The Rise of BA.2 Subvariant Leading to Fresh Spikes

When it felt like everything was slowly returning to normalcy, some US states reported new occurrences of the infection. For example, despite the low death rate, Wyoming has seen a spike. According to Mayo Clinic, Natrona County reported 46 daily cases on average, which, if estimated per 100,000 people, constitutes about slightly more than 47% rise in the covid community level across the state. The Wyoming Department of Health released a statement that Natrona County witnessed 3456 confirmed cases this year, with 2261 suspected cases.

As per Mayo Clinic’s data, one can, however, take relief that the fatality rate has been low, marking a drop from 1.2% to 1.1%. However, the reason for concern is the increase in covid rate. Going by WebMD sources, the sudden rise can be attributable to BA.2.12.1, a BA.2 subvariant. Amidst this, CDC has recommended that unvaccinated people or those who received their 2nd booster dose six months ago should quarantine themselves for five days and wear a mask for the next five days. If someone cannot follow the five-day isolation rule, they must adequately mask up for ten days. Vaccinated and boosted individuals don’t have to go into quarantine, but they also need to wear their masks for ten days.   

According to MyBioSource’s recent survey, only about 14% of the people in Wyoming support official measures for covid prevention, and about an additional 7% of others seem to have withdrawn their support for the same.

Vaccination doesn’t offer 100% safety from the virus but is a vital tool against this fight. People of Wyoming can try everything that boosts their immunity and lower their exposure risks. They can also adopt some natural methods to bolster their immune systems. Here are some suggestions in this regard.

Water intake

The best way to boost your health after a long day is to drink some water. Drinking plenty of fluids will get your blood flowing and flush out any toxins you may have incurred during the day. To take it up a notch, add fruit such as lemon or strawberries to your water to get some much-needed nutrients and minerals into your body. When you remain hydrated, your muscles and vital organs function smoothly.

Vitamin C

According to CTN News, you can add some vitamin C to your diet to not fall ill. It can be suitable for your tissues, heart, bones, cartilage, and teeth. The best sources of Vitamin C are fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and others. You can also take supplements if need be. It is critical to note that no scientific evidence claims vitamin C can build your immunity against covid or treat it. Still, it can indeed be an excellent addition to your diet for your overall health and immunity response.

Sleep

A balanced diet is essential, but it’s equally important to ensure you get enough sleep each night. In one study, patients with chronic insomnia developed the same symptoms associated with depression, including extreme fatigue, sadness, concentration issues, and irritability. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation has a similar effect on one’s immune system as physical stress or illness – yet another reason you need those seven to ten hours of sleep. Mayo Clinic also suggests that inadequate sleep can harm a person’s natural healing abilities. 

Stress management

As you know, being chronically stressed can hurt how well you sleep and just how healthy your diet is. Try to manage stress levels with as much dedication as you take care of your diet and rest if you want to keep things running more smoothly for longer. One of the best ways to help manage stress levels is through exercise and deep-breathing techniques like yoga. As you know, excess stress can burden your immunity, making you more vulnerable to viral infection.

Antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables burst with nutrients called antioxidants. Antioxidants have many positive health effects, giving the body a fighting chance against cancer, heart disease, brain aging, and more. Heart disease and cancer patients tend to be at a high risk of covid infection. WebMD recommends focusing on fruits and vegetables that have vibrant colors like purple, yellow, red, orange, and blue. There are three types of antioxidants: beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You can eat asparagus, apricots, and carrots for beta-carotene and spinach, mangoes, and avocado for vitamin E. Oranges and strawberries can aid your vitamin C requirement. 

Fresh air

Fresh air is good for people. If you are stuck indoors and have no yard, it can be hard to breathe fresh air. By opening up the windows in your home or office, you can let the clean outdoor air inside. It helps give your immune system a little break from breathing in all the germs floating around the indoor space.

The pandemic had already been a rollercoaster ride, and the new surge, which may not be that fatal, can still impact you and your loved ones adversely. So, take appropriate precautions for your health and choose your options wisely.