Quit Smoking and Decrease Alcohol Consumption to Boost Immunity to COVID

In terms of COVID-19 vaccinations, the latest figures from the Ministry of Health show that over two hundred thousand have had at least one dose, and over a hundred and fifty thousand people have received both their jabs. That means only thirty-five percent of our population is fully vaccinated. Dr. Diaz Musa is encouraging everyone eligible to receive their second dose of the AstraZeneca shot to do so because having just one dose of the vaccine does not provide full protection. Even if you missed your appointment a while ago, she says you can still do it. According to Dr Musa, a significant number of people in the Caribbean suffer from underlying health conditions. The percentage in Belize falls between twelve and fifteen percent. For these people, it is even more important that they follow a strict diet to be better able to fight off the Delta variant and if they smoke, now is the time to stop.

Dr. Melissa Musa, Deputy Reg. Health Manager, Central Health Region

“If you are a smoker, please try your best to stop smoking.  We could give advice at the health facilities, how you can go about trying to reduce the amount of cigarettes you smoke and to eventually stop, and as well alcohol – reducing the amount of alcohol that you take in. We know that alcohol in large consumption reduces your immunity as well. You want your system to be robust. You want your immune system to be able to fight off whatever comes your way, so the important thing is get vaccinated and live a healthy life, stay compliant with your medication, ensure that you follow a good diet, and of course, looking after your mental health, taking quiet time, doing meditation, anything that will help you to ensure that you can face your daily activities.”