It is important for us to always keep our immune system strong, even though we have received the COVID-19 vaccine. This is because a strong immune system can support the formation of an immune reaction against the Corona virus after vaccination.
Currently, the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to all Indonesians is still ongoing in order to meet the target of 1 million doses per day. Giving this vaccine is one solution to suppress the spread of Corona virus infection in Indonesia, especially now that several new variants of the Corona virus have been found, such as the Alpha and Delta variants.
The Importance of Maintaining Immunity Before and After Vaccination COVID-19
Giving the COVID-19 vaccine plays an important role in helping our bodies form protection against the Corona virus. However, this process takes time and does not just happen immediately after vaccination.
It usually takes the body about 2 weeks after being fully vaccinated (two doses) to form protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a person is still likely to be infected with the Corona virus, even shortly after vaccination.
This is where it is important to always maintain the body's immunity, both before and after the COVID-19 vaccination.
The immune system or the body's immune system has a major role in protecting the body from bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi that cause disease. If the body's immune system is weak, the body will not be able to fight various disease-causing microorganisms, including the Corona virus.
The process of building immunity after vaccination can sometimes cause some side effects, such as pain around the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea.
These side effects are normal and indicate that the body is building protection against the Corona virus. The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine usually go away within a few days.
Various Ways to Maintain the System Immunity Body
Here are some natural ways you can do to maintain and increase your immune system, especially during a pandemic:
1. Eat nutritious food
Various nutrients from food are very important to maintain the function of the body's immune system. That way, the immune system will remain strong and the body can be protected from various diseases, including COVID-19.
Here are good food choices to maintain endurance:
- Foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwi, apples, grapes, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots
- High-protein foods, such as seafood, lean meats, and poultry
In addition, to keep your body fit after the COVID-19 vaccination as well as to prevent dehydration, you also need to drink enough water.
2. Exercise regularly
This step is also a fairly effective way to increase endurance. Not only that, exercise can also reduce stress and make you sleep better. So, make time to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, for example a leisurely walk, brisk walk, cycling around the house, or yoga.
3. Get enough rest
During sleep, the body produces and deploys immune cells to fight disease-causing germs. That is why, sleep has a role in maintaining the body's immunity.
Adults generally need about 7–9 hours of sleep each night, while children and adolescents need 10–14 hours.
4. Consuming herbs to help increase endurance
Sometimes the intake of nutritious food is not necessarily sufficient. As a solution to keep your immune system strong, you can add it by consuming herbs. That way, you will not get sick easily and be stronger against various bacteria and viruses, such as the COVID-19 virus.
Examples of herbs that have proven efficacy in increasing endurance include:
Meniran
Plants with Latin names Phyllanthus niruri It has long been used as a traditional medicine in various countries, including Indonesia.
In addition to having immunostimulant properties that can increase immunity, the content of phyllanthine and tannins Meniran has antimicrobial properties that can protect the body from disease-causing bacteria.
Moringa leaves
Plants with Latin names Moringa oleifera It is rich in nutrients that nourish the body, such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, and biotin.
In addition, Moringa leaves have immunomodulatory properties that can keep the immune system strong, so the body is better able to fight viral and bacterial infections.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin compounds which can improve our digestive system. In addition, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are useful in fighting free radicals, so the body is not susceptible to disease.
If you find it difficult to mix the three herbal ingredients yourself, you can get herbal preparations containing a combination of meniran extract, Moringa leaves, and turmeric on the market. However, make sure the herbal product you buy is registered with BPOM to avoid unwanted side effects.
Until now the Corona virus pandemic has not ended. Therefore, apply the ways to maintain immunity above consistently even though you have received the COVID-19 vaccine, so that your immune system remains strong and you can avoid various diseases.
