Exercise and Healthy Eating Aren't Enough to Avoid COVID
The Claim
The best way to avoid COVID-19 is to eat healthy, exercise, and let your immune system battle it.
Emerging story
An account by the name of DJ Freedom Rockets originally posted the claim to Twitter on July 30. Then social media users with accounts with the same name posted the screenshot of the tweet and the claim itself to other platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Other accounts that appear to be unrelated to the original poster reposted the claim as it gained traction and high engagement.
Misbar’s Analysis
Healthy eating and exercise are not enough to prevent individuals from contracting the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have for months strongly advised the public to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“COVID 19-vaccines are effective. They can keep you from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines,” one CDC webpage with information on COVID-19 vaccines reads. “COVID-19 vaccines also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.”
The CDC has also identified additional methods to protect against COVID-19, including washing hands frequently with soap and water, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.
There has been one study that suggests people who are less physically active have a higher risk of contracting the disease. But even people who’ve practiced good eating and exercise habits have contracted — and in some cases have died from — the coronavirus.
The CDC does, however, provide guidance that says good nutrition can help individuals cope with stress during the time of the pandemic.
