Things you can do to support your immune system include:
- Get enough sleep - while sleeping, your body produces and releases cytokines – a protein that targets infections.1
- Exercise regularly - physical activity prompts antibodies and white blood cells to travel throughout the body more quickly, ready to identify illnesses.2,3
- Minimize stress - over time, increased cortisol levels can have a negative effect on several parts of the body, including the immune system.4
- Keep up to date with all vaccines - vaccines are one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to help prevent and/or reduce the severity of the illness.
Interested in learning additional tips? Learn more here.
Are you feeling under the weather heading into the winter season?
When you’re feeling unwell, it should be simple to get a diagnosis and possibly a prescription. Don’t worry, with access to Global Telehealth5 through Cigna Envoy® and the Cigna Wellbeing app®6, you can talk to a licensed doctor just about anywhere in the world by phone or video chat.
1. How sleep affects your immunity. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-sleep-affects-your-immunity. Updated April 22, 2022.
2. University of California, How Obesity Can Rewire the Immune System and the Response to Immunotherapy – and How to Change That. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/03/422511/how-obesity-can-rewire-immune-system-and-response-immunotherapy-and-how-change. Updated March 30, 2022.
3. Exercise and immunity. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007165.htm. Reviewed January 29, 2022.
4. Chronic stress puts your health at risk. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037. Updated July 8, 2021.
5. Telehealth services may not be available in all jurisdictions. In general, to be covered by your plan, services must be medically necessary and used for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered condition. Not all prescription drugs are covered and prescriptions are not guaranteed to be written. Providers are solely responsible for any treatment provided and are not affiliated with Cigna. Not all providers have video chat capabilities and video chat may not be available in all areas. Telehealth providers are separate from your health plan’s provider network.
6. The downloading and use of the Cigna Envoy or the Cigna Wellbeing Mobile App is subject to the terms and conditions of the App and the online store from which it is downloaded. Standard mobile phone carrier and data usage charges apply.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with your health care provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing and care recommendations.
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