This is an automatically translated article.
Article by Dr. Phan Nguyen Thanh Binh - Head of the Department of Nutrition - Dietetics - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
In the context of the complicated and unpredictable development of the global Covid-19 pandemic, those with weak resistance are the top "victims". When the immune system is weakened, the resistance to pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) also decreases, increasing the risk of illness and dangerous complications, even death.
1. Causes of the body's decline in resistance
Immune system deficiency: this is the main cause of reduced resistance, which can be congenital (genetic defects, idiopathic immune cell production disorders, ...) or acquired ( HIV/AIDS infection, taking corticosteroids, anti-rejection drugs, cancer chemotherapy, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, splenectomy, malnutrition, exhaustion,...)
Air pollution: when breathing dust, chemical vapors, ... inhibits the production of immune cells, easily causing respiratory infections.
Unreasonable diet: regularly using processed foods, fast foods, canned foods, ... containing many preservatives, sugar, salt, saturated fat can impair the function of the body. immune cells, or drinking too little water reduces the elimination of toxic elements, affects metabolism and many body functions. Malnutrition or obesity both reduce the body's immune function.
Inappropriate rest: inadequate rest, little sleep, staying up late, will make the body weak, affecting many functions of the body, including the immune system.
Stress: Regular stress, anxiety also disturbs the endocrine system, reduces the body's immunity.
Overuse of antibiotics: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics for improper indications increases drug resistance, at the same time destroys beneficial bacteria, weakens the body's natural protective barrier.
2. Subjects at risk of reduced resistance
Those at risk of reducing resistance are the following:
2.1. Elderly
With age and pathology, the immune system of these subjects is "abraded", the immune cells become weaker, older and slower to fight against viruses like when young.
2.2. People with chronic diseases
People with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer,...
2.3. People with a history of splenectomy, organ transplant
People with a history of splenectomy, organ transplant are also at risk of decreased resistance.
2.4. People who are taking antibiotics
The patient is taking drugs such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, cancer drugs..., or infected with toxins,...2.5. Children
Children 6 months - 3 years old at this stage, their immune system has not been fully developed, the resistance is still weak, so children are very susceptible to diseases.
Trẻ em 6 tháng – 3 tuổi sức đề kháng còn yếu nên trẻ rất dễ mắc Covid-19
2.6. Pregnant women
Pregnant women are susceptible to a temporary decline in resistance, face a high risk of infection, and when infected, they may be more susceptible to severe illness and difficult to treat than the general population due to limitations in use medicine.
3. Signs of decline in resistance
Some signs of resistance decline are as follows:
Mental depression: moodiness, poor concentration, weakness, lack of vitality suggest that the body is likely to have a weakened immune system. Easy colds, flu when changing weather: Poor resistance reduces the ability to resist virus invasion even under normal weather changes. Vulnerable to infections: weak resistance is also prone to tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, ear infections, skin infections... are persistent and recurrent. Slow wound healing: This is also a sign of reduced immune function. Poor digestion: A poor immune system not only makes digestion and absorption worse than normal people, but also causes anorexia, decreased appetite, digestive disorders, bloating, indigestion, or food poisoning. Easily tired: People with low resistance easily feel tired, feel no strength, muscle aches... In addition, growth retardation in children or weight loss in adults are also signs. warning of reduced resistance, susceptible to dangerous diseases.
Most susceptible people are people with low resistance. Therefore, during the Covid-19 epidemic season, in addition to complying with the 5k principle according to the Ministry of Health, each person needs to maintain a reasonable diet and rest to increase resistance and best protect the body.
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