New Delhi: In view of the approaching winter season, health experts said Sunday that they are worried about ‘Twindemic’. They said it is highly possible that people may contract both influenza and the COVID-19 infection during the winter season. It will result in devastating consequences. The medical care system is already overwhelmed. Hence the experts are worried about the fast-approaching season of sniffles and coughs as the threat of ‘Twindemic’ looms large.
It is now more important to be prepared for the coming winters by boosting immunity, they said.
“Winter season being a season of flu poses a peculiar challenge during Covid-19 pandemic,” Harshal R. Salve said. He is the Associate Professor at Centre for Community Medicine said.
“Taking precautions like use of mask, frequent hand was and physical distancing help in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However they also prevent a person from getting seasonal flu. Adequate Intake of citrus fruits and green leafy vegetable supplies much-needed antioxidants to the body to fight viral infections,” Salve advised.
According to Parmeet Kaur, the Senior Dietician at Narayana Hospital in Gurugram, this winter season is may see a large number of ‘Twindemic’ cases. “Our body has the power to heal as most of 70-80 per cent immunity comes from the gut. Vitamin C and antioxidants help to build up immunity and prevent from various illnesses,” Kaur said. “Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle by meeting the 80 per cent nutritional requirements and 20 per cent physical activity,” she added.
SP Byotra, Chairman, Department of Internal Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi is also of the same opinion. “During the time of changing weather and COVID-19 situation, antioxidants can help. They certainly will reduce the risk of COVID-19.
Different natural products have been recommended by Ministry of AYUSH for building immunity. Along with it demand for natural antioxidants has also increased.
“To keep your body immune and healthy, using natural anti-oxidants like ‘Gamma Oryzanol’ has many health benefits including boosting immunity as it neutralises free radicals in the body,” Byotra told IANS.
‘Gamma Oryzanol’ is a substance that is taken out of rice bran oil. It is also found in wheat bran and some fruits and vegetables. People use it as medicine
“Gamma Oryzanol is also used for controlling elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also supports cardiovascular health along with controlling anxiety and menopausal symptoms,” Byotra explained. Gamma Oryzanol is known to be of multiple uses for different people. It has the power to address and promote overall health as one of the key main aspects.
As per studies, ‘Gamma Oryzanol’ is up to four times more powerful anti-oxidant than Vitamin E.
So, experts recommend taking healthy diet, doing exercise and taking all necessary precautions which would be the key to fight this adverse situation ahead.