Both COVID-19 and H3N2 are respiratory diseases that directly affect our lungs. In severe cases, people have reported respiratory problems and even developed pneumonia.
Viral infections in India: India is witnessing a rise in COVID-19 and H3N2 cases at the same time. Climate changes are one of the factors that triggered seasonal flu infection, but the H3N2 influenza subtype further fueled the rise in infections. Two H3N2-related deaths were also reported recently. However, it should be noted that both infections affect the lungs. So it only makes sense to become more aware of these respiratory diseases and focus on ways to nourish and improve our lung health. How do we do it? Lifestyle adjustments and changes in dietary habits can help strengthen our lungs and also reduce the risk of contracting these viral infections.
Our lungs have this built-in system that prevents airborne bacteria from entering the lungs, but we shouldn’t neglect it or take it for granted.
Viral infection in India: Why is lung health important?
Lung health has returned to the spotlight with the rise in COVID-19 and H3N2 cases in India. And we know how cardinal the lungs are for our daily bodily functions. It helps us breathe life, basically. The lungs are also responsible for carrying oxygen into the bloodstream and removing carbon dioxide when we exhale. Furthermore, they also help balance pH levels and immunity by producing mucus.
More to the point, why specifically the lungs? Both viral infections attack the lungs, and people report breathing problems or develop pneumonia in severe infections.
The virus can enter the body through aerosols that we inhale and travel through our lungs into the body. In severe cases, covid-19 can also lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a life-threatening condition that requires mechanical ventilation.
6 Ways to Improve Lung Health
- Give up smoking: Smoking and tobacco use directly and seriously damages the lungs. Increases the chances of developing respiratory diseases.
- Physical activity: Exercising regularly or doing yoga is essential to keep all the organs of the body fit and functioning in a healthy way. Walking briskly, running, biking are good practices to start with.
- Deep breathing exercise: Deep breathing exercises can help expand lung capacity and improve respiratory muscle strength.
- Avoid contamination: While it is a bit difficult for people living in polluted places like Mumbai or Delhi, once they should try to avoid open spaces where there are more chances of inhaling polluted and toxic air.
- sleep sleep sleep: Sleeping well for about seven or eight hours is very important. It’s time for the body to heal, receive for the next day. Helps build the immune system.
- A healthy diet: Increase your intake of blueberries, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds and the best nutrients to improve lung health. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables contain vitamin C, which can strengthen the immune system and help reduce inflammation.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration is, in general, important for the body. Specifically for the lungs, it helps keep the layer of mucus produced thin and helps improve immune function.
Apart from this, maintaining good hygiene is very important. One should avoid touching the face too much. Also, having a regular medical checkup never hurts because it only updates you with the state of your body.
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