It is a worrying time at the moment amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak across the world.
Depending on where you are, the crisis is either just starting or you are very much in the midst of panic-buying, stretched health services and self-isolation.
What should I be doing to protect myself during the outbreak?
Absolutely everyone should be following the health authorities’ guidance when it comes to good hygiene, keeping away from others (particularly those who are vulnerable) and seeking health support if you develop the symptoms of COVID-19.
If all of the, sometimes, conflicting advice is overwhelming this video from the World Health Organization breaks down the advice into simple steps:
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection?
We’re learning more as the research gets published daily but here’s a very simple infographic that details the symptoms you need to watch out for:
Source: BBC Health Source: BBC Health
Who is most at risk at this time?
Specific health conditions and situations do appear to raise the risk of infection and development of complications from COVID-19.
These people have been defined as vulnerable groups and include:
– People with diabetes
– People with existing low immunity (e.g. undergoing chemotherapy)
– People with existing chronic respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma)
– People with heart disease or high blood pressure
– People who are older (65 years +)
– Women who are pregnant
It is not known yet whether men are more at risk than women, some of the research from China (where the disease first started) suggests this may be the case. It may also follow that having an elevated body fat (obesity) may also increase risk, but this is not known yet.
How can nutrition help me at this time?
There is no magic food that will protect you from coronavirus. Please do not start consuming supposed ‘cures’ to coronavirus – some are very dangerous.
If you start to experience serious symptoms, do not delay seeking medical advice from your own country’s health service or your family doctor. Nutrition cannot treat COVID-19 alone.
Eating well and nourishing yourself with good food will support your body’s own natural immunity may help you at this time.
If you’ve been delaying making changes to your diet, trying to lose weight, get your blood pressure down, manage your pre-diabetes or treat existing diabetes – NOW IS THE TIME.
How can I help you?
As governments start to reduce how much time we can spend outside or with others, how much food we can buy and of what type, it is time to get personalised advice on nutrition and exercise.
Eating well whilst you are balancing working from home, with the children off school and reducing your risk of COVID-19 is very hard and I am here to help you.
I can offer online dietitian appointments which will be a deep dive into your medical and nutrition history and help you make decisions fast about what to do with your diet and exercise amid the crisis.
Don’t delay, worry and panic. Get expert nutrition advice right now.
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