REALITY CHECK:
Sure, the coronavirus is serious but why aren’t people worried about the flu?
We get it. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) statistics can be frightening.
As of March 10, 2020, Johns Hopkins CSSE reported there were over 118,000 confirmed global cases of coronavirus, including 808 US cases, and more than 4,200 global deaths (over 25 in the US). More than 64,000 people have recovered from the disease as of March 10, 2020.
At least 20,000 people have died from the flu in the US since October.
The flu has ravaged US citizens during the 2019-2020 flu season—and flu season isn’t over yet. Between Oct. 1, 2019 and February 29, 2020, the US CDC estimates that at least 34 MILLION Americans have experienced flu illnesses this season, with at least 20,000 people dying from the flu in the US since October. That’s at least 4,000 flu deaths per month so far.
By no means are we suggesting that you shouldn’t take precautions to protect yourself against the coronavirus. We’re just saying you should also take steps to minimize your risk of catching the flu. BOTH the coronavirus and the flu pose serious threats to public health. The elderly, children under 2 years of age and those with certain health conditions typically face the greatest risk. According to the CDC, those who face the greatest risk of getting very sick from this new coronavirus include:
- Older adults
- People who suffer from chronic health conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
Curious about what caused the coronavirus, how it spreads and how to prevent it?
According to the CDC, “Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2).”
Most people know this new coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, likely from a large fish market where live animals were being sold. Now the virus is being spread person-to-person.
The Canadian television network CBC recently released an excellent video on the coronavirus. In the video, Toronto family physician Dr. Peter Lin explains how the virus works, how it transmits, where it wants to go (the lungs), how to protect ourselves and how it’s treated. Most important, he shares facts, not fear. Please check it out.
How viruses like the flu and coronavirus spread
People typically transmit viruses to others who are in close contact with them—within about six feet. When an infected person coughs or sneezes they release respiratory droplets that may land in the mouth or nose of someone nearby, or potentially when inhaled into the lungs.
It’s possible that we could come in contact with the flu or coronavirus by touching a surface or object, and then transferring the virus into the body by touching the face (mouth, nose or eyes). However, person-to-person transmission is likely the main culprit.
Symptoms of the flu and coronavirus according to the CDC
FLU SYMPTOMS
· Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone gets a fever)
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (tiredness)
· Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and people sick with the flu may experience some or all of the symptoms. Otherwise healthy adults are typically contagious one day before symptoms kick in and up to five to seven days after getting sick. Children and those with weakened immune systems may be contagious beyond seven days.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19 DISEASE) SYMPTOMS
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Emergency warning signs (seek medical attention):
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
The CDC currently estimates that symptoms may appear as early as two days and as long as 14 days after exposure to the coronavirus. To prevent the spread of coronavirus, a 14-day quarantine has been imposed on people who have been to areas where the disease has occurred or exposed to someone who has the disease.
Six ways to protect yourself (and others) from the flu and coronavirus
- 1). Boost your body’s own defense mechanisms! Remember, virus attack defenseless immune systems successfully, hence the rampant viral illness in the elderly and infants. Your best defense is a GREAT offense in the form of powerful antioxidants and anti-viral agents!· Vitamin C, 1000-2000 mg a day minimum.
· Vitamin D3 has amazing antiviral properties, and some studies have shown in adults taking 50,000 iu (that was not a typo!) a day for THREE days can wipe out the flu virus! A minimum of 10,000 iu a day for adults and 2000-5000 iu a day for children during times of illness is paramount.
· Zinc also has amazing antiviral properties and taking up to 24 mg a day within 48 hours of viral exposure helps boost immunity.
· Glutathione is required by the immune system for two important reasons: it protects host immune cells through its antioxidant mechanism, and it provides the optimal functioning of cells of the immune system
2). Steer clear of sick people. If you hear or see someone coughing or sneezing keep your distance. This can be difficult when a family member is ill. While it may not be an option for everybody, isolating ill family members in one area of the home may help. If you’re at high-risk and an outbreak has been declared in your community, avoid crowds and public places.
3). Wash your hands often—especially before bedtime! Use soap and water when possible (otherwise use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol) and scrub for at least 20 seconds. You should wash hands when you get home from public places, frequently when sharing a home with someone who is ill, after using the restroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
NEWS FLASH: Bedtime is the time we most frequently transmit viruses to ourselves. Be sure to give your hands a good scrubbing prior to bed and avoid touching anything once you hit the sheets.
4). Keep your hands off of your face. As Dr. Lin noted in the video, viruses need help getting where they want to go, and they enter through the mouth, nose and eyes. They don’t penetrate the skin.
NOTE: Masks may help protect you from touching your face but they are not airtight, which means viruses penetrate masks. Only properly-fitted, sealed masks with respirators that health workers wear can protect people from viruses.
5). Sanitize your surroundings. If people with a cold or virus have spent time in your home or workplace, it’s important to clean and disinfect that space. Apply disinfectant solutions, sprays and wipes to surfaces and objects to help neutralize germs.
6). Live a healthy lifestyle.
Our immune systems create antibodies that help us fight off viruses. That’s why people with weaker immune systems—the elderly, young children and those with underlying health conditions—are more susceptible to getting and dying from certain viruses.
The better you treat your body, the stronger your immune system will become. Limiting alcohol intake, abstaining from tobacco and drug use, exercising, stress management and eating a balanced diet may all help support a healthy body and immune system.
Boost your immune system with supplements and IV nutrient therapy
Along with recommending a healthier, balanced diet, your practitioner may also prescribe supplements—HELLO vitamin C and antioxidants—or even IV nutrition therapy to support overall health and your immune system.
At EVEXIAS, we offer the Immune Boost IV therapy for patients who are at risk, like frequent travelers on airplanes, or have been exposed to viruses. This powerful intravenous treatment includes a combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in the renowned Myers’ Cocktail (magnesium, vitamin B complex, hydroxocobalamin and vitamin C), plus calcium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate and pyridoxine and finally topped off with Glutathione, the POWERHOUSE nutrient of the immune system!
Suspect you have the flu or coronavirus? CALL your doctor’s office first
During flu season or a potential pandemic, the onus is on all of us to help minimize virus spread. If you’re experiencing flu or coronavirus symptoms, call your doctor’s office ahead of time. That way they can isolate you to reduce the likelihood of infecting others.
If you get sick, stay home. This can help minimize the spread of the virus to coworkers and the general public. If you don’t live alone try to restrict yourself to limited areas of the home. Keep your coughs and sneezes to yourself by coughing into your elbow or a tissue, then disposing of that tissue promptly. Keep washing those hands!
Don’t panic. Be vigilant.
While we can’t predict how the coronavirus will impact the US, we all need to do our part—this year and EVERY year—to minimize virus spread. Hand washing, limiting exposure to infected persons and prioritizing immune system function are all key.
If you’re a current patient and have concerns about your health, contact us. We’re here to support you on your journey to good health.