Support your immune system

Taking steps to support our overall health and well-being can boost our complex immune system and help us stay well throughout the winter

Keeping up to date with vaccines, including the flu vaccine, can help build a stronger immune response and provide better protection against viruses.1  

Things you can do to support your immune system include:

• Get enough sleep. While sleeping, your body produces and releases cytokines – a protein that targets infections.2
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity prompts antibodies and white blood cells to travel throughout the body more quickly, ready to identify illnesses.3,4
• Minimise stress. Over time, increased cortisol levels can have a negative effect on several parts of the body, including the immune system.5
• Keep up to date with all vaccines. Vaccines are one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to help prevent and/or reduce the severity of a viral infection. 

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With access to Global Telehealth through the Cigna Wellbeing app, you can talk to a licensed doctor by phone or video anytime, anywhere. Start discovering the benefits of the 

 

1. University of California. How obesity can rewire the immune system and the response to immunotherapy – and how to change line Plus. Exercise and immunity. Telehealth services may not be available in all jurisdictions. In general, to be covered by your plan, services must be medically necessary and used for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered condition. Not all prescription drugs are covered and prescriptions are not guaranteed to be written. Providers are solely responsible for any treatment provided and are not affiliated with Cigna. Not all providers have video chat capabilities and video chat may not be available in all areas. Telehealth providers are separate from your health plan’s provider network.
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4. Google Maps, Android and Google Play are a trademark of Google Inc.

 Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep is linked to a healthier immune system: while sleeping, your body produces and releases cytokines – a protein that targets infections. Less sleep leads to poorer functioning of cytokines.2 Maintain a healthy diet and weight Being underweight or overweight can weaken the immune system.3, 4 Obesity can lead to reduced cytokine production and affect the way the immune system functions. Eating healthily can support the immune system and help you maintain a healthy weight. A diet rich in fiber, fruit, vegetables, and protein can lead to a strong, healthy immune system. Vitamins C, A, and E, as well as iron and zinc, are very important in keeping your immune system healthy.4 Exercise regularly Physical activity prompts antibodies and white blood cells to travel throughout the body more quickly, ready to identify illnesses.4, 5 Exercise that leads to an elevated heart rate can also lead to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced stress and anxiety.4, 5 Limit alcohol and tobacco use Alcohol can weaken the immune system.6 Similarly, the chemicals found in cigarette smoke can have a negative impact. Smoking affects the balance of the immune system and can therefore increase the risk of immune and autoimmune diseases.7

Minimize stress Cortisol, the stress hormone, can boost immunity in small amounts. However, over time, increased cortisol levels can have a negative effect on several parts of the body, including the immune system. Stress also reduces the white blood cells that help fight infection.8 Get your flu shot Vaccines are one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to help prevent and/or reduce the severity of the illness. Keep up to date with all vaccines Immunization prevents disease, disability, and death caused by many types of vaccine-preventable infections. Vaccines work with the body to produce an immune response, without the harmful complications of the disease. They are necessary even in areas where a disease no longer exists.9 Practice good hygiene Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds and using a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze are two of the most important steps in stopping the spread of germs