Keep Ourselves Healthy with the Latest Variant of Concern | Steps To Keep You Protected

As we heard from the breaking news, scientists discovered a new variant in South Africa and reported it to WHO on 24 November 2021. The first confirmed B1.1.529. infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021, and the preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with the Omicron variant.

South African scientists found a concerning number of more than 30 mutations in just the spike protein, the part where it helps the coronavirus enter the human cells, which could potentially impact the effectiveness of vaccines, severity, and transmissibility of the virus.

Deepta Bhattacharya, an immunologist at the University of Arizona, said," I wouldn't say that this one's going to put us back to zero. But I think that if it does spread, it will be a bigger problem than any of the variants we've seen before. She also mentioned that although the variant is concerning, it's essential to keep in mind that the immune system has a "multi-layer" protection that helps us fight off, adapt and create our immunity, as well with the help of vaccination and prior infection against severe disease will likely still support against the new Omicron variant.

Let's keep ourselves healthy by still following through the established and proven disease control measures and avoiding introductions into animal populations, which are crucial aspects of reducing the occurrence of mutations that have adverse public health impacts.

Here are the following things to do every day to boost our immune system and keep us healthy:

1. Wear your mask at all times, whether you're indoors or outdoors, shopping in a mall, or walking in a park. As long as it is a public place, wearing a mask will help reduce infection for you and the people around you.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. The best practice in washing your hands is every before and after eating, arriving home from work or an errand, and touching anything accessible to anyone.
3. Exercise regularly for at least 5-30 minutes will help boost your immune system in many ways. There is increasing evidence that regular exercise training has an overall anti-inflammatory influence mediated through multiple pathways, including improved control of inflammatory signaling pathways and many more.
4. Drink wellness shots to boost your immunity against infectious diseases. Arte Wellness Defend shots have organic cold-pressed juices such as ginger and lemon, which both have immunity-boosting properties. Arte Wellness shots also have an "adaptogen blend," these are herbs that aid our bodies to counteract harmful effects of stress.
5. Maintain 6 feet distance from people around you. Physical distancing is proven to help limit the spread of Covid-19 since the virus is easily transmitted through physical contact from person to person. 

Doing these simple practices every day will help you and the people around you stay protected and feel safe at the same time since the pandemic did affect us not only physically but also mentally. Always keep safe and stay healthy.