The most common demographic of people who have contracted COVID-19 are Chinese, male, 50+, and smokers.The coronavirus or COVID-19 has active cases throughout the United States. John's Hopkins has an interactive map if you are curious if cases have been confirmed where you live.
Symptoms have included?
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Dry cough
- Extreme cough
- Shortness of breath
- Aches and pains
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Digestion issues
Symptoms have been shown to start gradually and some people are asymptomatic. 80% of people recover from the disease without treatment. People with chronic ailments are most at risk (this includes the elderly and those with a weakened immune system). The death rate is around 2% of people who have contracted coronavirus.
What is coronavirus?
image courtesy of: CDC at unsplash.com
Coronavirus is a virus in the family of SARS, which attacks the respiratory system and also affect the GI tract, liver, kidneys, and heart. The virus creates a "cytokine storm" which is an intense inflammatory response. The "cytokine storm" is the dangerous part of the infection because it can cause damage to blood vessels and organs.
Steps to take to aid your health in addition to those around you:
1. Wash your hands
After being in public places, the subway, the gym, etc., wash your hands. Use hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds, scrub not only your hands, but your wrists. Wash your hands after using the restroom, preparing foods, coughing or sneezing into your hand. If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Boost your immune system
Sleeping has been proven to boost your immune system. A well balanced diet, exercise, drinking water (+ hydrating), moving your body outside (+ breathing fresh air), eat/drink probiotic foods, warm fluids (tea), spend quality time with close friends (laugh), and rest are all known immune boosters.
image courtesy @all_who_wander
3. Supplementation + herbs
image courtesy of @studiokiek
Supplements are a way to also boost your immune system. Common ones to consider are:
- Zinc (30-50 mg)
- Selenium (50-100mcg)
- Vitamin C (1,000 - 1,500 mg)
- Vitamin D3 (2,000 - 10,000 IU)
- Elderberry (600 - 1,500 mg)
- Ferulic acid (500-1,000 mg)
- Lipoic acid (1,200 - 1800 mg) *take this OR ferulic acid*
- Spirulina (15g or 100mg PCB)
- NAC (1,200 - 1,800 mg)
- Yeast beta-glucans (250-500 mg)
Also consider: raw garlic, mushroom blends, echinacea, and ginger/lemon/garlic/honey tea (or any combination).
Do NOT take supplements without consulting your primary care doctor. These are all recommendations, please take caution while taking these supplements. Note: for children dosage will change. Do not take supplements long term, these are meant to be a temporary immune enhancing modulation.
4. If you are sick stay home
The risk of infection spreading is based on aersol transmission. Because the elderly and immune-compromised people are most at risk with coronavirus. Similarly, if you have travel plans, consider not traveling. Stay grounded and work on boosting your immune system and staying healthy. Not risking exposing yourself is of great importance.
5. Come up with a plan
If you live in a city and do not want to stay there if it shuts down, considering outlining a way to get out. Note that most public transit may not be functioning.
- Do not panic-- if you're buying masks or herbs or food, do not over-buy. This adds to the panic mentality.
- Have enough food at hand for a week or a month
- Refill your prescriptions (again have a week or a month at hand)
- Talk with your friends and family about their plans.
- Ask your employers if you are able to work from home & what is their plan.
6. Doctors
Talk with your doctors (acupuncturists, naturopaths, therapists, etc.), discuss supplementation, and decrease your stress-load. Stress is an immune suppressant! Make sure you feel cared for and able to help yourself, family, and close friends at this time. We are here to hear you and support you too!
Many thanks to: @miller_acupuncture, https://www.miller-acupuncture.com/ and @dr_markiwanicki, https://drmarkiwanicki.com/ for helpful information.
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