Coronavirus: What is it? Symptoms & Solutions

*NOTE:  THIS BLOG IS A TWO-PART SERIES ON THE CORONAVIRUS
This week: Symptoms and What to Avoid
Next week: Super-Foods and Other Remedies

While there is a lot to stay on top of right now – please, don’t panic! 

It’s difficult to determine how concerned or not concerned to be about coronavirus, but there are many things you can do to stay in control of your health. 

As coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, it is helpful to have a good understanding of exactly what Coronavirus is. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronaviruses that started in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. It causes coughs, fever, shortness of breath, and upper-respiratory symptoms. 

It is also important to understand the symptoms, how it spreads, and who is at risk. It’s helpful to learn primary lifestyle factors that can weaken your immune system and put you at greater risk. It is of greater importance to know what you can do to strengthen your immune system and protect yourself from contagion. This will be covered in next week’s blog.

Digging Deeper into the Coronavirus

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large group of viruses. Coronaviruses are mostly zoonotic viruses, meaning that they can be transmitted between animals and people. SARS was transmitted from cats to humans. MERS originally spread from camels to humans. 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak started in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Symptoms are flu-like and similar to the common cold. But they can become severe and lead to complications in those with chronic health issues. The symptoms are also dangerous for the elderly. 

SARS had over a 10% mortality rate, while MERS killed about 35% of those infected. The mortality rate in Hubei province in China is at 2% and less in other countries.

Symptoms of Coronavirus Infection

The CDC asserts that the virus incubation period can be up to 2 weeks. Symptoms may appear within as few as 2 weeks and as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include:

• Not feeling well
• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat

 

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people may develop a more severe illness, like pneumonia or bronchitis. In severe situations, it may result in death.

Who Is at Risk for Infection?

You have to be in contact with someone who is infected, or, with an object an infected person has recently touched.

As of today, March 23, 2020, there are more than 359,000 cases worldwide. There are at least 40,000 cases in the United States of America. The coronavirus has killed over 15,000 people around the globe.

How Do You Get a Coronavirus Infection?

The coronavirus spreads primarily between people who are in close contact, within 6 feet of each other. The main way the virus is spread is by touching one’s own nose, mouth, or eyes after touching a surface or object with the virus on it. It can also spread through the respiratory tract droplet nuclei form. This occurs through an infected individual’s sneeze or cough. Do not cough or sneeze into your elbow. The virus will live on fabric for least two days. Use a tissue.

5 Lifestyle Activities That Cripple the Immune System

Sugar and Your Immune System

Of all of the negative effects of sugar on the body, crippling your immune system is the most imperative. Sugar depletes your body from critical immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and glutathione. It also feeds any parasites in your body and can lead to abnormal tissue and cancerous growth.

Sleep Deprivation

Your body needs plenty of sleep to rest, repair, and heal. Consistent sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, exhaustion, heightened stress response. It also reduces immune coordination and increases inflammation. This can lead to compromised immune function and higher vulnerability to infections and illness.

Chronic Dehydration

Proper hydration is critical for your option immune system function. Your circulation, nervous system, and organ functions all need water! Chronic dehydration increases your risk of illness, infections, and disease.

Avoid Drinking Tap Water

Municipal water supply can be loaded with environmental chemicals and toxins. Chlorine, arsenic, DBP’s, fluoride, and heavy metals can destroy your immune system. Use a high-quality reverse osmosis system for optimum immune system health. Or, drink high-quality mineral or spring water.

Don’t Spend all of Your Time Indoors

Too much time indoors increases your exposure to indoor pollutants. You are also missing out on the protective factors you receive from nature. Fresh air, vitamin D from the sun, and electrons from the ground protect your immune system. It is important to find a balance between indoor and outdoor time.

Supplements

Supplements to support your immune system may be beneficial from a preventative standpoint and also to help your body combat viral illness. If you would like the list of supplements that the Caplan family is using along with access to practitioner exclusive supplement lines,  message us “Caplan Exclusive List” and we’ll send it to you!

CDC Recommendations

The job of the immune system is to protect you from illnesses and infections. A strong immune system is absolutely critical to protect the body against viral infections, including the coronavirus.

Here are 10 natural solutions to boost your immune system and protect your body from illness and infections. These tips also great for the common cold and the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important immediately after being in a public space, coughing, or sneezing.
• Don’t touch your face. Don’t pick your nose. And if you must, use a Kleenex!
• Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands – ever! Nor into your elbow. If you have coronavirus, your clothing will be infectious for at least two days! Use Kleenex.
• Use Purell. You need at least a 60-75% alcohol solution for it to be effective. Use often.
• Bring a small pack of travel Kleenex with you. Use for sneezing or coughing. Use it to touch surfaces in public like faucets, doorknobs, etc.
• Avoid large enclosed public spaces with lots of people. Shop online. Universities are canceling classes. The NBA will play with empty stands. There is currently no restriction on public transportation – but do so cautiously.
• No more kissing and shaking hands. Elbow bumps are safest. 
• Keep Clorox wipes with you in a zip-lock bag. Wipe down the grocery cart handles, airline seatbelts, trays, and TV screens, etc. Allow the Clorox to fully dry before touching wiped surfaces – about 30 seconds. These wipes are great at killing the virus.
• Don’t travel to endemic areas. Currently, this includes mainland China, South Korea, Iran, northern Italy, and regions of Japan. The list is growing. Check the CDC and State Department websites before traveling.
• Masks are virtually useless. Standard masks let the virus through. Specialty N-95 masks help but must be custom fitted to exclude airflow around your face. If you already have the virus it does help to prevent transmission but they are sold out around the globe. 

 

Warm wishes for the healthiest you,

Dr. Tiffany Caplan & Dr. Brent Caplan

PS: Have fun exploring the creative and flavorful recipes in Dr. Caplan’s cookbook “Friendly Recipes to Calm the Fires of Inflammation.” These delicious recipes are great support for lowering inflammation due to lupus or other autoimmune disease symptoms.