By Sue-Ann Wayow
THOSE who contracted Covid-19 while they may have some sort of immunity to the virus may still be susceptible to the varying strains.
And taking extra vitamins including Vitamin C might not prevent contraction of the virus.
Immunology lecturer at the University of the West Indies Dr Carla Maria Alexander gave this information during the Ministry of Health’s press conference on Monday.
She was answering questions frequently asked questions concerning Covid-19 and vaccines.
Dr Alexander said, “The body uses only what it needs. When you say the body is taking extra vitamins, it is not so much that there is going to be extra boosting of your immune system. The vitamins are not going to prevent you from getting Covid-19, they assist in the normal running of your body. It can help but only a certain amount is going to be used for the body.”
She said, “Basically what you want to do is maintain a healthy lifestyle, maintain a healthy diet, be sure that your mental faculties, you are also taking care of yourself so that overall you are healthy to help in fighting against Covid-19.”
Referring to the Covid-19 vaccine and re-contraction of the virus, Dr Alexander said such persons may experience lesser effects and symptoms than the first time.
“Because you have gotten Covid-19 and you have recovered, your immune system is forewarned. It has some ability to fight against SARS Cov2 causing Covid-19. However, do remember that there are also variants that are present of the SARS Cov2 virus and as such, you cannot say that you are immune against all of variants,” she said.
