Coronavirus COVID-19 |
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Coronavirus COVID-19 Facts and Prevention
March 10, 2020, By Suzann. Gage, RN, WHNP, LAc
What is Coronavirus COVID-19?
There is a new coronavirus named COVID-19 which appears to have originated in Wuhan, China around December of 2019. Coronavirus COVID-19 is causing higher rates of serious illness and death than usual in vulnerable people.
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause common respiratory infections including the common cold. Some coronaviruses can cause serious illness, pneumonia, and even death in vulnerable people. Examples of the more deadly coronaviruses include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). People who are more vulnerable to serious illness and death from coronaviruses include older people, especially the elderly, people in poor health, people with various medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions, and weak immune systems, and those with unhealthful lifestyle habits such as smoking (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
Coronavirus-COVID-19 has spread quickly to other countries including the United States. Most people in China who have contracted the virus have recovered. However vulnerable people, especially the elderly, have experienced higher rates of very serious illness, pneumonia, and death. An estimated 2.3% of those who have contracted coronavirus COVID-19 in China have died. Most of the people who have died have been between the age of 40 and 80. In addition, more men in China have died from coronavirus COVI-19 than women. It is believed that this may be due to the fact that 47.6% of Chinese men smoke as compared to only 1.8% of Chinese women. In China, about 80% of those who get coronavirus COVID-19 experience mild flu and recover. Very few children have been seriously affected, and virtually no one under the age of 35 in China has died. (Weintraub, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
How is Coronavirus COVID-19 different from the annual flu virus?
The annual influenza flu virus, which is a different virus than coronavirus, is currently making its way around the world as it does every year. And, every year, thousands of vulnerable people die from the common flu virus. However, the percentage of people who die from the annual flu virus is typically less than 1% or approximately 1 in 1000 people. The number of people who are dying from the new coronavirus COVID-19 is estimated to be between 20-30 people out of 1000 (Centers for Disease Control, 2020; European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020)
How many people have coronavirus COVID-19?
Coronavirus COVID-19 has spread quickly to many countries including the United States. It is difficult to know how many people have coronavirus COVID-19 in the U.S. because mass testing has not been available. Coronavirus COVID-19 can be spread just as easily as the common cold and flu virus, so it is logical that more people will be getting this. Those who have tested positive are being asked to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days until they are clear of the virus (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
How is coronavirus COVID-19 spread?
Coronavirus COVID19 can be spread just as easily as the common cold and flu viruses. Coronavirus COVID-19 is transmitted from an infected person’s nose, mouth and breath. Coughing and sneezing in particular produces tiny invisible contagious droplets that fly through the air up to about 6 feet. These droplets can be breathed in before they settle on nearby surfaces like countertops, shopping carts, doorknobs, and used tissues. The virus can live on surfaces outside the body for several hours and for this reason It is believed to be possible to become infected through touching recently contaminated objects. As a result, many are avoiding drinking from the same glass as others, avoiding shaking hands, and even avoiding hugs in public for the time being (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
What are the symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19?
Symptoms can include a low-grade fever, body aches, and coughing. Additionally there can be other symptoms commonly found with coronaviruses including congestion, runny nose, and a sore throat. If a person develops a high fever with severe coughing and difficulty breathing this may indicate that pneumonia is setting in, in which case that person should call their doctor.
Can you know if someone is contagious with coronavirus COVID-19? Is there a vaccine?
You cannot know if someone has coronavirus COVID-19 because some people who have coronavirus COVID-19 initially may have few or no symptoms. Also, symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19 can be similar to that of colds and flu. It is not yet known if a person with coronavirus COVID-19 who has no symptoms is contagious or not. This virus is too new for experts to have the answers to all these questions. There is no vaccine for coronavirus COVID-19 yet. There probably will not be a vaccine for another year.
Good News!
The spread of coronavirus COVID-19 can be successfully controlled, and stopped!
China has been highly successful in getting its epidemic of coronavirus COVID-19 under control. Their efforts of education, prevention, testing, and treatment have been tremendously successful and beneficial. The numbers of people contracting coronavirus COVID-9 in China are now extremely low. They have done this by massive education, immediate testing of thousands, and quarantine for 14 days for those who tested positive so they could recover and to no longer be contagious and transmit the virus. Movement throughout China was drastically limited to prevent the spread. Those severely symptomatic with high fevers, severe cough and difficulty breathing were hospitalized. China has used both mainstream medicine and Chinese medicine including herbs to prevent and to treat coronavirus COVID-19 with outstanding results. (Chen, &, Hsu, 2020; Luo, Tang, Shang, Liang, Yang, Robinson, & Liu, 2020; Xu et al. 2020).
Testing for coronavirus COVID-19:
Initially, the U.S. had a limited number of test kits for coronavirus COVID-19 which has only been available through the CDC and government health department agencies. As a result, testing was only available to people who had known risks as well as symptoms. However, testing will be more available soon at private healthcare facilities and community clinics who will be using private labs like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp to run coronavirus COVID-19 tests. The coronavirus COVID-19 test is a genetic RNA test that requires a nasopharyngeal swab which involves inserting a small swab into the back of the nose by a health practitioner. Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp patient service centers cannot perform these swab tests. They must be collected at a healthcare facility. The test will undoubtedly be covered by some health insurance and medicare. People will also be paying for testing at some private healthcare facilities who are not able to accept health insurance or medicare. Private labs charge healthcare facilities to run tests for them. There does not appear to be any funding for private healthcare facilities to offset the lab cost of running coronavirus COVID-19 tests at this time.
Other countries dealing with coronavirus COVID-19 outbreaks are providing testing to massive numbers of people for free to get coronavirus COVID-19 outbreaks under control as quickly as possible. In some countries they even offer free testing as a drive-through service.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention
How do you prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19?
Minimize contact with other people.
Maintain a safe distance from other people.
Avoid going out in public as much as possible.
If people are coughing, turn and step away 6 feet, and cover your nose, mouth, and eyes:
When people are coughing immediately turn away, and step at least 6 feet away. You can cover your nose, mouth and eyes with your elbow sleeve, or tissue, or a handkerchief, to help prevent transmission. If you are coughing, immediately turn and step away from others and cough into a tissue or your elbow sleeve. Throw the used tissue immediately into the trash.
WASH YOUR HANDS!
Hand washing is the single most effective method of preventing transmission of infections!
Countless studies have proven this fact over and over (Bloomfield, et al, (2007).
Always wash your hands after being out in public.
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE BEFORE YOU WASH YOUR HANDS!
When you shake hands or touch objects like doorknobs, shopping carts, toilet handles, and cash, and then touching your face or your food before washing your hands you can pass coronavirus COVID-19 organisms from your contaminated hands to your mouth, nose, eyes, etc. which can then infect your body with the virus. Wash your hands after handling cash and coins. Coronavirus COVID-19 could be spread to your credit card from others handling your credit card, or you could spread it from your hands to your cell phone. You may want to consider cleaning your cell phone daily, and your credit cards if others have handled your credit cards.
How to wash your hands:
Thoroughly wash your hands all over, including the backs of hands, and in between your fingers with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds, approximately as long as it takes to sing Twinkle Twinkle Star once, or Happy Birthday twice.
WHEN IN A PUBLIC BATHROOM DO NOT TURN OFF THE FAUCET WITH YOUR BARE HAND AFTER WASHING OR YOU WILL RECONTAMINATE YOUR HAND FROM THE FAUCET HANDLE THAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN TOUCHING. INSTEAD, DRY YOUR HANDS WITH A CLEAN PAPER TOWELS FIRST AND THEN COVER THE FAUCET HANDLE WITH THE PAPER TOWEL TO TURN OFF THE WATER. USE THE SAME PAPER TOWEL TO COVER THE DOORKNOB TO EXIT BATHROOM TO PREVENT RE-CONTAMINATING YOUR HANDS.
Here is a video demonstrating proper hand washing: "Coronavirus | How to wash your hands"
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seA1wbXUQTs
Hand disinfectants are the next best thing to hand washing!
Disinfecting hands and surfaces:
Hand washing is considered MOST effective. However, if you have no place to wash your hands you can use a bottle of liquid, gel or spray hand disinfectant with 60% or more alcohol content. Hand washing is best but this is the next best thing. drinking alcohol like vodka is only 40% alcohol and is NOT effective. (Weisberger, 2020). However, grain alcohol from a liquor store that is at least 150 proof is about 75.5% alcohol and can be used (Davis, Jr., 2020). 3% Hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly sold in grocery stores and pharmacies as a disinfectant, can also be used as is (Buccino, 2020). Household bleach, diluted 1 teaspoon of bleach in 1 cup of water, can also be used to disinfect surfaces. Make sure bleach is not expired. Best used within 24 hours of diluting it as its effectiveness as a disinfectant will reduce over time (Buccino, 2020; CDC, 2020). Note: Hydrogen peroxide and bleach can remove color from some fabrics.
Here are links for making effective homemade disinfectants:
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlLXe8m6zdk
-https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-diy-hand-sanitizer.html
-https://www.rutgers.edu/news/best-ways-kill-coronavirus-your-home
-https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
Support the immune system:
Nutrition:
Support your immune system with a healthy diet emphasizing organic foods if possible. Fresh vegetables, especially dark green and orange vegetables, provide important vitamins and minerals to support the body’s defenses. Raw freshly squeezed vegetable juices, such as celery, carrot, cilantro, parsley, and tomato, provide concentrated nutritional benefits including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll to support the immune system. Fresh fruits are also of great benefit, preferably eaten whole rather than juiced. Organic whole grains and legumes, prepared with warming spices like ginger, garlic and turmeric, support digestion and the body’s resistance. Probiotics found in kefir and yogurt, as well as fermented vegetables, provide additional valuable support to the immune system. Also, drink plenty of filtered water or spring water.
Nutrition for Lung Health:
Healthy fats are especially important in supporting the health of the lungs, which are at issue here because coronavirus COVID-19 can attack the lungs in particular. Lung cells need saturated fats to support their cell walls and to help facilitate their protective immune responses. Healthy saturated fats include ghee, butter, heavy cream, coconut oil, and palm oil. Nuts are healthful and beneficial but do not contain high enough amounts of saturated fats to have the same degree of benefit. Ghee, butter, heavy cream, coconut oil, and palm oil are not associated with causing heart disease or excess weight gain. These healthy fats, especially ghee and butter are an important source of the fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and K, necessary for a healthy immune system to help prevent contracting cold and flu viruses, as well as for supporting recovery from colds and flu and to help repair of the body following injury (Enig, 2000).
Please avoid these:
Avoid sugar, candy, soda pop, junk food, alcohol, recreational drugs, vaping, smoking, secondhand smoke, and any kind of smoke if possible. Avoid stress and lack of sleep. These things have all been shown to interfere with a healthy immune system.
Stay warm and avoid drafts:
Avoid exposure to cold and drafts. Dress warmly. Cover and protect your head, ears, neck, chest, and shoulders when exposed to cold drafty environments. Do not go outside with a wet head of hair or until thoroughly dry from a shower. In Chinese medicine cold and flu viruses, called wind attacks in China, are viewed as being able to easily enter the body via exposure to cold wind and drafts, especially to the head, ears, neck, chest, and shoulders, as well as and opened pores of the skin such as following a bath or shower.
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and natural medicines:
In addition to eating a healthful vitamin-rich immune-supportive diet some people find it beneficial to supplement their diet with additional vitamins, minerals, and herbs to help bolster their defenses against viruses. Many people are familiar with herbs such as echinacea, and elderberries to help in the prevention and treatment of common colds and flu. Beta carotene, Vitamin C such as is found in rose hips, Vitamin B complex such as is found in bee pollen, vitamin E such as is found in wheat germ oil, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and magnesium have also been beneficial. Many reputable supplement companies make immune-supporting formulas that include vitamins, mineral, herbs, enzymes and other nutrients. Standard Process and Vitamin Code are examples of companies that emphasize whole food sources of vitamins, and minerals, and strive to have vegetarian options and herbal options available as well. Rose Mountain Herbs, Herb Pharm, MediHerb, San Francisco Herb Company and Planetary Herbs are examples of reputable companies that sell western herbal products to help support the immune system (.
Jade Windscreen formula is an example of a classic Chinese formula used for over 1000 years to help prevent epidemics. The formula includes Astragali Radix (Huangqi) used to tonify qi and to protect and provide defense, Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) used to disperse wind, and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) used to resolve damp. This and other Chinese herbs and formulas have been used widely in the successful prevention and treatment of coronavirus COVID-19 throughout China. There are other Chinese herbal formulas used for the actual treatment of coronavirus COVID-19. In China, a major emphasis has been placed on Chinese herbs combined with mainstream medicine in preventing and treating coronavirus COVID-19, a strategy which has been HUGELY successful. This approach has been more effective than mainstream medicine alone (Chen, &, Hsu, 2020; Luo, Tang, Shang, Liang, Yang, Robinson, & Liu, 2020; Xu et al. 2020).
Examples of reputable Chinese herbal companies include Evergreen Herbs, KPC Herbs, Golden Flower Chinese Herbs and Health Concerns. All of these companies sell Chinese herbs that are certified pure and free of any harmful ingredients or contaminants. These companies do not sell directly to the consumer as Chinese herbology is a complex system that requires professional training to understand fully. Herbs and formulas from these companies can be acquired through any licensed acupuncturist. Active Herb is an example of a company that sells Chinese herbs directly to the public and strives to sell herbs that are free of any harmful ingredients or contaminants.
More info on supplements and herbs to come.
Use common sense:
The situation with coronavirus COVID-19 is unfolding rapidly in the U.S., just as it has around the world. It is not productive or useful to panic. However, there is every reason to be proactive and prepared. Use common sense. Inform yourself. Check various reputable health agencies and news sources on a regular basis to keep informed. Avoid crowds, gatherings and congested areas if possible. Be thoughtful and deliberate about how you take care of yourself, your family and your loved ones. We are all in this together. Be aware of people who may be vulnerable and have difficulty getting out to getting food and other necessities of daily living. Perhaps you can help by grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor, or providing some other support. You can leave groceries, supplies and spray disinfectant, as described above under "Hand disinfectants are the the next best thing to hand washing", on their porch and step away so they can protect themselves from outside contacts. Help each other find resources. Show each other kindness, patience, consideration, and compassion. There is always more than enough Love and kindness to go around. We can get through this.
Resources:
Resources are gathered from sources that have been verified as coming from knowledgeable experts, and information that is based on sound scientific clinical evidence and research.
Factsheets/updates:
-https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
-https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china
-https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Disinfectants:
-https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
-https://www.rutgers.edu/news/best-ways-kill-coronavirus-your-home
-https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-diy-hand-sanitizer.html
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlLXe8m6zdk
Prevention and treatment: both mainstream and integrative medicine:
-https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(07)00595-0/fulltext
-https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11655-020-3192-6
-https://www.elotus.org/article/how-covid-19-2019-ncov-currently-treated-china-tcm
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32096367
-https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/columns/vitamin-connection/vitamin-c-and-the-immune-system-nutritional-fortification-to-support-defenses-against-viruses/
More info and resources coming soon!
References
Babylon Health. (2020). Coronavirus | How to wash your hands. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seA1wbXUQTs
Bloomfield, S. F. et al. (2007). The effectiveness of hand hygiene procedures in reducing the risks of infections in home and community settings including handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers. American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 35, Issue 10, S27 - S64. Retrieved from: https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(07)00595-0/fulltext
Buccino, N. (2020). The Best Ways to Kill Coronavirus In Your Home: Rutgers experts on viruses, microbial risk assessment offer their tips. Retrieved from: https://www.rutgers.edu/news/best-ways-kill-coronavirus-your-home
Centers for Disease Control CDC. (2020). Disease burden of influenza. Retrieved from:https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html
Centers for Disease Control CDC. (2020). Coronavirus COVID 19: Clean & Disinfect. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
Chen, J. &, Hsu, L. (2020). How COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) is currently treated in China with TCM. Retrieved from: https://www.elotus.org/article/how-covid-19-2019-ncov-currently-treated-china-tcm
Davis, Jr., R. B. (2020). No Rubbing Alcohol? NO PROBLEM! DIY Home-made Hand Sanitizer with rubbing alcohol alternative. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlLXe8m6zdk
Enig, M. (2000). Saturated Fats and the Lungs. Retrieved from: https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/know-your-fats/saturated-fats-and-the-lungs/
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2020). Q & A on COVID-19. Retrieved from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers
Luo, H., Tang, Q., Shang, Y., Liang, S., Yang, M., Robinson, N., & Liu, J. (2020). Can Chinese medicine be used for prevention of Coronavirus disease? A review of historical classics, research evidence, and current prevention programs. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11655-020-3192-6
Passwater, R. (2020). Vitamin C and the Immune System: Nutritional Fortification to Support Defenses Against Viruses
An Interview with Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D. Retrieved from: https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/columns/vitamin-connection/vitamin-c-and-the-immune-system-nutritional-fortification-to-support-defenses-against-viruses/
Weisberger, M. (2020). Hand sanitizer sold out? Here's how to make your own. Retrieved from: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-diy-hand-sanitizer.html
Weintraub, K. 2020. Coronavirus' top targets: Men, seniors, smokers. Retrieved from: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/925855
World Health Organization. (2020). Rolling updates on coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Xu, K., Cai, H., Shen, Y., Ni, Q., Chen, Y., Hu, S., Li, J., Wang, H., Yu, L., Huang, H., Qiu, Y., Wei, G., Fang, Q., Zhou, J., Sheng, J., Liang, T., & Li, L. (2020). Management of corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19): the Zhejiang experience. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32096367
Author contact information: Suzann Gage, RN, WHNP, LAc, 619-260-0810.
March 10, 2020, By Suzann. Gage, RN, WHNP, LAc
What is Coronavirus COVID-19?
There is a new coronavirus named COVID-19 which appears to have originated in Wuhan, China around December of 2019. Coronavirus COVID-19 is causing higher rates of serious illness and death than usual in vulnerable people.
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause common respiratory infections including the common cold. Some coronaviruses can cause serious illness, pneumonia, and even death in vulnerable people. Examples of the more deadly coronaviruses include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). People who are more vulnerable to serious illness and death from coronaviruses include older people, especially the elderly, people in poor health, people with various medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart conditions, and weak immune systems, and those with unhealthful lifestyle habits such as smoking (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
Coronavirus-COVID-19 has spread quickly to other countries including the United States. Most people in China who have contracted the virus have recovered. However vulnerable people, especially the elderly, have experienced higher rates of very serious illness, pneumonia, and death. An estimated 2.3% of those who have contracted coronavirus COVID-19 in China have died. Most of the people who have died have been between the age of 40 and 80. In addition, more men in China have died from coronavirus COVI-19 than women. It is believed that this may be due to the fact that 47.6% of Chinese men smoke as compared to only 1.8% of Chinese women. In China, about 80% of those who get coronavirus COVID-19 experience mild flu and recover. Very few children have been seriously affected, and virtually no one under the age of 35 in China has died. (Weintraub, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
How is Coronavirus COVID-19 different from the annual flu virus?
The annual influenza flu virus, which is a different virus than coronavirus, is currently making its way around the world as it does every year. And, every year, thousands of vulnerable people die from the common flu virus. However, the percentage of people who die from the annual flu virus is typically less than 1% or approximately 1 in 1000 people. The number of people who are dying from the new coronavirus COVID-19 is estimated to be between 20-30 people out of 1000 (Centers for Disease Control, 2020; European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020)
How many people have coronavirus COVID-19?
Coronavirus COVID-19 has spread quickly to many countries including the United States. It is difficult to know how many people have coronavirus COVID-19 in the U.S. because mass testing has not been available. Coronavirus COVID-19 can be spread just as easily as the common cold and flu virus, so it is logical that more people will be getting this. Those who have tested positive are being asked to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days until they are clear of the virus (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
How is coronavirus COVID-19 spread?
Coronavirus COVID19 can be spread just as easily as the common cold and flu viruses. Coronavirus COVID-19 is transmitted from an infected person’s nose, mouth and breath. Coughing and sneezing in particular produces tiny invisible contagious droplets that fly through the air up to about 6 feet. These droplets can be breathed in before they settle on nearby surfaces like countertops, shopping carts, doorknobs, and used tissues. The virus can live on surfaces outside the body for several hours and for this reason It is believed to be possible to become infected through touching recently contaminated objects. As a result, many are avoiding drinking from the same glass as others, avoiding shaking hands, and even avoiding hugs in public for the time being (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2020; World Health Organization WHO, 2020).
What are the symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19?
Symptoms can include a low-grade fever, body aches, and coughing. Additionally there can be other symptoms commonly found with coronaviruses including congestion, runny nose, and a sore throat. If a person develops a high fever with severe coughing and difficulty breathing this may indicate that pneumonia is setting in, in which case that person should call their doctor.
Can you know if someone is contagious with coronavirus COVID-19? Is there a vaccine?
You cannot know if someone has coronavirus COVID-19 because some people who have coronavirus COVID-19 initially may have few or no symptoms. Also, symptoms of coronavirus COVID-19 can be similar to that of colds and flu. It is not yet known if a person with coronavirus COVID-19 who has no symptoms is contagious or not. This virus is too new for experts to have the answers to all these questions. There is no vaccine for coronavirus COVID-19 yet. There probably will not be a vaccine for another year.
Good News!
The spread of coronavirus COVID-19 can be successfully controlled, and stopped!
China has been highly successful in getting its epidemic of coronavirus COVID-19 under control. Their efforts of education, prevention, testing, and treatment have been tremendously successful and beneficial. The numbers of people contracting coronavirus COVID-9 in China are now extremely low. They have done this by massive education, immediate testing of thousands, and quarantine for 14 days for those who tested positive so they could recover and to no longer be contagious and transmit the virus. Movement throughout China was drastically limited to prevent the spread. Those severely symptomatic with high fevers, severe cough and difficulty breathing were hospitalized. China has used both mainstream medicine and Chinese medicine including herbs to prevent and to treat coronavirus COVID-19 with outstanding results. (Chen, &, Hsu, 2020; Luo, Tang, Shang, Liang, Yang, Robinson, & Liu, 2020; Xu et al. 2020).
Testing for coronavirus COVID-19:
Initially, the U.S. had a limited number of test kits for coronavirus COVID-19 which has only been available through the CDC and government health department agencies. As a result, testing was only available to people who had known risks as well as symptoms. However, testing will be more available soon at private healthcare facilities and community clinics who will be using private labs like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp to run coronavirus COVID-19 tests. The coronavirus COVID-19 test is a genetic RNA test that requires a nasopharyngeal swab which involves inserting a small swab into the back of the nose by a health practitioner. Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp patient service centers cannot perform these swab tests. They must be collected at a healthcare facility. The test will undoubtedly be covered by some health insurance and medicare. People will also be paying for testing at some private healthcare facilities who are not able to accept health insurance or medicare. Private labs charge healthcare facilities to run tests for them. There does not appear to be any funding for private healthcare facilities to offset the lab cost of running coronavirus COVID-19 tests at this time.
Other countries dealing with coronavirus COVID-19 outbreaks are providing testing to massive numbers of people for free to get coronavirus COVID-19 outbreaks under control as quickly as possible. In some countries they even offer free testing as a drive-through service.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention
How do you prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19?
Minimize contact with other people.
Maintain a safe distance from other people.
Avoid going out in public as much as possible.
If people are coughing, turn and step away 6 feet, and cover your nose, mouth, and eyes:
When people are coughing immediately turn away, and step at least 6 feet away. You can cover your nose, mouth and eyes with your elbow sleeve, or tissue, or a handkerchief, to help prevent transmission. If you are coughing, immediately turn and step away from others and cough into a tissue or your elbow sleeve. Throw the used tissue immediately into the trash.
WASH YOUR HANDS!
Hand washing is the single most effective method of preventing transmission of infections!
Countless studies have proven this fact over and over (Bloomfield, et al, (2007).
Always wash your hands after being out in public.
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE BEFORE YOU WASH YOUR HANDS!
When you shake hands or touch objects like doorknobs, shopping carts, toilet handles, and cash, and then touching your face or your food before washing your hands you can pass coronavirus COVID-19 organisms from your contaminated hands to your mouth, nose, eyes, etc. which can then infect your body with the virus. Wash your hands after handling cash and coins. Coronavirus COVID-19 could be spread to your credit card from others handling your credit card, or you could spread it from your hands to your cell phone. You may want to consider cleaning your cell phone daily, and your credit cards if others have handled your credit cards.
How to wash your hands:
Thoroughly wash your hands all over, including the backs of hands, and in between your fingers with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds, approximately as long as it takes to sing Twinkle Twinkle Star once, or Happy Birthday twice.
WHEN IN A PUBLIC BATHROOM DO NOT TURN OFF THE FAUCET WITH YOUR BARE HAND AFTER WASHING OR YOU WILL RECONTAMINATE YOUR HAND FROM THE FAUCET HANDLE THAT EVERYONE HAS BEEN TOUCHING. INSTEAD, DRY YOUR HANDS WITH A CLEAN PAPER TOWELS FIRST AND THEN COVER THE FAUCET HANDLE WITH THE PAPER TOWEL TO TURN OFF THE WATER. USE THE SAME PAPER TOWEL TO COVER THE DOORKNOB TO EXIT BATHROOM TO PREVENT RE-CONTAMINATING YOUR HANDS.
Here is a video demonstrating proper hand washing: "Coronavirus | How to wash your hands"
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seA1wbXUQTs
Hand disinfectants are the next best thing to hand washing!
Disinfecting hands and surfaces:
Hand washing is considered MOST effective. However, if you have no place to wash your hands you can use a bottle of liquid, gel or spray hand disinfectant with 60% or more alcohol content. Hand washing is best but this is the next best thing. drinking alcohol like vodka is only 40% alcohol and is NOT effective. (Weisberger, 2020). However, grain alcohol from a liquor store that is at least 150 proof is about 75.5% alcohol and can be used (Davis, Jr., 2020). 3% Hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly sold in grocery stores and pharmacies as a disinfectant, can also be used as is (Buccino, 2020). Household bleach, diluted 1 teaspoon of bleach in 1 cup of water, can also be used to disinfect surfaces. Make sure bleach is not expired. Best used within 24 hours of diluting it as its effectiveness as a disinfectant will reduce over time (Buccino, 2020; CDC, 2020). Note: Hydrogen peroxide and bleach can remove color from some fabrics.
Here are links for making effective homemade disinfectants:
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlLXe8m6zdk
-https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-diy-hand-sanitizer.html
-https://www.rutgers.edu/news/best-ways-kill-coronavirus-your-home
-https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
Support the immune system:
Nutrition:
Support your immune system with a healthy diet emphasizing organic foods if possible. Fresh vegetables, especially dark green and orange vegetables, provide important vitamins and minerals to support the body’s defenses. Raw freshly squeezed vegetable juices, such as celery, carrot, cilantro, parsley, and tomato, provide concentrated nutritional benefits including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll to support the immune system. Fresh fruits are also of great benefit, preferably eaten whole rather than juiced. Organic whole grains and legumes, prepared with warming spices like ginger, garlic and turmeric, support digestion and the body’s resistance. Probiotics found in kefir and yogurt, as well as fermented vegetables, provide additional valuable support to the immune system. Also, drink plenty of filtered water or spring water.
Nutrition for Lung Health:
Healthy fats are especially important in supporting the health of the lungs, which are at issue here because coronavirus COVID-19 can attack the lungs in particular. Lung cells need saturated fats to support their cell walls and to help facilitate their protective immune responses. Healthy saturated fats include ghee, butter, heavy cream, coconut oil, and palm oil. Nuts are healthful and beneficial but do not contain high enough amounts of saturated fats to have the same degree of benefit. Ghee, butter, heavy cream, coconut oil, and palm oil are not associated with causing heart disease or excess weight gain. These healthy fats, especially ghee and butter are an important source of the fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and K, necessary for a healthy immune system to help prevent contracting cold and flu viruses, as well as for supporting recovery from colds and flu and to help repair of the body following injury (Enig, 2000).
Please avoid these:
Avoid sugar, candy, soda pop, junk food, alcohol, recreational drugs, vaping, smoking, secondhand smoke, and any kind of smoke if possible. Avoid stress and lack of sleep. These things have all been shown to interfere with a healthy immune system.
Stay warm and avoid drafts:
Avoid exposure to cold and drafts. Dress warmly. Cover and protect your head, ears, neck, chest, and shoulders when exposed to cold drafty environments. Do not go outside with a wet head of hair or until thoroughly dry from a shower. In Chinese medicine cold and flu viruses, called wind attacks in China, are viewed as being able to easily enter the body via exposure to cold wind and drafts, especially to the head, ears, neck, chest, and shoulders, as well as and opened pores of the skin such as following a bath or shower.
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and natural medicines:
In addition to eating a healthful vitamin-rich immune-supportive diet some people find it beneficial to supplement their diet with additional vitamins, minerals, and herbs to help bolster their defenses against viruses. Many people are familiar with herbs such as echinacea, and elderberries to help in the prevention and treatment of common colds and flu. Beta carotene, Vitamin C such as is found in rose hips, Vitamin B complex such as is found in bee pollen, vitamin E such as is found in wheat germ oil, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and magnesium have also been beneficial. Many reputable supplement companies make immune-supporting formulas that include vitamins, mineral, herbs, enzymes and other nutrients. Standard Process and Vitamin Code are examples of companies that emphasize whole food sources of vitamins, and minerals, and strive to have vegetarian options and herbal options available as well. Rose Mountain Herbs, Herb Pharm, MediHerb, San Francisco Herb Company and Planetary Herbs are examples of reputable companies that sell western herbal products to help support the immune system (.
Jade Windscreen formula is an example of a classic Chinese formula used for over 1000 years to help prevent epidemics. The formula includes Astragali Radix (Huangqi) used to tonify qi and to protect and provide defense, Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) used to disperse wind, and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) used to resolve damp. This and other Chinese herbs and formulas have been used widely in the successful prevention and treatment of coronavirus COVID-19 throughout China. There are other Chinese herbal formulas used for the actual treatment of coronavirus COVID-19. In China, a major emphasis has been placed on Chinese herbs combined with mainstream medicine in preventing and treating coronavirus COVID-19, a strategy which has been HUGELY successful. This approach has been more effective than mainstream medicine alone (Chen, &, Hsu, 2020; Luo, Tang, Shang, Liang, Yang, Robinson, & Liu, 2020; Xu et al. 2020).
Examples of reputable Chinese herbal companies include Evergreen Herbs, KPC Herbs, Golden Flower Chinese Herbs and Health Concerns. All of these companies sell Chinese herbs that are certified pure and free of any harmful ingredients or contaminants. These companies do not sell directly to the consumer as Chinese herbology is a complex system that requires professional training to understand fully. Herbs and formulas from these companies can be acquired through any licensed acupuncturist. Active Herb is an example of a company that sells Chinese herbs directly to the public and strives to sell herbs that are free of any harmful ingredients or contaminants.
More info on supplements and herbs to come.
Use common sense:
The situation with coronavirus COVID-19 is unfolding rapidly in the U.S., just as it has around the world. It is not productive or useful to panic. However, there is every reason to be proactive and prepared. Use common sense. Inform yourself. Check various reputable health agencies and news sources on a regular basis to keep informed. Avoid crowds, gatherings and congested areas if possible. Be thoughtful and deliberate about how you take care of yourself, your family and your loved ones. We are all in this together. Be aware of people who may be vulnerable and have difficulty getting out to getting food and other necessities of daily living. Perhaps you can help by grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor, or providing some other support. You can leave groceries, supplies and spray disinfectant, as described above under "Hand disinfectants are the the next best thing to hand washing", on their porch and step away so they can protect themselves from outside contacts. Help each other find resources. Show each other kindness, patience, consideration, and compassion. There is always more than enough Love and kindness to go around. We can get through this.
Resources:
Resources are gathered from sources that have been verified as coming from knowledgeable experts, and information that is based on sound scientific clinical evidence and research.
Factsheets/updates:
-https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
-https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china
-https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Disinfectants:
-https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
-https://www.rutgers.edu/news/best-ways-kill-coronavirus-your-home
-https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-diy-hand-sanitizer.html
-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlLXe8m6zdk
Prevention and treatment: both mainstream and integrative medicine:
-https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(07)00595-0/fulltext
-https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11655-020-3192-6
-https://www.elotus.org/article/how-covid-19-2019-ncov-currently-treated-china-tcm
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32096367
-https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/columns/vitamin-connection/vitamin-c-and-the-immune-system-nutritional-fortification-to-support-defenses-against-viruses/
More info and resources coming soon!
References
Babylon Health. (2020). Coronavirus | How to wash your hands. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seA1wbXUQTs
Bloomfield, S. F. et al. (2007). The effectiveness of hand hygiene procedures in reducing the risks of infections in home and community settings including handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers. American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 35, Issue 10, S27 - S64. Retrieved from: https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(07)00595-0/fulltext
Buccino, N. (2020). The Best Ways to Kill Coronavirus In Your Home: Rutgers experts on viruses, microbial risk assessment offer their tips. Retrieved from: https://www.rutgers.edu/news/best-ways-kill-coronavirus-your-home
Centers for Disease Control CDC. (2020). Disease burden of influenza. Retrieved from:https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html
Centers for Disease Control CDC. (2020). Coronavirus COVID 19: Clean & Disinfect. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fhome%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
Chen, J. &, Hsu, L. (2020). How COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) is currently treated in China with TCM. Retrieved from: https://www.elotus.org/article/how-covid-19-2019-ncov-currently-treated-china-tcm
Davis, Jr., R. B. (2020). No Rubbing Alcohol? NO PROBLEM! DIY Home-made Hand Sanitizer with rubbing alcohol alternative. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlLXe8m6zdk
Enig, M. (2000). Saturated Fats and the Lungs. Retrieved from: https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/know-your-fats/saturated-fats-and-the-lungs/
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2020). Q & A on COVID-19. Retrieved from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china/questions-answers
Luo, H., Tang, Q., Shang, Y., Liang, S., Yang, M., Robinson, N., & Liu, J. (2020). Can Chinese medicine be used for prevention of Coronavirus disease? A review of historical classics, research evidence, and current prevention programs. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11655-020-3192-6
Passwater, R. (2020). Vitamin C and the Immune System: Nutritional Fortification to Support Defenses Against Viruses
An Interview with Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D. Retrieved from: https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/columns/vitamin-connection/vitamin-c-and-the-immune-system-nutritional-fortification-to-support-defenses-against-viruses/
Weisberger, M. (2020). Hand sanitizer sold out? Here's how to make your own. Retrieved from: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-diy-hand-sanitizer.html
Weintraub, K. 2020. Coronavirus' top targets: Men, seniors, smokers. Retrieved from: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/925855
World Health Organization. (2020). Rolling updates on coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Xu, K., Cai, H., Shen, Y., Ni, Q., Chen, Y., Hu, S., Li, J., Wang, H., Yu, L., Huang, H., Qiu, Y., Wei, G., Fang, Q., Zhou, J., Sheng, J., Liang, T., & Li, L. (2020). Management of corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19): the Zhejiang experience. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32096367
Author contact information: Suzann Gage, RN, WHNP, LAc, 619-260-0810.