Grip on your resistance: what is resistance?

A reduced resistance makes you vulnerable. Now that we are dealing with a serious virus, optimal resistance is suddenly top priority. In the coming weeks you will read more about improving and strengthening it in the 'resistance' series. Today more about what exactly 'your resistance' is.

'Good for your immune system!' your mother may have called when she put a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in front of you. Sounds great, but what exactly is 'your resistance'? For many people, the term resistance means the degree of susceptibility to infections, but essentially it is a function of your immune system. Your immune system has the job of protecting you against uninvited guests, such as viruses and infections. The immune system is a highly skilled system that recognizes foreign micro-organisms and is usually able to clear them up.

Not everyone is the same

Every body is different, so the extent to which you are blessed with an optimal immune system also differs per person. There are people who have to deal with a consistently faltering immune system. Consider, for example, people with cystic fibrosis. But there are also people who suffer from an excessively functioning immune system. This manifests itself in an allergy, such as hay fever for example.

Extra alert in winter

In winter in particular, there is more emphasis on 'working on good resistance'. And that has a reason. In winter, you are at greater risk of contracting a cold or flu. This has everything to do with the fact that viruses survive longer due to the cold. Dry air and cold also contribute to a decrease in the functioning of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to settle in the respiratory tract. And lastly, we like to seek each other's warmth in the winter. That sounds very pleasant and it is, but because of this we 'inflame each other faster'.

No winter, still a virus

That winter in combination with the survival chances of viruses sounds very plausible. And yet, as the sun shines and spring awakens, we are faced with a virus that poses a threat to public health. Many therefore thought or think that the virus will disappear as soon as it gets warmer. However, there is no definitive answer yet. Do you want to read more about this theory? then click here -> and look at question 3 of the 39 questions about COVID-19 of this article.

For now there is only one thing to do: stay home, keep one and a half meters away and wash your hands regularly.

Stay safe!

This article is based on content from rtlnieuws.nl.