Post covid – is our immunity lower?
If you’ve noticed you seem to be falling ill with every bug going recently, you’re not alone.
Despite a record-busting heatwave, many of us have been getting sick with the types of colds much more commonly associated with winter.
Summer viruses seem to be everywhere at the moment, and we seem to be particularly susceptible to them this year. Is this really the case? And if so, why?
Sore throats, breathing difficulties and prolonged fatigue which all persist for weeks are all common issues patients are reporting which are proving debilitating.
Efficient and gentle, I barely noticed the process and before I knew it, the samples were collected for my blood profiles.
Lingering longer
According to some GPs and pharmacists, there has been a noticeable increase in patients complaining of respiratory-based illnesses which are taking longer than is usual to clear. But crucially, when tested, are negative for Covid-19.
Sore throats, breathing difficulties and prolonged fatigue which all persist for weeks are all common issues patients are reporting which are proving debilitating.
What’s behind it?
With the population forced to isolate and keep a distance from one another during the pandemic, our natural exposure to common germs and bacteria was extremely reduced. While this was important in order to minimise risk, it did mean that we were far less likely to build up tolerances to common illnesses.
It’s not necessarily the case that there are more colds in circulation now. It’s more likely that we are increasingly susceptible to them because we have a lower threshold for infection.
There is also a theory that previous exposure to Covid-19 may have had an impact on our immune systems, which is something researchers are investigating.
Early findings suggest that abnormalities in immune cells may be contributing to long Covid - UKRI article, which is estimated to affect more than 2 million people in the UK, which could explain why so many people are falling sicker for longer with previously mild types of illnesses.
Is there anything you can do to boost your immunity?
You might think that the goal is to have a strong immune system, but that’s not necessarily the case. The immune system can become either over or under active, so the ideal state is one of balance.
Can this be achieved? While there are many factors that are out of our control, there is a lot you can do to optimise your health, and in turn, give your immune system the best opportunity to function well and fight off illness and infection more effectively.
Sleep well. Sleep is when the body does it’s work to heal and restore, so it’s vitally important to get enough rest so that the components of your immune systems can also can the rest they need.
Eat well. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is an important building block of good health. Getting the right vitamins and minerals through your food, as well as staying hydrated and keeping your weight in check all have an important impact on your immune system
Give up smoking. There are no positive health effects associated with smoking, but plenty of negative reasons why you should kick the habit. Smoking can damage many of the systems involved in a health immune system, leading to illness and infection.
Steer clear of intolerances and allergies. Foods, drinks, and other substances, both natural and manmade, that cause an allergic response or trigger an intolerance can put the immune system under unnecessary stress. If you know what causes a reaction for you, try to limit your exposure.
Get a clear picture of your health risks. Conditions such as diabetes can interfere with your immune system, causing its ability to function to be compromised. Having a good idea of your broader health and risk factors gives you an advantage, helping you make the right lifestyle changes to avoid those risks.
Private immunity testing in London
With GP waiting times increasing in many practices, private blood testing is becoming a common alternative for many people looking to take control of their health and wellbeing.
At Blood Tests London we offer a comprehensive range of blood testing options for immunity to various diseases, as well as a larger profile of diagnostic checks to help you get a complete picture of your health.
Our immunity tests include diagnostic checks for antibodies against diseases, including:
- Rubella, measles, and mumps
- Hepatitis B, C
- HIV
You might also be interested in checking your risk factors for these, and other diseases including diabetes, thyroid, liver, or kidney disease. Our comprehensive VIP test is a great place to start, offering a full picture of your health.
Booking your private immunity blood test in London
We make sure the experience of booking a private blood test is as easy, convenient, and painless as possible. Here’s how it works:
After you have selected the right test for you, simply order online through our secure payment system or chat to a member of our team.
How your appointment works
Once your order is placed, you can attend our central London walk-in clinic to have your blood taken by one of our expert phlebotomists. This guarantees that your blood samples are taken and handled correctly and that your results are processed efficiently by clinical professionals.
Unlike home testing healthcare kits, where you take the sample yourself, our trained professionals reduce the likelihood of errors such as collecting an insufficient amount of blood or accidental contamination, which could delay your test results.
At your appointment, the friendly team will talk to you about your test, collect your blood sample and send it off for testing at an accredited partner laboratory. All you need to do is arrive for your blood draw.
