COVID-19: How to Stay Safe

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, we decided to have a conversation with Dr. James Aw, the Chief Medical Officer at OMERS to get some prevention tips. According to him, a good immune system is the key to keeping the virus at bay.

COVID-19 is easily spread through close contact with infected people; the most vulnerable being the elderly or people with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems. The symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, and dry cough.

What you can do to boost your immunity

Adopt a plant-based diet (fruits and vegetables)
Hydrate with water and have healthy sources of protein daily
Have vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, folate and trace elements such as selenium, zinc, and copper
Exercise 3 to 5 times per week for 30 to 60 minutes, particularly aerobic fitness which can help boost the immune cells and decrease chronic inflammation
Find ways to reduce and manage stress if possible because it can be particularly stressful during an outbreak
Get your vaccines updated regularly by your personal physician
Sleep, rest, rejuvenate

Finally, it is more important than ever to wash your hands, avoid touching your face with your hands, abstain from handshakes and practice social distancing during the outbreak.

If you want to know more, here is a list of resources that might interest you:

“Work from home if you can. Call your doctor if you are sick. Wear a mask and self-isolate if you have symptoms to avoid infecting others. For those working in essential roles, clean and disinfect common surfaces at home and at work. Stay safe and healthy!” advises Dr. James Aw.