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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
3 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Developing A Vaccine For COVID-19? Part 1

It is often stated vaccination has made the greatest contribution to global health of any human discovery, other than clean water and sanitation, and their impact on everyday life is immediately evident. We have managed to completely eradicate two major infections from existence (smallpox and rinderpest) , and the WHO are working towards adding polio to that list.

In these cases the numbers speak for themselves. It is estimated that the eradication of smallpox in 1980 has saved 5 million lives per year, adding up to 150 to 200 million by 2018. Common vaccination programmes for polio, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies and hepatitis A have prevented nearly 200 million cases from occurring in the US alone over the past 50 years, and 4.5 billion instances of the diseases worldwide.

We have achieved a 99% immunisation rate against polio, preventing children from suffering crippling paralysis, and only 3 countries remain. Sadly, around 1.4 million children under 5 still die from preventable diseases each year as they do not have access to these life saving vaccines, but charities and public health organisations around the world are working hard to improve access.

So what are vaccines? And how will they help is in the face of the latest pandemic? Here we will go into the challenges behind making vaccines, and why a vaccine against COVID-19 is unlikely to be ready in the next few months, or even this year.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4024226/ contribution of vaccination

https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/polio/en/ polio eradication

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170303163208.htm study article

WHAT IS A VACCINE

The human body’s immune system is incredibly smart. It is able to distinguish between infective organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, from our own body’s cells, target these invaders for destruction and keep our bodies healthy. Even better, the body remembers any previous infections it has had before, recognise these previous infections even quicker and even eradicate the disease before we know we are infected.

Vaccines target the immune system’s memory by presenting them with pieces of these infective diseases. The small amounts do not cause any infective symptoms, but if the person is infected later in life their body will mount a quicker response and prevent them from falling ill. These vaccines can contain broken up parts of the organisms, “dead” organisms or “live” versions that have been severely weakened so they cannot cause any harm.

In summary, medicines treat us when we get an infection. Vaccines make sure we never suffer from an infection in the first place.

https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/making-vaccines/how-are-vaccines-made Making Vaccines

THE HURDLES WE FACE IN RESEARCH

Making a vaccine is a difficult process, one that can take 3–5 years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars, sometimes billions of dollars. This is because there are many difficult steps to be taken in the process of creating a vaccine that is effective, but more importantly one that is safe.

To start with the troubling organism has to be identified. For COVID-19 it took a few weeks to recognise the virus responsible, and some time more to understand its genetic code and grow the virus in lab conditions. We then have to understand the virus, how it infects, how it causes symptoms, and how it has mutated compared to the coronaviruses responsible for SARS and MERS.

After this, we have to isolate parts of the virus our immune system will recognise. This is usually the outside coat of the virus. The DNA responsible for making these parts need to be found in the virus’ genetic code, and put inside other “skeleton” viruses. This will force the dummy virus to look like coronavirus, without the ability to infect and kill someone.

These dummy viruses can be injected into animals to see if it causes an immune reaction, whether the immune system recognises it as the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, and whether it will protect the animal from the real COVID-19. Up to now the research has likely cost a few million dollars. The next step is when the price inflates up to billions.

If the vaccine appears safe in animals, it can be tested in humans. This can be dangerous at first, since we don’t know whether a vaccine that works in an animal will work in a human. And we don’t know if there will be any side effects to the vaccine. Human testing has to be very thorough, very careful, and safe for use. If you give too much of the virus it might make the person sick, too little and it wont immunise the person. These clinical trials can take years, and if the vaccine fails at this point its back to the drawing board, to try another step.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/10/how-to-make-an-ebola-vaccine-5-simplified-steps/454443/ ebola vaccine

Now we have a basic understanding of what vaccines are and why it takes so long to make a vaccine. In the next part we will look at why viral vaccines can cause even more problems, and how far we have come with the COVID-19 vaccine,

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

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Immunity Boosting Lifestyle Guide in 2026

A strong immune system is one of the most powerful protections against infections, seasonal illnesses and chronic diseases. In India, with changing lifestyle patterns, stress, pollution and dietary shifts, maintaining immunity has become more important than ever. While supplements and quick fixes are often promoted, long-term immunity is built through consistent lifestyle habits grounded in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, hygiene and preventive health measures.

SecondMedic focuses on data-driven preventive healthcare, helping individuals strengthen immunity naturally through scientific lifestyle changes and continuous health monitoring. This blog offers a comprehensive, India-specific guide to boost immunity effectively.

Understanding Immunity and Why It Matters

Immunity is the body’s defence system made up of cells, tissues and processes that protect against harmful bacteria, viruses and toxins. Strong immunity helps:
• Fight infections efficiently
• Reduce inflammation
• Speed up recovery
• Prevent chronic metabolic diseases

According to the WHO Healthy Eating & Immunity Guidelines, immunity is closely linked to nutrition, sleep, physical activity and stress balance. In India, where lifestyle-related diseases are rapidly increasing, immunity support is essential for long-term health.

India’s Immunity Challenges

1. Changing Diet Patterns

Urban Indian diets increasingly include processed foods, sugary drinks and low-fibre meals.
NFHS-5 reports show rising obesity and nutrient deficiencies among adults and children.

2. High Stress and Sedentary Lifestyle

Long work hours, lack of movement and stress-induced habits weaken immunity over time.

3. Environmental Factors

Pollution and urban crowding increase vulnerability to respiratory issues and infections.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies

ICMR studies indicate widespread deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, iron and zinc—core nutrients for immunity.

These challenges underline the need for simple, consistent habits that support immune function naturally.

Nutrition: The Foundation of Strong Immunity

Indian cuisine offers many immunity-boosting ingredients when used correctly.

1. Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Important for immune cell activity and protection against infections.
Include:
• Amla
• Oranges
• Guava
• Lemon
• Tomatoes
• Capsicum

2. Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Help reduce inflammation and neutralise oxidative stress.
Include:
• Berries
• Green leafy vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Beetroot
• Carrots

3. Indian Super-Spices

Indian spices are known globally for medicinal properties.
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, supports cell repair
• Ginger: Antiviral and digestion-friendly
• Tulsi: Improves respiratory immunity
• Garlic: Natural antibacterial properties
• Cinnamon: Balances blood sugar and immunity

4. Probiotics for Gut Health

A healthy gut supports nearly 70% of immunity (Lancet Nutrition Research India).
Include:
• Curd
• Buttermilk
• Homemade pickles
• Fermented foods

5. Hydration

Water helps detoxify the body and support lymphatic immune circulation.

Exercise: A Natural Immune Booster

Moderate daily exercise improves circulation, reduces inflammation and supports immune cell movement.

Recommended activities:
• 30–45 minutes brisk walking
• Yoga and pranayama
• Strength training 2–3 times a week
• Cycling or swimming
• Stretching and mobility work

WHO guidelines highlight that even 20 minutes of daily movement significantly improves immune resilience.

The Role of Sleep in Immunity

Sleep is essential for immune cell repair and hormone regulation.

Lack of sleep leads to:
• Higher inflammation
• Lower antibody response
• Increased infection risk

Healthy sleep habits:
• 7–8 hours of sleep daily
• Avoiding screens 45 minutes before bed
• Consistent sleep schedule
• Light meals before bedtime

Stress Management for Immunity

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, weakening immune function.

Effective stress-reduction practices:
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Yoga
• Journaling
• Nature walks
• Digital detox periods

A NITI Aayog Preventive Health Report highlights stress as one of the top contributors to lifestyle diseases in India.

Sunlight and Vitamin D

Sunlight exposure for 15–20 minutes daily helps maintain Vitamin D levels, essential for immune health.
ICMR studies show over 70% of urban Indians have Vitamin D deficiency due to indoor lifestyles.

Hygiene and Clean Habits

Simple hygiene practices significantly reduce infections:
• Regular handwashing
• Safe food handling
• Clean drinking water
• Sanitising frequently touched surfaces
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use

Preventive Health Screenings

Regular health check-ups help identify deficiencies or risks early. Important tests include:
• Vitamin levels
• Blood sugar
• Lipid profile
• Thyroid function
• CBC
• CRP (inflammation marker)

SecondMedic also provides preventive risk scoring and remote monitoring for continuous health visibility.

Building a Daily Immunity Routine (India-Specific)

Morning

• Warm water with lemon or turmeric
• Light stretching or walk
• Sunlight exposure
• Seasonal fruit

Afternoon

• Balanced protein-rich lunch
• Hydration
• 10-minute post-meal walk

Evening

• Light yoga or core exercise
• Herbal tea (tulsi/ginger)

Night

• Early dinner
• Digital detox
• 7–8 hours of sleep

Conclusion

Immunity is built through consistent, science-backed lifestyle habits that include good nutrition, restful sleep, balanced activity, stress control and preventive health monitoring. With Indian diets and environmental conditions, simple routine changes can significantly strengthen immunity over time.

SecondMedic supports individuals with personalized immunity profiles, preventive screenings, AI-based nutrition guidance and long-term lifestyle monitoring to help build resilient health.

References

• ICMR Nutrition & Diet Study – Immune Function and Micronutrient Status in India
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare & Lifestyle Disease Management Report
• Lancet Nutrition Research India – Role of Micronutrients in Immunity
• WHO Healthy Eating & Immune System Guidelines
• Statista India Wellness & Immunity Trends Report
• EY-FICCI Report on Digital Preventive Healthcare Adoption

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