Myth: Immunomodulators will help with frequent ARVI
Immunomodulators are medications that change the functioning of the immune system, affecting its activity.
True immunomodulators and immunostimulants are used for serious diseases such as multiple sclerosis and are available only with a doctor’s prescription. Most over-the-counter drugs that are advertised as immunomodulatory agents for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections do not have sufficient scientific data to evaluate their effectiveness and safety.
Most of those drugs that are marketed as immunomodulators are supposed to stimulate the production of interferons, proteins that are created by the body to fight infections. However, the immune system itself begins to produce interferons when it encounters an infection. Therefore, there is no need to interfere with this process when you have a cold.
Myth: Vitamins and dietary supplements strengthen the immune system
This is true to some extent, but it’s not just about vitamin C.
Iron. Iron deficiency is common, especially among women due to iron loss during menstruation. Lack of iron can lead to weakness, fatigue and frequent illness. If you have these symptoms, it’s worth checking your iron levels and possibly taking extra micronutrients.
Vitamin D. This vitamin plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. In the northern countries, it is recommended to take a prophylactic dose of vitamin D regardless of the time of year.
Zinc. This element is probably also involved in the functioning of the immune system. While not everyone needs to take zinc, it’s worth getting your levels checked if you’re frequently sick unless there are other obvious reasons for a weakened immune system.
Myth: Strengthening your immune system is very difficult
In fact, there are several effective methods that can be easily implemented into your daily life.
Hardening. Contact with infections, not cold air, is the main cause of illness. However, hardening can help the body better adapt to the cold.
Healthy sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to inflammation in the body, which can negatively affect the functioning of the immune system.
Reducing stress. Although it is impossible to completely get rid of stress, it is important to learn how to cope with it effectively.
Physical activity. Regular exercise helps strengthen your immune system and overall health.
Non-sterile environment. Contact with various microorganisms helps train the immune system.
Myth: To identify problems with the immune system, you need to take an immunogram
Your doctor may order a variety of tests to look for immune problems, including a complete blood count and other laboratory tests.
An immunogram is a special test that a doctor may recommend if abnormalities are detected when assessing humoral immunity. However, such analysis is often carried out unnecessarily: in most cases, the results are within normal limits. Although slight variations may occur, they rarely provide meaningful information. A person’s immune system can change over time, so immunogram results can be variable, which does not always indicate a problem.
An immunogram is useful and informative if it is performed by a doctor for specific indications. Otherwise, it may be a waste of money and a cause for concern.
Myth: Elderly and young children have weakened immune systems
In young children and older adults, the immune system may appear weakened for a variety of reasons. In children, the adaptive immune system has not yet had time to train sufficiently due to lack of experience in encountering various pathogens. Therefore, frequent illnesses in children are considered normal, helping them develop strong immunity.
In older people, on the other hand, the immune system may seem less vulnerable due to more experience fighting various infections. However, as we age, it becomes more difficult for the body to cope with new and unfamiliar infections due to decreased production of new cells by the bone marrow.
In addition, chronic diseases, which often accumulate in older people, can worsen infections. For example, this is one reason why COVID-19 can be especially severe in older people.
