We have all been recently educated on social distancing, wearing masks, how long viruses can stick to certain surfaces, the importance of good hygiene and the importance of 'flattening the curve' with temporary shelter-in-place or safer-at-home orders.
But what you don't hear talked about that much is our own immune systems, and what we could be doing, both as individuals and as a country, to strengthen them.
The data so far on those our current viral outbreak strongly suggests this particular novel one is far more fatal or devastating to those with compromised immune systems. Your immune system could be weakened or vulnerable from any number of underlying health conditions, or just from simply being very up there in age, most vulnerably 80+ years old. Elderly individuals by and large have far weaker immune systems than a healthy counterpart in their 20s - 50s.
Now I'm not saying all you have to do is have a great immune system and you are 100% good and you for sure won't get any virus or have any adverse effects. That's certainly not true. But the numbers strongly suggest the better your immune system is the less likely it is you'll suffer any serious or fatal effects upon contraction.
Hopefully with proper disclaimers out of the way, wanted to discuss some good practices in general for being more healthy and strengthening your immune system in an effort to be able to combat alien viruses. I'll start this off by bringing up the importance of Vitamin D.
Get sunshine / Supplement with Vitamin D. The science isn't exactly settled on if Vitamin D alone can help combat or prevent viruses. But there are at least 8 current clinical trials trying to get to the bottom of this.
I recommend watching this video as well. Regardless of your like/dislike for Rogan, his guest is a well educated doctor and speaks in depth on the subject. She actually says that up to 4,000 IUS/day is optimal, but of course with the disclaimer of consulting with your doctor first.
Getting out of the house and into the sunshine on a regular basis seems to be a very good idea, especially right now. Of course as long as you do your best to practice proper social distancing measures that are in place depending on your location. And if that isn't an option for you for whatever reason, whether it be for mobility reasons, a lack of sunshine or whatever, you can instead supplement. Vitamin D supplements are very inexpensive and long term studies don't suggest any harm in taking them. I am personally opting for both right now. Supplementing and getting at least 30 minutes to 1 hr a day if I can in direct sunlight.
Other ways to boost your immune system we can discuss - exercise, hydration, proper sleep, nutritious diet, supplementing with other vitamins (like B vitamins or high dose Vitamin C).
Drop any knowledge you have on proven or interesting immune boosting practices. Seems more important than ever and perhaps we can all get into a better habit of putting our health first, in a preventative way, for future outbreaks and just being less vulnerable as a country to health issues in general.