Remember, the body's immune system is very important to fight the Covid-19 virus, especially the elderly..

Hello Friends of Hermina, do you know that the COVID-19 virus often occurs in the elderly? This shows the importance of maintaining the body's immunity in the elderly in preventing or fighting the corona virus. Immunity will protect the body from germs that can cause disease or viruses.

Why are the Elderly Vulnerable to the Covid-19 Virus?

With age, the body will experience various declines due to the aging process. The immune system as a protector of the body does not work as strong as when it was young. This is the reason why the elderly are susceptible to various diseases, including COVID-19 caused by the corona virus. In addition, not a few elderly people have chronic or comorbid diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or cancer. This can increase the risk or danger of corona virus infection. Complications arising from COVID-19 will also be more severe if the sufferer already has these diseases. There are various ways that can be done to increase the body's immunity, including adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding stress, and taking supplements to keep the immune system in top shape.

How to Increase Immune in the Elderly.

Friends of Hermina, it is necessary to maintain the body's immunity to work optimally so that the body is not susceptible to disease, it is important to implement a healthy lifestyle. Here are some steps that can be used to maintain and increase body immunity for the elderly, namely:

Consumption of Vegetables and Fruits
Eat lots of vegetables and fruit to maintain and increase the body's immunity.

Get enough rest
Lack of sleep can lower the body's immunity. It is important to get enough sleep according to age. Generally, adults need about 7-8 hours of sleep, and teenagers need about 9-10 hours of sleep.

Avoid stress
Uncontrolled stress can increase the production of the hormone cortisol. In the long term, an increase in the hormone cortisol can result in decreased immune function. You need to manage stress well to avoid a decline in immune function.

Exercise regularly
It is recommended to regularly exercise for 30 minutes every day, to boost the immune system to fight infection. One sport that is cheap and easy to do is walking. Not only outside the home, sports or physical activities can also be done at home.

Avoid smoking and alcohol
Exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol in excess can damage the immune system. Smokers have a high risk of developing lung infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Meanwhile, for smokers who are also alcoholics, the risk for lung infections will be even greater.

Stay Social
Being alone and feeling lonely can be harmful to health. If you feel lonely, older people are more likely to develop dementia or depression. Research has found that lonely people have higher levels of stress hormones, which can cause inflammation or swelling, which is linked to arthritis and diabetes. So, stay friends and socialize with old friends.



Can Diet and Rest Patterns Improve Body Immunity?

What needs to be applied by Friends of Hermina, especially for the elderly is to always maintain a good diet and rest pattern so that the body's immunity is maintained. For Friends of Hermina, those who live with the elderly must also maintain personal hygiene and maintain health protocols so that the elderly do not contract dangerous diseases, especially contracting the COVID-19 pandemic.

If Friends of Hermina have symptoms of Severe COVID-19 including shortness of breath, they are immediately taken to the nearest Hermina Hospital.

For other complaints of other internal diseases, you can consult dr. Mellisa, SpPD at Hermina Bitung Hospital