bacterial infections need antibiotic treatment.

You can also get infections from handling soil, pets’ droppings, or pests. Wear gloves and do not touch these with bare hands.

Mental Preparation

There is much to do, and the situation can be overwhelming, but do not panic. Stress also weakens the immune system. You can address stress and keep calm through routines such as aerobic exercises, strength training exercises, stretching, yoga, tai chi, and meditation.

You can make exercise fun by choosing dance. There are many dance routines online, covering various eras and music genres. Other fun ways to exercise include using the hula hoop. You can go old-school and break out your old rollerblades. You can take up a hobby to distract yourself from the stress of the pandemic. You now have time to pursue your interests.

If you need to express feelings of depression, anxiety, frustration, or anger, write these down in a personal journal. This will unburden you.

Overall Well-being

To keep our immune system in top shape amid the pandemic, we must be in the best of health. This means we must do everything we can to avoid any other illnesses while faced with the danger of Covid-19.

Any illness will not only be an inconvenience, but it can also endanger us by making us more vulnerable. We cannot take the risk of compromising our physical condition.

We must also prepare ourselves mentally to meet the challenges of the pandemic. We must take a holistic approach to confront this threat.