For more info on Jenna's book - Immunity: The Science of Staying Well, see here: amzn.to/39jnBUR This week Dr Jenna Macciochi and I answered your questions about COVID-19 with an Instalive. I have uploaded here incase you missed it. Below is a brief summary of the main questions answered below. Above all if you have concerns that you may have the disease visit bit.ly/2TpiBIN if it's urgent phone NHS 111, please do not visit your GP. What is it? COVID-19 is a form of coronavirus respiratory syndrome. Like most viruses covid-19 uses cell receptors to enter into host cells, multiplies using the host cell’s genetic material until the host cell breaks down. Why it’s worrying is because this particular virus has an impact on your lower respiratory system which can affect oxygenation levels and lead to organ failure. How is it spread? It is spread via droplets of saliva from coughing/sneezing. The viral particles can be passed on when in close contact with an infected person or from touching an infected surface, think about touch screens, door handles, etc. The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands for twenty seconds with soap and water, if water is unavailable use hand sanitiser gel with 60% alcohol but hand washing is best! Do I need to wear a facemask? Wearing a facemask may help reduce the spread of the disease if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19. However in general you don’t need to wear a facemask. Health professionals are taught how to wear them so they are effective. Additionally by purchasing masks such as N-95 we are taking away resources from health professionals. What are the symptoms and how can you differentiate from other illnesses like the flu? You can’t really tell the difference. The symptoms of the coronavirus are a cough, high temperature and shortness of breath. However, these symptoms may not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common such as cold and flu. Some might not even realise they have been infected which is why it’s really important to keep good hygiene to stop spread. How do I support my immune system? The best thing to do is eat a healthy balanced diet, make sure you are eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fibre is key, from different sources such as lentils, beans and other pulses. Probiotics may be effective but it’s still early days as to whether they demonstrate a significant impact in otherwise healthy individuals. Make sure you are getting enough sleep! Sleep helps support your natural killers cells and form a part of your initial immune response. If you would like to take supplements Dr Jenna recommends vitamin C, Zinc and vitamin D3. Dr Jenna also adds that stress can play a part in compromising our immune systems, so if it’s possible for you to recognise the anxiety and concern that this event is causing. In reality, it’s being hyped much more than it should be. What should I do if I have an underlying condition that compromises my immune system? Again the same information applies to those on treatment, those who have co-morbidities like COPD or are on treatment for autoimmune conditions. If you do feel unwell, calling 111 is the first point of action or attending A&E if you feel very unwell. Is there any treatment? Currently there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment available although scientists are working on it. Antibiotics do not help, as they don’t work against viruses. Treatment in hospitals if people are unwell enough aims to relieve the symptoms – fluids, and in severe cases oxygen. The same supportive treatments apply to those well enough to stay at home, such as adequate hydration, rest and paracetamol. Are children at an increased risk? At present the majority of cases have been in adults. Children have been less affected and less likely to develop the disease, there have been no deaths reported in children under the age of ten. However please do remember that children can be carriers. Should we be worried about our pets? Currently there is no evidence of COVID-19 of being transmitted from humans to animals. Follow Me here: Website: www.thedoctorskitchen.com PODCAST: https://thedoctorskitchen.com/podcasts Order my NEW Cookbook "Eat to Beat Illness" : https://amzn.to/2NTeRt8 Order my FIRST Cookbook "The Doctor's Kitchen" : http://amzn.to/2hvTCTG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctors_kitchen/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHTLhQbYlFnPBv-iLgFsQQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedoctorskitchen/?ref=br_rs Twitter: https://twitter.com/doctors_kitchen?lang=en