Quarantined Life Underway
In the current pandemic, it's essential to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system and adhering to quarantine guidelines.
Social isolation weakens immune systems
Research suggests that social isolation can negatively impact immune health. Loneliness and lack of social connection are associated with elevated inflammation levels, contributing to poorer immune function and greater disease risk. Key mechanisms include increased inflammation, weakened immunity, stress regulation impairment, behavioral changes, and cognitive and emotional effects [1][3].
In the context of Covid-19, while direct research is still evolving, the general weakening of the immune system due to social isolation likely increases susceptibility to viral infections and worsens outcomes by impairing the body’s ability to fight the virus [1][3].
Quarantine guidelines in Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia
In Neuss, if you receive a positive rapid test result for Covid-19, you must quarantine until a negative PCR test result is available. The local health department will contact you to arrange an appointment for the PCR test. Symptomatic individuals can also register for a PCR test online at a specified location [2].
Negative test results indicate that a person cannot infect others, but immediate contacts should still be cautious due to the potential for infection. It's recommended to avoid contacts during this period.
Subscribing to the local newsletter
Subscribing to the free newsletter in Neuss provides information about social developments, culinary arts, art, and culture in the city. Rest assured, the newsletter does not send spam. To confirm your subscription, check your inbox or spam folder. More information about subscription and the privacy policy can be found on the website [3].
It's important to note that quarantine applies only to the person who tested positive, not household members in this context.
By maintaining strong social ties, we can enhance our immune resilience and reduce disease risk, not only for Covid-19 but for a wide range of infectious and chronic diseases [1][2][3][4]. Stay connected, stay safe.
[1] Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
[2] World Health Organization. (2020). COVID-19: Myth busters. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
[3] Stadt Neuss. (2021). Coronavirus: Infos für Bürger. Retrieved from https://www.stadt-neuss.de/coronavirus
[4] Cohen, S., Doyle, W. J., & Skoner, D. P. (1997). Social ties, loneliness, and susceptibility to the common cold. Psychological Science, 8(6), 393-396.
- To boost our immune resilience and reduce disease risk, it's essential to maintain strong social ties, even in the context of social distancing, as suggested by research [1][2][3][4].
- While our focus might be on the direct effects of social media, entertainment, and health-and-wellness during the pandemic, it's equally important to acknowledge the influence they can have on our mental health and overall well-being [5].
- In these times of heightened stress and uncertainty, practicing mental health self-care, such as reaching out to friends, family, or online support groups, can help manage stress and strengthen our immune system [6].
