Currently we are battling with the outbreak of a new type of infectious disease known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus causes severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The spread of SARS-CoV-2 from human to human becomes the main transmission source; hence the rate of transmission becomes uncontrolled. One effort to prevent the infection of Covid-19 is to increase and maintain the body immunity.

 

The purpose of this study was to describe the efforts of housewives in Indonesia to improve the immunity of family members during the pandemic of Covid-19. Data was collected through online questionnaires using Google Form distributed to the public. The respondents of this study were 170 housewives from several regions in Indonesia. Data were analyzed descriptive-quantitatively.

 

The result revealed that housewives attempt to increase and maintain the immunity of the family members by various efforts.  Vast majority (70%) of respondents mentioned that they were preparing fresh vegetables and fruits for the family.  They were also preparing high-protein foods and providing vitamins and supplements as stated by 56.9% and 57.5% of respondents respectively. The interesting finding was half of respondents (52.5%) making herbal drinking (known as jamu) for their family. This herbs drinking were made from Indonesian plants, such as turmeric, curcuma, ginger, lemongrass, lime, etc. It was only a few of housewives (7.8%) who did not do special effort for their family. It can be concluded that housewives have significant contribution to maintain the good immunity of family members as an effort to survive during the pandemic Covid-19.