| What We Know About Covid-19 & Steps To Take To Prepare |
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| Unless you’ve been living off the grid for the last few months, you have undoubtedly been hearing a lot about the new Coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China, also known as Covid-19. Now that there are about 80 confirmed cases in the United States, we’ve been receiving many questions from patients about it, what can be done to prevent it and what to do if you do get sick. The constant media coverage can cause a lot of panic, so hopefully we can provide some clarity without the fear-mongering. Some common-sense precautions are important to take, but keep in mind that the flu has killed more people this winter than this new coronavirus, so while we should all be taking measures, just as we would during a bad flu season, there’s no reason to fear an apocalypse. |
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| First, the good news | | This article from an infectious disease specialist cites the following as 2 reasons for optimism: 1. The disease is mild in most people who get it. “At least 80%, most likely more, won’t have an illness bad enough to warrant hospitalization.” 2. Children seem particularly protected from severe coronavirus disease. In an article looking at the demographics of those who contract the disease, and those who fall most ill with it, a report from Chinese CDC was cited saying that, of the diagnosed cases at that time (February 11th) only 1.2% of cases were in teens, and only 0.9% were in kids 9 or younger. “As of Feb. 11 there were 549 cases in that age group […] Only one had died.” Finally, Covid-19 seems to be less severe in pregnant women, a usually vulnerable population, which is another cause for relief. |
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| Those most at risk | | · Covid-19 seems to hit the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions the hardest. The risk of fatality is highest in those 80 and over, likely related to the strength or weakness of the respiratory system, the presence of other pre-existing conditions, and overall health status. The high fatality rate of Covid-19 in already sick people might be due to an exacerbation of the underlying disease, not due to complications from the virus itself.” China CDC’s analysis of 44,672 patients found that the fatality rate in patients who reported no other health conditions was 0.9%. It was 10.5% for those with cardiovascular disease, 7.3% for those with diabetes, 6.3% for people with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, 6.0% for people with hypertension, and 5.6% for those with cancer.”· Men appear more at risk than women, but this could be more closely tied to lifestyle factors than biology. This article about the Breakdown of coronavirus risk by demographic factors highlighted the difference in fatality rates: 1.7% for women and 2.8% for men, according to China CDC. Another source attributed these numbers to the fact that smoking is much more prevalent in China among men than in women, and increases the risks of respiratory complications. So, though we do not know for sure if it is the cause of the discrepancy of risk based on sex, the evidence suggests it’s yet another reason to quit smoking if you do. |
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| Prevention | Optimize your Vitamin D and Zinc levels · You may be wondering “Can’t I just get vitamin D from the sun?” But, according to this publication out of Harvard University , aside from the summer months, your body makes little if any vitamin D from the sun if you live at latitudes above 37 degrees north (the grey shaded area in the picture), and even in the summer, 80% of your body must be exposed for at least 15 minutes in order to produce vitamin D from sun exposure. Suffice it to say, if you live in Richmond, VA or above, you need a vitamin D supplement. · Similarly, zinc is incredibly important for normal immune function, and deficiency is actually quite common. According to the Linus Paling Institute, there are many factors that may put individuals at an increased risk for zinc deficiency: children and adolescents, those who adhere to a vegan/vegetarian diet or who consume a diet high in phytates (grains and legumes), pregnant or lactating women, those with malabsorbtion issues due to celiac disease or short bowel syndrome, those with irritable bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, those who consume large amounts of alcohol, as well as older adults (65+). “Inadequate zinc status in elderly subjects is not uncommon and is thought to exacerbate the age-related decline in immune function”. As the Coronavirus outbreak is proving most dangerous for older adults, we recommend that population in particular supplement with zinc picolinate, but it is important to optimize in all populations. Dr. Rothfeld recommends taking Transfer Factor Multi Immune, as well Monolaurin as a baseline for daily immune support · Multiple clinical studies indicate Transfer Factor Multi Immune has a very positive impact on natural killer cell function, which is the front line of the immune system. The overall product (transfer factor, herbs, mushrooms, colostrum, zinc, selenium) promotes a healthy response to viral assaults. Suggested Dosing: 3 caps once daily for general support, 3 caps 3 times a day in acute situations. · Studies show that Monolaurin has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. “Monolaurin is known to inactivate lipid-coated viruses by binding to the lipid-protein envelope of the virus, thereby preventing it from attaching and entering host cells, making infection and replication impossible.[12] Other studies show that Monolaurin disintegrates the protective viral envelope, killing the virus.[13][14] Suggested Dosing: 1, twice a day Stock your medicine cabinet and pantry with the essentials in case you get sick, or in case there are interruptions due to the virus, such as store closures. · If we do face a massive outbreak such as the one in Wuhan, China, health officials are telling people to prepare to have several weeks of supplies on hand, should we be asked to stay home for two or three weeks. Don’t panic, but do prepare. Imagine we were predicted to get hit with a massive blizzard, and start to stock up on supplies accordingly. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially before eating or after going to the bathroom, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth |
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| If you get sick | | · Stay home except to get medical care· Increase your dosage of Transfer Factor Multi Immune to 3 capsules 3 times per day; and Monolaurin to 1 capsule 3 times per day · Add an acute immune support product such as Coryza Forte or Viracid to your routine · Come in for a Vitamin C IV or Immune Booster Intramuscular injection at the first sign of symptoms · If you follow us on Instagram, you may have seen this article already (linked in our bio) that we posted last week about IV-C and it’s potential efficacy against the Coronavirus. Much like sepsis, it seems some of the most severe symptoms of Coronavirus actually come from an immune overreaction to the virus resulting in something called a “cytokine storm” that tears through lung tissue. Vitamin C seems to be able to interrupt this process. · Wear a face mask if you must be around other people · Wash your hands regularly · Always cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze · For more of the CDC’s recommendations, click here |
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| Stay healthy!For updates, follow us on social media |
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