Chronicle readers are concerned about the health of their loved ones and themselves.

We submitted their questions to the SC Departmenbt of Health and Environmental Control .

Media specialist Laura Renwick sent these answers:

1. How can older people like me strengthen our immunity?
Eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, maintain a health weight, don’t smoke, don’t drink in excess, get adequate sleep.

These can all help keep a body’s immune system healthy.

2. If I'm over 60 and get it, what can I expect to feel?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Those 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions are at high-risk for experiencing severe complications from the virus.

We encourage anyone with health concerns to reach out their medical provider for guidance.

3. How will I know I've recovered and not longer infectious?

It may take 2 weeks for your body to get over the illness for mild cases, or up to 6 weeks for more severe cases.

Symptoms will improve throughout recovery.

People are thought to be most contagious early in the course of their illness, when they are beginning to experience symptoms, especially if they are coughing and sneezing.

4. Will this make me immune to getting reinfected?

This is a new virus that is still being learned about worldwide.

The CDC continues to study covid-19 and learn more about immunity and reinfection associated with it.

If you have health questions, email them to JerryBellune@yahoo.com