During the coronavirus crisis, you’ve been made well aware that the transmitting of contagions occurs through contact and even through the air. And yes, it’s the contagion that ultimately makes you sick, but often there’s more to the story. Like for example, how susceptible we are to become ill, due to how well our body is equipped to defend itself. I’ve joked that the coronavirus has made me, with my wipes on one side and hand sanitizer on the other, seem normal and more seriously have suggested a positive that might come out of all of this is improved hygiene. This story will walk you through what we can’t control which leads to us being more susceptible to becoming sick compared to that of which we can control.
According to the CDC, there are three groups of people who naturally are at a greater risk of illness and severe effects from illnesses generally. They are adults 65 and older, children under the age of 5, and those with neurological conditions. It all comes down to the development of one’s immune system and the body’s ability to defend itself. Additional risk factors for people of all ages include asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and pregnancy. All of those conditions make anyone of any age more susceptible to becoming sick and experiencing the worst effects of whatever it is that may ail us.
Up to this point, we’re talking mostly about predispositions and the biggest takeaway is simply to be aware that if you’re in any of these situations, let alone if you fit multiple risk factors, you should generally play it more carefully than the average person. But it’s this next category that we have the most control over, probably pay the least attention to, but most commonly leads to making us sick. The five factors, regardless of predispositions which lead us to become ill and generally suffer the most are these, in order from 5th to 1st:
- Lack of sleep
- Drinking
- Smoking
- Not washing hands
- Stress
Four of the five have something in common. Lowered immunity. Self-deprived? Weaker immune system. Drinking alcohol? Weaker immune system. Smoking? Weaker immune system and of course the same is true of stress. The biggest factor is independent of all others which determines life expectancy.
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