Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our lives, and it’s important to take every precaution to protect ourselves and our loved ones. A new study has revealed that there is a surprisingly common thing that could majorly cut your risk of contracting the virus. Eating certain foods and avoiding others can help reduce your risk of getting sick. In this article, we’ll discuss the findings of the study and provide tips on what to eat and what to avoid to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19.
A recent study shows that those who got a flu shot were nearly 90% less likely to develop severe COVID-19 over the next few months. It’s possible that Influenza vaccines may also be effective in preventing COVID-19, particularly in its most severe form. However, it is unclear how flu vaccines work to protect against COVID or how long this protection lasts. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
As an immunologist and vaccine researcher at NYU Langone Health, I’m worried about new more contagious variants that are causing cases and hospitalizations to rise all across the country. Especially among much of our population (children under 5) are unprotected due to lack of a vaccine.
The observational study published in Nature showed that immunization to flu protected against COVID-19 and coronaviruses in 30,000 healthcare workers. The thought is by getting your flu shot you are ramping up general immunity to all viruses in your immune system since the same immune cells are used to fight a multitude of viruses.
The protection is limited between 6 months to 2 years so it is best to receive both vaccines.
Our understanding is ongoing but there is evidence our immune system’s T cells still protect well from both hospitalizations and death even from the initial series despite antibodies waning.
However, if you are a high-risk individual or someone who is immunocompromised due to an underlying condition or take a medicine that suppresses your immune system your immunity may need a booster or two. This applies to all vaccines, not just COVID vaccines. Also, length of immunity may depend on which vaccine you receive as doses vary even between the two mRNA vaccines and two adenovirus vector vaccines.
There are protein subunit vaccines on the horizon, a pan variant vaccine being studied, variant-specific mRNA vaccines as well as nasal vaccines being studied.
Simple measures go a long way: wear a medical-grade mask (N95, KN95), wash hands frequently, avoid large crowds in enclosed spaces, and stay up to date with vaccines and boosters. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Dr. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health.