Bolstered immunity - Balance Medical Clinic

Bolstered Immunity

Bolstered immunity refers to having an enhanced immune system that is better prepared to fight off infections and diseases. This can be achieved in several ways:

• Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle boosts natural immunity. Things like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, hydration, and good hygiene habits allow your immune system to function optimally.
• Vaccinations prime your immune system by introducing weakened or dead germs into your body. This causes your immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells that will remember how to quickly fight off those germs in the future if you become infected. Many dangerous diseases like measles and polio can be prevented with childhood vaccination series.
• Some people have immunodeficiencies, meaning their immune system is weaker. This makes them more susceptible to frequent or severe infections. Immunocompromised patients may receive immunoglobulin therapy infusions to give their body extra antibodies to help fight germs.

Herd Immunity occurs when a large portion of the population is immune to a contagious disease, providing indirect protection to those who aren't immune. For example, if 95% of people are vaccinated against measles, a measles outbreak likely won't spread because there aren't enough vulnerable hosts.

During a pandemic like COVID-19, using tools like social distancing, masks, and proper hygiene habits bolsters community immunity. These measures slow disease transmission rates so healthcare systems aren't overwhelmed caring for the severely ill at once. Flattening the curve saves lives.

Once effective vaccines are developed, widespread vaccination further controls a pandemic by bolstering immunity in individuals and communities. Herd immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is estimated to be achieved with 60-90% of the population immunized, either from natural infection or vaccination. Achieving this would allow resuming normal activities safely.

In summary, strengthened individual and community immunity is crucial for defending public health and providing the best protection from infectious disease threats like the coronavirus. Practicing healthy habits, getting recommended vaccines, treating immunodeficiencies, and following pandemic guidance bolsters immunity. Achieving herd immunity with COVID-19 immunization will be key to ending this pandemic.