How do I naturally boost my immunity?

Understanding the role of nutrition in preventing infections

- CHESHIRE QUE, RND, RN, RD

It has been almost six years since the world went into chaos due to the unprecedented attack of Covid-19. The pandemic left so many of us shaken and even traumatized. Losing loved ones to the dreaded disease and or getting infected and surviving yet suffering the long-term effects of the viral infection can scare us for life.

Now comes the threat of the Nipah virus. Nipah is not a new kid on the block.

It has been present for many years. It can be fatal and occurs approximately every year in parts of Asia, specifically Bangladesh and India, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nipah virus can be spread from person to person, but mainly by fruit bats, with an around 40 to 70 percent mortality rate. To date, there is no known cure or vaccine available for the said virus.

Should we panic now? Is this going to be another Covid-19 or worse? In a social media post made on Jan. 28, 2026, by Dr. Edsel Salvana, a fellow columnist at The Manila Bulletin and medical expert specializing in infectious diseases, clarified that there are no suspected local cases so far and that Nipah has a low pandemic potential owing to the fact that it is not efficiently transmitted between humans.

"This is not another Covid-19. No need to panic. Stay alert and listen to reputable agencies like the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for advice, and stay away from fake news. Stay safe!" If you were spared from getting infected by the Covid-19 virus or fortunate enough to have survived the disease, your immune system is tougher than you think. After all, there is no cure for viral infections.