People with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable as the novel coronavirus continues to spread. Northwestern University’s Melinda Ring explains how not all immune systems are created equal – and how that puts some people at risk.

There are times when taking a supplement can be very useful, such as during pregnancy or to address a clear nutrient deficiency. But for healthy adults who are worried about the coronavirus, eating a nutritious diet and getting proper sleep and exercise are the best ways to strengthen your immune system, said Linda Van Horn, chief of nutrition in the department of preventive medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“I wouldn’t plan a summer vacation at this point … as far as having to put money on the table,” said Northwestern University infectious diseases expert Dr. Robert Murphy. “In the next two to three weeks, we’re going to have a much better handle on the trajectory of this epidemic in the United States.”

Because of the new coronavirus, this year students live streamed the match at Loyola and at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine too.

It’s been, what, three days of self-isolation for a large number of Chicagoans and people are already feeling antsy.

The good news is that social distancing doesn’t mean we all need to hunker down indoors. It’s OK to go outside, with a few major caveats, said Dr. Robert Murphy, director of the Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“Humans are wired to be social creatures, and that’s how we cope when a big disaster happens,” said Judith Moskowitz, a professor of medical social science at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Now, we’re being told to cope with this by staying away from each other.”

Officials across the country curtailed many elements of American life to fight the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, with health officials recommending that groups of 50 or more don’t get together and a government expert saying a 14-day national shutdown may be needed.

Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University, said he was “appalled” by what he saw Saturday at nearby O’Hare.

The lead author, Dr. Simin Mahinrad, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern, said it is important to know not only how high blood pressure is, but also for how long it has been high. “Identifying people at risk at earlier stages is important,” she said. “Old age may be too late.”

Constant COVID-19 updates can naturally lead to a heightened sense of stress and anxiety.

If you find yourself weighed down by the constant coverage of the virus, there are ways to lighten your load mentally. Stewart Shankman, Chief of Psychology at Northwestern University, shared some tips with WGN Morning News on how to manage virus-related anxiety.

Online purchases of toilet paper have nearly doubled and non-perishable items like canned goods rose nearly 70% during the January and February period, according to Adobe Analytics.
“This is a big time of anxiety, and we know the biggest source of anxiety is uncertainty,” says Stewart Shankman, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University. “People are trying to get a sense of control by buying things you really don’t need. It’s a false sense of control.”