What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease that may cause mild to moderate respiratory illness. Older adults and those with underlying medical problems (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, cancer) are more likely to develop serious illness (WHO, 2020).
How does it spread?
COVID-19 mainly spreads between close contact with one another (within 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Asymptomatic infected individuals can be contagious, even though they may not be showing symptoms (CDC, 2020).
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People can be contagious with the virus from 1 to 14 days before developing symptoms. Some patients may never develop symptoms, but can still be contagious (WHO, CDC). Your symptoms are likely to be mild if you are healthy and have been proactively supporting your immune system.
- Most common symptoms: fever, fatigue, dry cough, shortness of breath
- Other symptoms reported: headache, loss of smell/taste, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite
- Extreme warning signs to get medical attention immediately: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion/inability to arouse, bluish lips/face
What can I do to protect myself & my family?
Do not panic – be proactive!
1. Stay Home! Social distancing is the MOST IMPORTANT thing we can all do.
2. Wash Your Hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds often, especially after going to the bathroom, eating/drinking, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Avoid touching your face! If soap and water is unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Handwashing tips
3. Clean highly touched surfaces in the household every day. High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
4. Support Your Immune System! Stay hydrated, get at least 8 hours of sleep and be sure to eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods. Be sure to manage stress (try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, music). Exercise to boost oxygenation and stress-relief.
What if I begin to show symptoms or have contact with someone diagnosed?
If you begin showing symptoms or have been in direct contact with someone who may have the virus, here are some important steps to take:
1. Self-isolate from family members and friends. Even if your symptoms are mild/asymptomatic, you can still easily pass the virus to others, who may be at a much higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Quarantine for at least 14 days to avoid spreading the virus to others.
2. Stay away from other household members: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
3. Contact your doctor. If visiting your doctor, call ahead so that they can prepare to treat you.
4. Avoid sharing personal household items. Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, utensils, towels, or bedding with people that may be infected. Wash these items thoroughly with soap and water after use.
5. Clean high-touch surfaces in your isolation area every day. Let a caregiver clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in other areas of the house. Complete disinfection guidance
6. Continue to be proactive by washing hands and supporting your immune system!
The “What, Who, & When” of COVID-19
What: Social Distancing: minimizes contact with people outside of your immediate household in order to prevent you and others from being exposed to the contagious disease.
Who: People not showing symptoms (everyone not in self-quarantine or isolation)
When: Until further notice
What: Self Quarantine: separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick
Who: been exposed to the virus and not showing symptoms
When: 14 days after confirmed/possible exposure to virus
What: Isolation: separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick
Who: showing symptoms and have been exposed
When: Until you have no fever for at least 5 days without any symptoms; 14 days after symptoms after first appeared; other symptoms improved
When can a positive COVID-19 patient stop self-isolating?
People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
o If you are not having a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
§ You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND
§ Other symptoms have resolved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND
§ At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
§ You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
AND
§ Other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND
You received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.
In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances. More information is available here.
Dr. Blanche's Immune Boosting Tips:
1. Use your Thieves oil, hand sanitizer, body soap, household cleaner. Thieves kills bacteria and viruses.
2. Avoid inflammatory foods: gluten, dairy, sugar.
3. Eat nutrient dense foods: green smoothies, protein shakes (not whey), leafy greens, and clean protein.
4. Control your stress with tools like yoga, meditation, massage, deep breathing, exercise.
5. Additional Ways to Support Your Immune System:
1. Add Zinc 25mg to your supplements
2. Take Vitamin D* 10,000 IU/day for adults. If you have not been on any vitamin D take 20,000IU x 3 days. Then reduce the dosage.
3. Start taking mushroom for building immunity
4. Add elderberry syrup to your daily vitamin intake
5. If possible, get IV vitamin C Drip & Glutathione! I have personally confirmed that Northwell hospitals are using Vitamin C infusions to treat patients in ICU's with success!
Article:
https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/new-york-hospitals-treating-coronavirus-patients-with-vitamin-c/
*Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, so it is important to continuously check your levels. I check my patients’ levels at least two times per year. The general downward trend in Vitamin D levels in our communities is having a direct effect on the longer flu season and the more severe flu seasons. So I strongly encourage my patients and their entire family to get your Vitamin D level checked and adjust the Vitamin D dosage accordingly!
Prevention:
Treat if sick:
Acute care In office or in your home:
Super Immune Drip
Hydration bolus
Rain Drop treatment
Hand washing and home sanitizing:
Join us for Dr. Blanche's
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