Preparing for COVID-19 and Immune Boosting

Experts are predicting that many of us in our communities will contract the COVID-19 virus at some point in the next year. So what can you do to prevent getting sick? What do you do if you get sick? Here is some specific guidance:

Prevention:

Please click this link for a complete list of ideas, supplements and herbs for preventing colds and flu. Remember, we’re still in the middle of the flu season!

Here are some other things you can do to be prepared:

Make sure you have a working thermometer
Have a 30-day supply of all prescription medications
If you have a history of asthma, make sure you have an unexpired inhaler
Have food in the house for two weeks including foods you like when you’re sick. Check out our e-book with nutrient-packed recipes.
Have Tylenol available to reduce fevers. Don’t use NSAIDS like Advil which have been linked to worsening symptoms
Nyquil, Dayquil, Mucinex are all helpful over the counter medications for symptom relief
Have a saline nasal spray like Ocean Spray to rinse out your nose
Consider a consultation with our acupuncturist/ Chinese herbalist Rebecca Berkson, L.Ac. to be prepared with herbal medicine for COVID-19

If you do get sick:

Remember, this is cold and flu season so every cough, sniffle, and sneeze is not COVID-19. We want to appropriately use emergency rooms so we do not overwhelm our medical system. In addition, we do not want you to be exposed to people with COVID-19.

The vast majority of people who will get sick with COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms and will need to stay at home to recover. We are not sure how long after having the disease you are still contagious. The estimates from experts are between 10-37 days.

Over the years, our office has used a number of strategies to boost the immune system. The following are things that have been used for other viral infections and may be helpful for COVID-19.

These are strategies that might help to boost the immune system:

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, go to https://washyourlyrics.com/ to create a washing guide with your favorite song lyrics.
Stay hydrated, drink at least ½ of body weight (in ounces), for example, if you weigh 130 lbs, your daily water intake should be about 65 oz.
Get plenty of sleep (7-9 hours), put your electronic devices to sleep at least one hour before you go to bed
Take a multivitamin that contains zinc, selenium, and vitamin C.
Relax and breathe! Relaxation and meditation can boost the immune system.
Please don’t watch the news all day long!!
Limit processed sugar consumption, as it weakens the immune system. Choose fresh fruits over desserts and ice cream.
Exercise, take a walk outside. Maximize your vitamin D exposure and absorption in the morning hours and take a vitamin D supplement if you’re deficient.
Talk to your doctor about Vitamin IVs
Cook with plenty of garlic, onion, fresh or dried herbs (especially oregano, thyme, and rosemary), and coconut oil, as well as foods rich in antioxidants.
Talk to your doctor, herbalist or nutritionist about supplements.

COVID-19 is a novel illness and we do not have any data showing evidence of protection or treatment with any supplement. There have been studies showing effectiveness on other coronaviruses, such as SARS. Some of these are listed below. Please make an appointment with your doctor, nutritionist, or acupuncturist/herbalist to personalize for your needs.

Monolaurin: 1800-2400 mg per day
Bioflavanoids / Quercetin
Vitamin C, oral: 3g per day
IV Vitamin C: requires a physician’s order
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): 100 mg
Vitamin D: 2,000-5,000 IU per day
Zinc: 25-35 mg
Garlic supplement: Allicin 400-500 mg
Selenium: 200 mcg
Chinese herbal medicine, requires an appointment

If you are having difficulty finding these supplements in stores, food as medicine is the best way to get them in their most natural and absorbable form.

Click here for a reference guide on food sources for a variety of immune-boosting nutrients.

We are working hard to stay updated on the most current information in order to provide you with the best care. The Kaplan Center family is here for you as we go through these challenging times together. Please contact our office if you have any questions (703)532-4892.