Behavioral strategies to prevent and mitigate COVID-19 infection

Abstract

The single stranded RNA virus SARS-CoV-2 has caused a massive addition to the already leading global cause of mortality, viral respiratory tract infections. Characterized by and associated with early and deleteriously enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory epithelial cells, severe COVID-19 illness has the potential to inflict acute respiratory distress syndrome and even death. Due to the fast spreading nature of COVID-19 and the current lack of a vaccine or specific pharmaceutical treatments, understanding of viral pathogenesis, behavioral prophylaxis, and mitigation tactics are of great public health concern. This review article outlines the immune response to viral pathogens, and due to the novelty of COVID-19 and the large body of evidence suggesting the respiratory and immune benefits from regular moderate intensity exercise, provides observational and mechanistic evidence from research on other viral infections that suggests strategically planned exercise regimens may help reduce susceptibility to infection, while also mitigating severe immune responses to infection commonly associated with poor COVID-19 prognosis. We propose that regular moderate intensity exercise should be considered as part of a combinatorial approach including widespread hygiene initiatives, properly planned and well-executed social distancing policies, and use of efficacious facial coverings like N95 respirators. Studies discerning COVID-19 pathogenesis mechanisms, transfer dynamics, and individual responses to pharmaceutical and adjunct treatments are needed to reduce viral transmission and bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19: Implications for Physical Activity, Health Disparities, and Health Equity

“…56 Evidence also suggests that prolonged and intense exercise before or during infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially among those who are not regularly active. 5 Importantly, physical activity reduces the frequency of viral infections. 56,57 Thus, evidence supports an expectation that moderate-intensity physical activity may reduce severity of COVID-19 infections.…”

Analysis of Young People’s Physical Activity in East Java During the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Other findings also concluded that one of the behavioral strategies to prevent and reduce COVID-19 infection is to regularly perform physical activities with moderate intensity and always maintain health protocols such as masks [22]. Although a large number of studies have shown that increasing the power of training suppresses the immune system and increases the rate of viral infection [23], two recent studies report that highintensity interval training (HIIT) does not have an inhibitory effect on immune function [24], [25].…”

COVID-19 countermeasures of Chinese national athletes: Prevention, treatment, and return to play

“…So far, no specific antiviral drugs for COVID-19 exist. 6 The mainstay recommended treatments for COVID-19 are as follows: Maintain the autoimmunity of the patients; provide supportive therapies based on clinical symptoms, including oxygen inhalation, supplementation of fluid, nutrition enhancement, immunoregulatory treatment, fever management, and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. If the patients also have combined bacterial infections, concomitant use of antibiotic drugs is used with early symptomatic treatment usually achieving a better prognosis.…”