Can You Modify Your COVID-19 Risk? The Answer is Yes!

Photo by Edu Lauton on Unsplash

In the world of public health, understanding the timeline of infectious illness is paramount to saving lives and minimizing suffering. In other words, there is an evolution of illness, from an exposure to a latency phase, to symptom development to resolution. It does not take place in a vacuum and some of the ways we fall ill are somewhat predictable. There are numerous tactics to reduce our risks and keep ourselves and our loved ones as safe as possible. Understanding the risk factors, shifting susceptibility, acting swiftly if exposed and taking up supportive treatments when illness occurs and during recovery, can all favorably impact the course of infectious disease.

Though not everyone seems to fully understand, following public health guidelines is imperative: wearing face coverings in public, avoiding large gatherings, frequent handwashing and sufficient testing. Beyond that, there are many places along this timeline, both pre and post-exposure, that are modifiable. We are not strictly passive physical beings with no power against a strongly infectious agent. We have some control in what we do and can take more control with accurate science-based, actionable information. It is also true, that someone can do everything possible, and still fall gravely ill, but it’s important to appreciate that our bodies are built to fight infection when given the right circumstances and time for healing. Let’s take a closer look.

We each have underlying susceptibility based on our genetic inheritance and a slew of previous environmental exposures, choices and experiences which brings us to our unique state of health. When there is exposure to a pathogen, we know that not everyone exposed becomes sick. Likewise, expression of the illness, whatever it may be, looks different for different people. Various organ systems may be impacted, to more or less degree. Some might suffer more on the psycho-emotional realm, and overall, the length and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Likewise, some fully recover, some sadly, are left disabled, or worse, some do not make it through. This reflects individual biochemical response to an offending agent. This is why not everyone gets sick with every exposure to every infectious agent. Most importantly at this moment in time, is to focus on the evidence-based ways to reduce risks. We…