Tips for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.

A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Tips to support immune health:

Wash your hands.

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The best way to prevent Coronavirus is to be mindful of washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Use antimicrobial wipes and sprays when necessary.

Additionally, we recommend staying away from large crowds and practicing social distancing when possible.

Start with the basics of
immune health:

Sleep: make it a priority to get 8 hours of sleep nightly; sleep is essential for immune function and a lack of sleep can result in a lowered ability to fight off infections.

Stress: stress also inhibits the immune system. Use meditation, breath work or other stress-relieving practices as needed and be mindful of your exposure to stress-inducing sources such as news and social media.

Food: increase foods including non-starchy veggies, fruit, fish, whole grains, and sprouts. Avoid sugar and processed foods which increase inflammation and down-regulate the immune system.

Hydration: aim to drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces daily (up to 100 oz.). Water is a fundamental part of the immune system and is required to transport and eliminate toxins out of the body.

Move daily: 30 minutes of any type of movement daily to keep the lymph moving which supports immune function.

Supplement disclaimer: Please consult your practitioner before taking any of the recommended supplements below. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are having severe symptoms, please visit your local ER.

We recommend getting your supplements from reputable sources such as Fullscript. Our patients can get these supplements from Fullscript and many can also be found at Village Green Apothecary in Bethesda, MD. The links included below are through Amazon. We encourage you to check that the seller of any supplement you buy on Amazon is the actual company.

Vitamins that support immune function:

Vitamin C is involved in the production of immune cells and is necessary for immune health.
Both oral supplementation and IV nutrition (available at CIH) are helpful.
Take 2,000-10,000 mg daily or to bowel tolerance in either powder, capsule or liposomal forms.

Zinc Picolinate also plays a role in immune health and can lower susceptibility to infections.
We recommend starting with 15mg daily.

Vitamin D3 is essential for immune function, helping to up-regulate the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. We recommend taking 1,000IU daily for maintenance.

Herbs with anti-viral properties:

Oil of Oregano
by Designs for Health: Take 1 capsule 2 times per day for prevention.
Take 2 capsules 3 times per day while experiencing symptoms. (Available at CIH)

Black Elderberry
by Gaia Herbs: Take 1 capsule 2 times daily between meals for prevention.
Take 2 capsules 2 times daily while experiencing symptoms.

Takuna
by Nutramedix: For acute viral infections*: 30-60 drops added to 4oz of water, take every 30-60 minutes for the first 4-6 hours and/or until symptoms subside, then taper to 60 drops every 2 hours for day 2, 60 drops every 4 hours for day 4, and then every 8 hour for 1 week AFTER feeling better. *Dose for adults. (Available at CIH)

Astragalus
by Gaia herbs: Adults take 2 capsules 2 times daily between meals while experiencing symptoms.

Mushrooms: Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake, Lion’s Mane
Staments 7 Immune Support by Host Defense: 2 capsules daily with or without food.

What to do if you have symptoms:

According to the CDC:

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

For mild symptoms such as fever and cough, the CDC recommends that you:

  • Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.

  • Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.

  • Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

If you have severe symptoms, go to ER (not Urgent Care, as the ER is better equipped). We recommend calling ahead of time to ensure that the ER is prepared.

Please visit the CDC website for additional tips of what to do when you are feeling sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html

Andrew WongComment