Your immune system allows your body to defend itself against all kinds of viruses. Because immunologists say there is always a chance of a new pandemic, it's time we pay more attention to our immune system. "You never know what's coming next. That's why it's good to create awareness right now about the importance of a healthy immune system," says Anje te Velde, immunologist at the Amsterdam UMC .
That's why a group of immunologists will be doing research on immune systems to see how different people react to viruses. "That way we will know which people are more susceptible and why. Then, in the event of a pandemic, the entire population will not have to go into lockdown, but people can be helped physically where necessary," explains Te Velde.
Immune Fitness
To know if your immune system is healthy, we need to look at immune fitness. That's your body's ability to respond properly to a virus or bacteria. "We already know from the corona pandemic that some people are immune fit and others are not. In people who are less immune fit, for example, the vaccination didn't work." Their immune system was not fit enough to prepare for such a virus."
According to the immunologists, it is also important to look at a healthy lifestyle and its impact on your immune fitness. This, according to Te Velden, involves eating healthy, exercising and limiting stress. "If you do a little bit of everything, you're already well on your way."
You can read the whole (Dutch) article here.