Just recovered from coronavirus? Take these precautions to prevent reinfection

Like other countries in the world, India is also speculating that there might be cases of covid-19 relapse. There have been reports that patients who were cured of coronavirus, have been found infected again! Some doctors claim that this could be a case of relapse whereas others warn against letting one’s guard down after having recovered from covid-19—to avoid chances of covid-19 reinfection.

Here are some precautions you can take after covid-19 recovery
“Reoccurrence can happen in any disease. In covid-19 too, it’s there. We have seen many survivors in plasma donation centres with zero antibodies,” says Dr Shuchin Bajaj, director, Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services.

“So, it’s important that the patients recovered from this virus should also be careful and adhere to all the guidelines. We have found a few confirmed relapse cases. If we have had coronavirus, we have to keep our immunity up with regular exercise, healthy eating, and practice SMS (santisation, mask, and social distancing) always! Stay away from junk food, too,” he adds.

You must adhere to guidelines—post and pre-covid state doesn’t matter
“Since a vaccine is not easily available, or procurable, so we have to take care that we don’t get a covid-19 infection again. Cases of covid re-infection have been reported from India and Singapore, difficult to say how true they are. But then the authenticity of these reports is definitely there,” explains Dr P Venkata Krishnan, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospital, Gurugram.

“Covid-19 reinfection is a possibility, and it’s serious because our lungs cannot take injuries again and again. What we can do is take the universal precautions that are advised for all people, as prevention for the virus stands true for all recovered patients. So, they have to follow the strict mask policy. Using hand sanitisers while going to common areas is a must. Frequently wash your hands especially before eating,” he says.

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Diet plays a crucial role, not just during the recovery process but also after it
“Eat balanced meals that contain whole grains, good quality of fats, a variety of vegetables. Probiotics are a must after coronavirus as your gut health also suffers. So, have natural probiotics like homemade ginger turmeric pickle, lemon pickle, buttermilk, fermented rice and other foods,” says Twinkle Kansal, an integrated nutritionist.

“Spend sometime in the sun to improve bone and gut health. Keep a rainbow approach for fruits and vegetables to fulfil different rays of vitamins and minerals. Hydrate yourself with a variety of healthy beverages such as coconut water, herbal tea, lemon water, water, buttermilk, and warm soup. Still, your digestive system is a little weak during this time, so have at least one light meal like khichdi with desi ghee. Last but not least, rest is the best medicine to repair your body from this pandemic. Listen to your body and don’t go overboard with all the information available outside,” she adds.

“Post Covid-19 recovery, you need to give a lot of attention to your diet and rest,” says Paramita Singh, nutritionist and yoga coach, adding: “It majorly impacts the appetite, digestion, stamina and immunity. So, your diet must consist of protein, antioxidant-rich foods, lots of fluids, and foods to improve gut health.”

“At the virus-affected stage of treatment, the immunity system gets majorly impacted. Hence, fresh fruit and vegetable consumption is a must as they are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and A. Vegetables must be cooked in a manner that makes them easy to digest. Daily intake of nuts and seeds is also important as these are good sources of minerals and vitamins,” she says.

“Having protein-rich foods will help in replenishing the lost muscles. The body uses protein to build and repair tissues. Daily intake of legumes, dairy, soy, eggs, fish and chicken in each meal is recommended. As digestion is weak post covid, it’s important to eat fibre-rich foods, onions and garlic, and fermented foods such as yogurt to improve gut health. A healthy gut helps in effective digestion, nutrient absorption, and hence improves the immunity. Drinking eight to 10 glass of water is recommended for a speedy recovery,” Paramita concludes.

Follow these tips to avoid possible covid-19 reinfection and take care of your health.