What to know about COVID-19

COVID-19 dominates media headlines, I wanted to offer a naturopathic perspective. Patients and friends are curious as to how concerned I am about this new virus and what steps we can take individually and as a community to keep ourselves healthy.

What is COVID-19?
While coronaviruses are not new, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a little different than previous coronaviruses we have encountered. The scientific community is working hard to better understand this virus and how to stop the spread. At this point, the research indicates that COVID-19 is not mutating, meaning that it is a single virus (as compared to the 1200 influenza viruses estimated to be circulating the US) and it is unclear if it will become a seasonal outbreak. While most people exposed will not develop serious symptoms, it is in everyone’s best interest to work together to stop the spread of this virus.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and respiratory difficulties. Everybody responds differently to the virus, so for some, it may be as mild as a sore throat or simply a dry cough, while others may experience headache, or digestive upset. Unless you are medically compromised, COVID-19 should not be a serious issue. However, COVID-19 is more likely than the flu virus to progress to pneumonia, specifically in the lower lung, which is particularly dangerous to those with preexisting lung conditions such as asthma or a history of smoking or vaping. Current mortality rates for this virus is around 2-3% of the total population.

How likely am I to be exposed?
Experts believe the COVID-19 has been in Washington State for weeks and is anticipated to continue to spread. We know that coronavirus is spread person to person through air droplets, and evidence suggests that it may be spread through contaminated surfaces as well. The likelihood of encountering it is high, but there is a lot you can do to prevent yourself from being infected or having serious symptoms if you are.

What can I do to prevent myself from getting sick?
The best prevention is to keep your body healthy and practice good hygiene.
• Wash your hands frequently with hot, soapy water for at
least 20 seconds, being sure to clean under your fingernail as well.
• Sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow.
• Wash surfaces frequently, or at least spray them down.
Bleach and ammonia are harmful to the lungs (making us more susceptible to airborne viruses!) so homemade cleansers with vinegar (5% acetic acid) and essential oils such as thyme, lemon, or lavender are options. Allow the spray to sit for 60 seconds after spraying before wiping off.

• Supporting your immune system by eating whole foods and a rainbow of vegetables, staying hydrated, and adding nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc helps you ward off viruses.

• A high-quality multivitamin and probiotics are often helpful as well.

• The world of botanical medicine has a lot to offer in helping our bodies with viruses.

o Fire cider is one of my favorite homemade anti-vital options, 1 Tbs daily, https://herbalachia.com/fire-cider-recipe/
o Elderberry at 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day https://drappleseed.com/ is another great choice along with medicinal mushrooms, https://www.realmushrooms.com/
o Our immune system functions best when we are well-rested and not stressed. Take time to rest and challenge the anxiety surrounding COVID-19 with meditation or your preferred stress management technique (conscious breathing, yoga, walks in nature)

What if I have symptoms?
If you experiencing symptoms, the most important thing to do for your health and the health of the community is to practice good hygiene and stay at home until your symptoms resolve. These symptoms can indicate a wide array of illnesses including the seasonal flu or common cold and unless you are experiencing severe symptoms going to a hospital is more likely to increase the risk to yourself and others than offer benefit. Pharmaceutical medicines are not well suited for addressing viruses.
Support your body with hydrotherapy such as warming sock treatment (https://www.heartlandnaturopathic.com/coldsock.htm) or wet sheet wraps, to support your immune system. If you experience symptoms more extreme than your usual response or live with somebody who is immune-compromised, contact your doctor.

Times such as these it is important to find support in ensuring our health. Taking time for focusing on the foundations of health and listening to your body will help keep you and your community healthier. Please reach out if you feel you need more support during this time. Stay well!

For more specific information, refer to my summary, Strategies for viruses and lung support