COVID – 19 (CV)

Yes, it is spreading. There is widespread panic, which does not help. Mortality is very low: 3% or less. That is very low, And predominantly those over 50, especially 70 or 80+, or individuals suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes, etc. Children 18 or younger appear not to be infected or, if so, they suffer only mild flu. There is to date, no vaccine, despite frantic research. Once there is one, it will need trials that will last months.

SYMPTOMS

The most common initial symptoms are fever (98%) and dry cough (77%). Of course, if you have those two, you are still unlikely to have a CV, but it is good to be aware.

• Fever (~90%)
• Dry cough (~70%)
• Fatigue (~40%)
• Phlegm (~30%)
• Shortness of breath (~20%)
• Sore throat, headache, joint pains (all ~15%)
• Nausea/vomiting, nasal or eye congestion, diarrhea, coughing up blood (~5-10%)

Dry cough without a runny nose. It begins with a dry, sore throat lasting 3-4 days. Then the lungs can be affective, causing pneumonia with an unpleasant sensation like drowning in water.

DIAGNOSIS

Testing is available in many places and more by the day.

IF YOU ARE CV+

In the very unlikely event that you have the illness, unless the symptoms are severe, you will likely be sent home to self-quarantine. So far that period is 14 days.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EXPOSURE?

Do not panic! It is very unlikely that you will die from it. If you do find yourself in extreme anxiety about CV, I recommend taking homeopathic Medicine.

REMEMBER HYGIENE FIRST!

• It is wise to PASS ON HANDSHAKING during this time.
• WASH your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sounds corny.
• Be sure to wash before and after eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Wash nails and nailbeds, thumbs, wrists, and between your fingers.
• If you cannot find soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• VERY IMPORTANT- Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth, and face. This is challenging, because we typically touch our nose/moth ~90 times a day without knowing it! But I have read that the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes.
• Face masks are not currently being recommended, except for health-care providers. But stay informed because that could change.
• Avoid contact with people who are sneezing and coughing.
• Stay home and avoid public places if the epidemic comes to your area.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, throw into the garbage, and wash/disinfect your hands.
• Should you use latex/nitrile gloves, along with hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. If these two are advised, they will likely fly off the shelves.
• The virus can remain active on fabric for 6-12 hours but should be killed using normal laundry detergent. The virus can remain active on metal for at least 12 hours, so it makes sense to me to use an alcohol wipe on metal surfaces like airplane tray tables.
• Sanitize hard surfaces such as cell phones and computers if they are used in public. Wipe/disinfect your cell phone with alcohol swabs 2-3xday.
• Better yet is to avoid airports, air travel, public transportation till the epidemic passes. But that is not possible for many of us.
• Use a hand sanitizer, after washing your hands well, after being in public places.
• I have also read that gargling with Betadine or Salt mix warm water could help.

TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS:

The most common way of becoming infected is by touching things in public, so wash your hands frequently. Some say that the virus is heat-sensitive and recommend washing hands with hot water and drinking hot liquids. Because the cell size of the virus is large, any normal mask, not only the N95 should be able to filter it out. Stay tuned to the latest reports to see whether wearing a mask is necessary. If someone sneezes in front of you, the virus can remain airborne for 10 feet. These means don’t get closer than that to someone who maybe infected.

STAY CALM AND LIVE AS NORMAL A LIFE AS POSSIBLE

Panicking doesn’t help anyone, neither you nor those around you. Remember to:

• Breathe (not breathing will kill you faster than any epidemic)!
• Remember to exercise (you can always walk, even if you don’t go to your gym).
• Eat a healthy diet that is as organic and natural as possible.
• Meditate, do what you love, surround yourself with community, loved ones, pets..
• Try not to binge eat or drink to relieve stress.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES AND OTHER NATURAL IMMUNE BOOSTERS

Do you know that homeopathy gained its name to fame during 1918 flu epidemic?

I recommend that my patients and family members take a dose of Influenzinum 200C & Ars Alb 30C preventively. The best homeopathic prevention is to be taking your individualized constitutional remedy, which strengthens, protects and supports your vital force. If you develop any acute symptoms, please schedule an acute consultation with me as soon as possible. Some of the main homeopathic remedies for flu, including Coronavirus, are Camphor, Phosph, Bryo, Puls, Gels, NV, etc.

I have read that this virus is not heat-resistant above 81F (27C). If that is the case, hot drinks are preferable to cold or iced drinks. From a naturopathic and homeopathic point of view, it is far better to stimulate your immune system to heal rather than to suppress with fever-reducing drugs such as aspirin or acetaminophen. You’re vital force is intelligent and will do all that it can to mount an immune response and heal you. If you have a fever or other acute symptom, contact me. Even though there are a handful of remedies that are being suggested by homeopaths, if some of these symptoms arise, there are SO many other possible remedies that might fit you better. You can contact me for help. If you do have symptoms, meet Homeopathic doctor, to get the best acute remedy for you at that time.

Remember: homeopathy gained its claim to fame, historically, in widespread, often fatal epidemics. All of you, no doubt, are being barraged by information about the Coronavirus and its effects worldwide! My intention with this blog is to inform, reassure, and to empower.

First: sit down, take a deep breath, know that you and you are loved ones will likely get through this epidemic healthy and relieved, and take in all of this with calmness and optimism. It is hard to keep up with all the new information that is coming out, so be sure to educate yourselves ongoing. What appears here may not be the latest information 2 weeks or 2 months from now.

My General Recommendations to My Patients

• Follow the latest guidelines regarding hygiene, social distancing, and self-protection.
• We have no idea how long this will last. The repercussions, health-wise, economically, societally, is enormous and rapidly changing.
• Take special precautions if you are over 65 or if your health is compromised.
• This a very important time to eat well, exercise regularly, continue your program of nutritional supplements (especially Vitamin D 5000 IU for two weeks then 2000 IU/day; Zinc 20mg/day, Vitamin C 1000mg 3xd; immune support, and any others you normally take). Enjoy lots of organic fruits and veggies, fermented foods, whole grains, and dairy unless you are vegan, minimal processed/refined foods, and lots of water and herb tea.

I suggest that you have on hand plenty of Vitamin C and Zinc in case you do develop symptoms of CV.