As COVID-19 Pandemic has taken over the human lives around the world since the beginning of 2020, keeping your health in the best condition has become more vital than ever. The science is clear – there is no special diet or other lifestyle modification other than social distancing and proper hygiene practices that can prevent you from the novel coronavirus infection. On the other hand, keeping your immune system healthy can help prevent or reduce your risk of getting infected. Our immune system is the body’s defense against infections and other harmful invaders. Without it, we are at the high target of bacteria and viruses. The immune system is made up of special cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body’s overall functions. Immunity protects life, mediated through cellular response, and humoral immune response. And the body promotes systematic immune processes by regulating the formation of T lymphocytes, antibodies, and cytokines which together can play a significant role in fighting the microbe.

Just as a car would not work properly if there is an issue in its engine, our body too does not function as it normally should when we have a weakened immunity system. The immune system can differentiate between healthy cells and unhealthy cells by identifying a variety of danger cues termed danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).

In the immune system, white blood cells patrol the body – running through the blood – looking for the virus. Out of the different types of white blood cells, lymphocytes are particularly imperative because they recognize viruses and secrete antibodies against them. Not to dispense with, in people with a severe form of COVID-19, the number of lymphocytes is sharply reduced.

If you’ve noticed that you’re often sick, feel fatigued, or have other nagging symptoms you can’t figure out, it may mean your immune system is deteriorated. Here, we have churned out Five signs of a weakened immune system which one should be cautious about in these crucial times.

1. Sky-High Stress Levels – Stress decreases the lymphocytes in the body which gradually causes low immunity. The lower the lymphocytes, the more it puts you at risk for catching infections.
2. Constant Digestive Problems – If you have been struggling through consistent issues related to digestion, then you might have an emasculated immunity. 70% of your immune system lies in your digestive tract. Your gut produces bacteria that are super beneficial in lowering your risk of viruses and other autoimmune diseases.
3. Recurring Colds – Falling sick with cold two or three times a year, is perfectly fine. Even, somewhat good for your body. But, if you are constantly catching colds, that is a strong sign your immune system is tussling to keep up.
4. Slow-Healing Wounds – The human body relies on strong immune cells for the wounds to get healed, by sending nutrient-rich blood to the injury. When your immune system level is lower than it should be, your skin can’t regenerate. Instead, your wounds linger and have a hard time healing.
5. Fatigue and Exhaustion – Lower immunity power equates to low energy levels of the body. If you are resting enough and still suffering from exhaustion, it is a vital indication that your immune system is trying to tell you something. It is simple, if your immune system is struggling, your energy levels will too.
6. History of continual infections – One of the biggest red flags your immune system might be sending you is the periodic infections (e.g. bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, meningitis or skin infections, etc.) One can have an immunodeficiency that could result in a range of health complications.

• Common Immunity Check: This test exhibits health parameters and basic assays related to immunity.
• Advanced Immunity Check: This test shows a detailed evaluation, covering general health parameters and diagnosing various health threats.

What an appropriate immunity test is comprised of?

1.  IgE Test: An allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test calculates the levels of different IgE antibodies. Antibodies are normally found in small amounts in the blood.
2. Vitamin D3 Test: Cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin-D3 is a form of Vitamin D. It converts into a hormone in the bloodstream and helps in the absorption of phosphate and calcium which are essential to fight foreign bodies.
3. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): This test is a meticulous biomarker to measure the amount of LDH in the blood. High LDH levels are independent risk factors for exacerbation in mild COVID-19 patients.
4. Total Creatine Test: A CK test analysis the amount of an enzyme called creatine kinase (CK) in blood. CK is a type of protein in bodies that is required for an appropriate muscle function. One may need this test to determine the reason behind the constant weakness.
5. C-reactive Protein Test: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a type of blood test used to check for acute inflammation or infection in a body. The level of CRP increases when you have certain conditions that cause inflammation (e.g. COVID-19). The serum CRP level in a healthy person is typically less than 5 mg per L.

There are substantial benefits of getting your immunity check:

• Healthy Organ Functioning: If any microbe has attacked the body, the functioning of organs gets quickly affected and higher levels of a certain protein are found in the blood in such cases. These can be detected using an immunological test.
• Determine Body’s Weaknesses: In order to fight the virus, bacteria, and other foreign substances, the immune system produces antibodies. If a body is under the threat of any foreign substance, one can detect and prevent it by having an immunity test before it is too late.
• Metabolism Power: Metabolism fuels and normalizes the maturation of immune responses.
• Supports the overall immune system: The innate immune response is the base-level protection you have, to defend against infections — even those which are unforeseen to your body. When one opts for an immunity check, it helps in timely cell creation that works as soldiers against the army of bacteria and viruses.

How can one boost the immune system naturally?

• Getting plenty of sleep (8-9 hours)
• Regular meditation or yoga
• Eating a nutritious diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Getting natural sunshine (or supplement with Vitamin D)
• Daily exercising
• Intake of supplements such as B12, Vitamin C and glutathione
• Maintaining a healthy weight

One advantage scientists and medical professional have in the Covid-19 pandemic that they didn’t have in prior outbreaks is an unparalleled level of information-sharing among researchers around the world, that has led to unknowns become knows quicker than ever before. Nevertheless, a significant lesson people have learned through COVID-19 pandemic is, staying fit and healthy is the only shield against the transmission. While modern medicine has come a long way, there are still plenty of diseases as coronavirus that we don’t have the slightest idea about. The only sane measure that we can take against these invisible enemies is to strengthen our immune system as much as possible by examining and augmenting it at regular intervals. Horizon Diagnostics is one such diagnostic centre in India which serves every individual a detailed, seamless, and affordable HD-Immunity Check Package. To learn more about boosting your own immune system, call on +918291295874/75.