8 Tips to Fight Coronavirus and Boost Immunity By Dr. Erynn M. Burks
In a matter of just a few weeks coronavirus has transformed American life. From the cancellation of all large gatherings to everyday items becoming near impossible to keep stocked in stores, nothing is the same. Schools are closed, our jobs have gone remote, and new hashtags urge us all to “FlattenTheCurve” and
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“StopTheSpread”. The world is at a standstill waiting to see what comes next, and although the prospect of what might happen is frightening and we have all lost a bit of control, there is still plenty we can do to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities during this time.
A Coronavirus Overview Close kin to SARS and MERS, the disease COVID-19 comes from a novel coronavirus that was first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Despite the viral strain being new, coronaviruses have always existed and are a relatively common family of viruses found in people and animals. Since December, COVID-19 has been classified as a pandemic and is currently spreading around the world. As of the date of publication of this article, health authorities report that there are more than 150,000 cases worldwide resulting nearly 6,000 deaths. In the United States, the CDC reports cases in every state except West Virginia as well as cases in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam. There is currently no cure for COVID-19, although a vaccine is in research; if successful, sufficient quantities are unlikely to be available for another 12-18 months. For now, patients who contract coronavirus are given supportive care (e.g., fluids, cough suppressants, Tylenol, bedrest) to help their immune systems fight the virus naturally. COVID-19 is spread personto-person, although new research suggests that it can stay on objects and surfaces for up to three days. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through communities. The symptoms of COVID-19 appear approximately two weeks following exposure to the virus
and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms range in severity from mild to severe and carry a risk of death, especially in people over age 60 and those with compromised immune systems. Individuals with chronic disease conditions also appear to be more likely to experience complications like pneumonia and even die from coronavirus infection. If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider immediately to receive further instructions on how to proceed with seeking medical care.
Prevention Tips for Yourself and Others COVID-19 is a serious illness, but we are not powerless against it. Use the following tips to help yourself and others fight coronavirus and boost immune function: 1. Wash your hands at regular intervals with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If there is no soap and water available and your hands are not visibly dirty, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol. Remember to wash your hands after going to the bathroom, after handling trash, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, after caring for the sick, and before you eat! 2. Disinfect all surfaces and frequently used objects with a disinfecting spray or wipe at least once per day. Remember to leave the solution on the object or surface for the effective kill-time. If necessary, rinse or wipe clean using plain water. 3. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. 4. Only use facemask if you are sick or are taking care of someone who is sick. 5. Practice social distancing. Avoid gathering in groups as much as possible. If you are over age 60, have a chronic disease condition (i.e., diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, high blood pressure,
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cancer) or are have a compromised immune system (i.e., HIV, autoimmune disorders, organ transplant) stay indoors as much as possible in order to limit contact with potentially infected people, objects and surfaces. 6. Eat nutrient dense food. Try to consume more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. These antioxidant and vitamin-rich foods cannot prevent coronavirus infection, but they can help boost your immune system to help you recover faster. 7. Exercise regularly. Although gyms are closed, that does not mean you have to give up on fitness. Research suggests that exercise can improve immune function and reduce your chances of becoming ill. As the weather warms up, try to get outside for a nice walk around the block or the park. If you are in a self-quarantine period and cannot leave your home, a few sets of jumping jacks, pushups, squats, and situps can be a major help. 8. Manage your stress. A disease outbreak is stressful and being over-stressed has negative effects on immune function. Give your mind a break and immune system a boost by taking time away from news and social media, praying or trying mindfulness exercises, and connecting with family and friends over phone, video chat or text. By their nature, pandemics breed fear; however, the most important thing in this moment is to remain calm and follow the guidelines set by our public health authorities. For more information about coronavirus/COVID-19 visit the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization websites at CDC.gov and who.int.. Editor’s note: For more information about nutrigenomic testing – Dr. Erynn M. Burks, her services, location and hours of operation, visit MyCherryPointe.com.