Dear Sir,

It is certain that the potential killer strain of the coronavirus is global, which means that our island should take this threat seriously.

While emphasis has been placed on practising good hygiene principles, keeping the immune system strong and healthy is equally important.

What is the immune system? According to the anatomy and physiology for health professionals, the immune system is a series of cells, chemicals and barriers that protect the body from invasion by pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

How can we keep the immune system strong and healthy? Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, practise good hygiene, take vitamins, especially Vitamin C and, of course, drink an adequate amount of water daily.

What groups are most susceptible to the coronavirus? Persons with respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, persons with sickle-cell anaemia and other blood disorders.

Also included, persons with diabetes, liver or kidney disorders or patients on dialysis and cancer patients.

People whose immune systems are already compromised by illness are at a higher risk. So, while practising good hygiene, let us try and keep the immune system strong.

CYNTHIA DeSILVA

Pembroke