The chapter defines the importance of immunity against COVID-19. The
chapter describes the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and the way the body fights
back and shows its immune response against the pathogen. Factors affecting immunity
include ageing and obesity. The effect of the age factor has been visible in the suffering
due to the coronavirus. The chapter also describes the nutritional factors that could
boost immunity and enhance the immune response of the body against COVID-19. The
major nutritional elements comprise vitamins and micronutrients, responsible for the
biosynthesis of amino acids and strengthening of the defence system of the body.
Natural products also play an important role in the enhancement of immunity against
the coronavirus. The phytoconstituents present in plants play an active biochemical role
in controlling COVID-19 symptoms. Vaccination has also helped in gaining acquired
immunity against the COVID-19 pathogen and helped in developing herd immunity as
well.
Keywords: COVID-19, Immunity, Immunopathogenesis, Herd Immunity, Micronutrients, Phytoconstituents, Vaccination, Vitamins.
