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Published on: Oct 28, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

COVID: A Reminder To Stay Safe

COVID: A reminder to stay safe

As we approach the second wave of COVID, we need to remain vigilant with our actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are continuously reminded about wearing a mask in public, maintaining socially distant, and not engaging in risky behavior such as large gatherings. But today we will focus on other forms of transmission. COVID is primarily transmitted by airborne droplets, but spreading the infection through infected surfaces is still feasible. Here we will look at three articles that investigate this mode of transmission.

SARS-COV-2 Survives for 28 days on surfaces

This study by Australian scientists has found that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days. The team investigated using the same amounts of virus found on infected individuals, interacting with surfaces such as cotton, paper, stainless steel, glass, and vinyl. Such materials were chosen as they represent commonly touched objects such as mobile phones, ATMs, supermarket checkout regions, items that may not be cleaned regularly enough. Previous research showed the virus could be detected in aerosols for up to three hours, and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days.

This study found the virus may survive as long as a week on most surfaces, with enough potency to re-infect. Even after two weeks, there were still plenty of detectable viruses. On other surfaces such as banknotes, the virus could survive as long as a month. The survival of the virus is also potentiated by colder temperatures. The virus is far less likely to survive at 30C than at 6 C, a worrying finding for countries currently approaching winter.

Survival of SARS-CoV 2 on the human skin

We know our skin is host to millions of different bacteria and viruses, but the conditions created by the body alongside the degree of microbial competition actually makes it quite a hostile environment for pathogenic microbes. Hirose et al looked to investigate how well the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on human skin, using a model. They found that SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza A virus were destroyed more quickly on the skin than other surfaces such as steel, glass, and plastic. However, COVID lasted over 4x longer on skin compared to Influenza A (9 hours vs 1.8 hours).

More importantly, ethanol compounds were found to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds on human skin. This highlights the importance of regular hand washing, even if with alcohol gel. Taking this in mind, it is useful to keep small bottles of alcohol gel on a person when traveling in public and using it regularly. After all, if you are touching door handles and other items that hundreds of other people may have touched before you, potentially with poor hygiene, it is safer to regularly disinfect.

Low risk of COVID transmission by fomites in real life conditions

Having taken these studies into account, it is quite difficult to quantifiably measure transmission from surface to a person. Knowledge of this transmissibility is quite important, especially to those working in a hospital environment. A review by Mondelli et al published in the prestigious journal The Lancet (Infectious Disease) describes two sequential studies to looking at the possibility of contamination of surfaces in an infectious disease ward of a major Italian hospital, and also whether risk of transmission was higher in emergency rooms and sub-intensive care wards.

These studies found there were very few surfaces in the hospital through which positive swabs could be taken, suggesting contamination was low. Of course the hospitals were running standard cleaning procedures, with regular wipedowns of commonly toughed objects. This again highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene, and how adequate cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

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Immunity Boosting Lifestyle Guide in 2026

A strong immune system is one of the most powerful protections against infections, seasonal illnesses and chronic diseases. In India, with changing lifestyle patterns, stress, pollution and dietary shifts, maintaining immunity has become more important than ever. While supplements and quick fixes are often promoted, long-term immunity is built through consistent lifestyle habits grounded in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, hygiene and preventive health measures.

SecondMedic focuses on data-driven preventive healthcare, helping individuals strengthen immunity naturally through scientific lifestyle changes and continuous health monitoring. This blog offers a comprehensive, India-specific guide to boost immunity effectively.

Understanding Immunity and Why It Matters

Immunity is the body’s defence system made up of cells, tissues and processes that protect against harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins. Strong immunity helps:
• Fight infections efficiently
• Reduce inflammation
• Speed up recovery
• Prevent chronic metabolic diseases

According to the WHO Healthy Eating & Immunity Guidelines, immunity is closely linked to nutrition, sleep, physical activity and stress balance. In India, where lifestyle-related diseases are rapidly increasing, immunity support is essential for long-term health.

India’s Immunity Challenges

1. Changing Diet Patterns

Urban Indian diets increasingly include processed foods, sugary drinks and low-fibre meals.
NFHS-5 reports show rising obesity and nutrient deficiencies among adults and children.

2. High Stress and Sedentary Lifestyle

Long work hours, lack of movement and stress-induced habits weaken immunity over time.

3. Environmental Factors

Pollution and urban crowding increase vulnerability to respiratory issues and infections.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies

ICMR studies indicate widespread deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, iron and zinc—core nutrients for immunity.

These challenges underline the need for simple, consistent habits that support immune function naturally.

Nutrition: The Foundation of Strong Immunity

Indian cuisine offers many immunity-boosting ingredients when used correctly.

1. Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Important for immune cell activity and protection against infections.
Include:
• Amla
• Oranges
• Guava
• Lemon
• Tomatoes
• Capsicum

2. Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Help reduce inflammation and neutralise oxidative stress.
Include:
• Berries
• Green leafy vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Beetroot
• Carrots

3. Indian Super-Spices

Indian spices are known globally for medicinal properties.
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, supports cell repair
• Ginger: Antiviral and digestion-friendly
• Tulsi: Improves respiratory immunity
• Garlic: Natural antibacterial properties
• Cinnamon: Balances blood sugar and immunity

4. Probiotics for Gut Health

A healthy gut supports nearly 70% of immunity (Lancet Nutrition Research India).
Include:
• Curd
• Buttermilk
• Homemade pickles
• Fermented foods

5. Hydration

Water helps detoxify the body and support lymphatic immune circulation.

Exercise: A Natural Immune Booster

Moderate daily exercise improves circulation, reduces inflammation and supports immune cell movement.

Recommended activities:
• 30–45 minutes brisk walking
• Yoga and pranayama
• Strength training 2–3 times a week
• Cycling or swimming
• Stretching and mobility work

WHO guidelines highlight that even 20 minutes of daily movement significantly improves immune resilience.

The Role of Sleep in Immunity

Sleep is essential for immune cell repair and hormone regulation.

Lack of sleep leads to:
• Higher inflammation
• Lower antibody response
• Increased infection risk

Healthy sleep habits:
• 7–8 hours of sleep daily
• Avoiding screens 45 minutes before bed
• Consistent sleep schedule
• Light meals before bedtime

Stress Management for Immunity

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, weakening immune function.

Effective stress-reduction practices:
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Yoga
• Journaling
• Nature walks
• Digital detox periods

A NITI Aayog Preventive Health Report highlights stress as one of the top contributors to lifestyle diseases in India.

Sunlight and Vitamin D

Sunlight exposure for 15–20 minutes daily helps maintain Vitamin D levels, essential for immune health.
ICMR studies show over 70% of urban Indians have Vitamin D deficiency due to indoor lifestyles.

Hygiene and Clean Habits

Simple hygiene practices significantly reduce infections:
• Regular handwashing
• Safe food handling
• Clean drinking water
• Sanitising frequently touched surfaces
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use

Preventive Health Screenings

Regular health check-ups help identify deficiencies or risks early. Important tests include:
• Vitamin levels
• Blood sugar
• Lipid profile
• Thyroid function
• CBC
• CRP (inflammation marker)

SecondMedic also provides preventive risk scoring and remote monitoring for continuous health visibility.

Building a Daily Immunity Routine (India-Specific)

Morning

• Warm water with lemon or turmeric
• Light stretching or walk
• Sunlight exposure
• Seasonal fruit

Afternoon

• Balanced protein-rich lunch
• Hydration
• 10-minute post-meal walk

Evening

• Light yoga or core exercise
• Herbal tea (tulsi/ginger)

Night

• Early dinner
• Digital detox
• 7–8 hours of sleep

Conclusion

Immunity is built through consistent, science-backed lifestyle habits that include good nutrition, restful sleep, balanced activity, stress control and preventive health monitoring. With Indian diets and environmental conditions, simple routine changes can significantly strengthen immunity over time.

SecondMedic supports individuals with personalized immunity profiles, preventive screenings, AI-based nutrition guidance and long-term lifestyle monitoring to help build resilient health.

References

• ICMR Nutrition & Diet Study – Immune Function and Micronutrient Status in India
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare & Lifestyle Disease Management Report
• Lancet Nutrition Research India – Role of Micronutrients in Immunity
• WHO Healthy Eating & Immune System Guidelines
• Statista India Wellness & Immunity Trends Report
• EY-FICCI Report on Digital Preventive Healthcare Adoption

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