A month after the first case of Coronavirus disease was diagnosed in Kenya, the health directives that have followed suit have proved expensive but mandatory as efforts to curb the pandemic continue to gain momentum.
However, many people have not factored in their nutritional needs which are similarly important and cannot be ignored as people need to strengthen their immune system.
A Senior Nutrition Nurse at the Karuri Level Four Sub-county Hospital, Mrs. Monica Njeri Kabue, has cautioned that people should not to ignore their health needs, saying it was important to strictly observe a balanced diet so as to prepare the body in case of an attack.
Apart from washing and sanitizing of hands, the nutritionist who spoke to KNA from the Hospital in Kiambaa, Kiambu County, Monday. reiterated the importance of eating a balanced diet, insisting that it must contain vitamins that are very vital to health.
“Consumption of vitamin ‘C’, makes the body improve immunity, meaning it enhances the White blood cells’ ability to fight against any diseases that may attack the body,” she advised.
She says that vitamin ‘C’ is also responsible for development and repairs of body tissues and is also involved in formation of collagen, absorption of iron, wound healing and maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth.
Mrs. Kabue noted that it was important to drink enough water which is similarly crucial, as it keeps the body tissues hydrated and also helps to clean the micro-organisms inhaled by human beings during their day to day activities.
The nutritionist also reminded the residents about maintaining their personal hygiene in their homes reiterating that they should always wash their hands regularly as advised by the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for health, Mr. Mutahi Kagwe.
“It is for your own good to protect yourself by maintain social distance, cover your mouth while sneezing,” she said.
Ms. Kabue made the remarks as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries not to focus too much on the corona pandemic at the expense of other emergencies which can be equally expensive to treat.
A fortnight ago, Health CS Kagwe announced that Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTRH) would only be admitting Covid-19 patients.
By Lydia Shiloya
