3 Ways To Improve Immunity, From An Infectious Disease Specialist

In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, it might be easier to overlook the severity of the flu, but in reality, the two aren't that different. In fact, according to infectious disease specialist Sandra Kesh, M.D., there have been about 16,000 flu-related deaths in this season alone. 

Stress can affect everything from brain health to body weight, and of course, immunity. Kesh said when her patients are otherwise doing everything right but continue to get sick, "It's almost always because of stress." 

This is because when cortisol levels aren't kept within their normal range, whether in early childhood or throughout aging, it can physically disrupt the body's healing properties1.

While this partially overlaps with stress reduction, Kesh said it also includes "getting enough sleep and eating well."

Allergist and immunologist Heather Moday, M.D., told mbg "Sleep is when your immune system repairs itself, the mitochondria clean themselves up, and the liver does most of its detoxification." Which is also why our bodies feel so run down when we’re sick. Getting a full seven to eight hours each night can help keep our bodies alert to any dangerous pathogens. 

During flu season, it's not impractical to wipe down heavily trafficked surfaces, like doorknobs and airplane trays, but "overdoing the cleaning can be just as bad as underdoing it," Kesh said. "You have to strike that balance." 

It might seem scary, but some exposure to germs is good for our immune systems. "If you live in a sterile environment," Kesh said, "you will be more susceptible to infections when exposed."

So yes, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when necessary, but unless you've touched something visibly dirty, you're about to eat a meal, or you've gone to the bathroom, you probably don't need to rush to the sink. "If you wash your hands 50 times a day, your skin will get dry and cracked," Kesh said, "which is a perfect portal of entry for infection."