Reducing Toxic Exposure to Mitigate COVID-19 Severity

Public health officials have focused on one specific aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and how to combat it with a vaccine. However, many issues are at play that go far beyond a single virus or this single pandemic. Humans encounter viruses every day. Some will make us sick, some will not.

What determines who gets sick from which virus is a complex issue involving genetics and toxic stressors that weaken your immune system. The toxic stressors may be biological, physical, or chemical in nature. They interfere with your immune system’s ability to fight viruses. As we begin to understand more about the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial to also take a look at these toxic stressors that can lead to illness.

Exposure to toxic substances needs more attention and research targeting how they contribute to the spread of a pandemic. Pandemics are frequently seen as only a virology problem. Toxicology is typically disregarded. It’s time to end this practice.

A robust, healthy immune system, free from exposure to toxins, is a crucial component to fighting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus is particularly adept at exploiting a weakened immune system that leads to a severe case of COVID-19.

Viruses are here to stay

Vaccines may help in fighting a pandemic, but we must also realize that viruses are all around us. They are here to stay. It is impossible to create a vaccine, or another type of injection, for every dangerous virus. Researchers have identified approximately 263 viruses from 25 virus families that are known to infect humans. In addition, researchers have identified over 1,100 viruses found in humans and animals. Still, this snapshot of the virus ecosystem is just that – a snapshot.