Everyone has heard about the new Corona virus. Corona viruses are a large family of viruses found in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, and bats. A new strain of Corona virus has been identified recently as the cause of the outbreak of respiratory illness in people first detected in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization named the disease COVID-19.
Per the CDC, this new virus is thought to occur mostly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts.
Close contact can occur by:
- Being within approximately 6 feet of someone with the Corona virus for a prolonged period of time.
- Having direct contact with infectious secretions from someone with the Corona virus. Infectious secretions may include sputum, serum, blood, and respiratory droplets.
Symptoms of the new Corona virus (COVID-19) include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. For most people it is no more than cold or flu like symptoms. The CDC estimates that symptoms of this virus can occur within 2–14 days after exposure. Typically, people recover from this virus without any issues. Most people fight this virus off with self-care (which we describe below). Adults over 65 years old and persons with chronic pre-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems seem to be at greater risk for severe illness from this virus. So far about 15-20 percent of cases are considered severe and less than 2 percent of the severe cases ends up as a mortality. Kids seem to be less vulnerable to this infection and tend to have milder symptoms.
Please keep in mind that the news greatly exaggerates things. Any person who is severely ill or who loses their life is of course tragic. However, the news tends to overdramatize these illnesses and deaths, making it seem like the apocalypse is coming. We always advise minimizing or avoiding watching news in general (there are other, less stressful ways to stay informed of current events). Fear and stress negatively affects your immune system. In the case of this new Corona virus, we strongly suggest that you stay away from the news and monitor the CDC site to get the facts without the over televised drama. There are well documented studies of the mind body connection. Focus on being well and on staying healthy rather than buy into the fear that you are going to get the virus and die. The better that you take care of you, the better your body can fight of this new virus, as well as anything else that it comes across.
Like with any illness, the best defense is offense. Prevent getting sick in the first place.
Per the CDC you can avoid getting sick with COVID-19 by doing the following things:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay 6 feet away or more. Avoid crowds when possible. (If you do start to feel ill, stay home and minimize your exposure to others)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. (If you must touch them, be sure that you have washed your hands first)
- Cover your cough and cough into your elbow if possible. Sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. (Personally, we like to use safe cleaning products and use a household cleaning spray created with essential oils.)
- Use of face masks:
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including the Corona virus. The only time that a healthy person needs to use a face mask is when they are taking care of someone who is ill with the virus. If you are in close contact with people who are coughing and sneezing, then wearing a facemask could help you.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of the virus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. (Better to stay home and away from other people!)
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If you sing Happy Birthday twice this is typically 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
(We would like to add our personal note to what the CDC recommends. There have been several essential oils that have shown to be highly effective against viruses—Melissa (Melissa officinalis), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct. thymol), Eucalyptus Globulus, Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), and Rosemary Borneol (Rosmarinus Officinalis). When these oils are combined in the correct ratio within a carrier such as aloe vera, a safe and effective hand sanitizer can be created by a clinical aromatherapist. This is a great alternative for those wishing to avoid the harshness and potential toxicities of alcohol based hand sanitizers. Even though this hand sanitizer has been shown effective in our office and in households for many viruses, it has not been “studied” so the CDC will not officially recommend it. We have used it regularly at our office and homes and feel it is as effective as an alcohol based hand sanitizer without the toxicity)
Here at An Optimal You we believe that there are also a variety of natural ways that you can stay healthy and avoid getting sick. (Things that the CDC does not mention). And, there are things that you can do if you start feeling unwell.
- Boost your immune system by ensuring that you have adequate Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D can boost immunity, among other things. If you do start feeling ill, we have found that increasing your Vitamin D3 intake for a few days can help you recover quicker. (Do make sure that you have a baseline Vitamin D level to ensure that you do not overdose your Vitamin D)
- Simple lifestyle choices that enhance your immune system and overall well-being should be made daily. (This is smart to do to prevent diabetes, cancer, heart disease as well as viral illnesses)
- Ensure that you are well rested. Avoid over stressing your body and lowering your immune system by getting rest when you need it. Take time to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep. Also set aside some time each day to sit quietly—in prayer, meditation, etc. Even 5 minutes a day can help your mind stay rested. Turn off your phone and unplug regularly.
- Drink an adequate amount of water. Staying hydrated is critical to staying healthy.
- Get regular exercise. Regular exercise keeps your body in great shape—ready to fight off illnesses. Of course, if you start feeling ill, stay away from exercising and rest until you are well.
- Take a teaspoon of liquid silver each day during the weeks that viruses, including the new Corona virus, are going around. Hold it under your tongue for a minute before swallowing. Do this daily to potentially boost your immune system and ability to fight off the virus. If you do get sick with the virus, a short term increase in dosing to 7 times a day may help fight it off naturally.
- Nasal irrigation with distilled water can also be useful in preventing and minimizing illnesses. You can do this daily to potentially prevent issues and more often if needed.
- Get an IV Meyers Cocktail and Glutathione. The Myers Cocktail has high dose Vitamin C along with Magnesium and a variety of B vitamins. Glutathione is a potent anti-oxidant and assists your body in fighting infections. Getting these IV’s before you are sick can boost your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses and prevent their ability to cause a significant infection. We like to get them on a weekly basis during a bad viral season and before any extensive traveling. These IV’s are also great at assisting your body in fighting off infection once you start feeling unwell.
- Get an Ozone IV. An Ozone IV is a great way to boost your body’s ability to stay well and to help it fight off infections, among other things. You can get this weekly, monthly, or as needed.
- Food is medicine for a variety of illnesses, not just the new Corona virus. Incorporate fermented foods (sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, kombucha), eat colorful vegetables and fruits that are naturally high in flavenoids, and avoid simple sugars and processed foods. This will give your body what it needs to defend you against viral invaders.
- Immune boosting herbs like elderberry, goldenseal, and even medicinal mushrooms may also help.
(Legal disclaimer: of course, reach out to your medical provider for advice on treating any illness that you have. The measures listed here are to give you options in taking care of your body)
Keep yourself healthy with an immune system that can fight off infections. Keep in mind that it is still extremely rare to contract this virus and that the large majority of viral illnesses, including this one, end up causing an inconvenience to your life and nothing worse.
Take care of your body and it will take care of you!!
Daily self-care and preventive “medicine” goes a long way towards keeping you feeling at your best! (whether there is a viral outbreak or not)
If you are interested in booking any of the IV’s, or if you have any questions about them, please contact the office at 951-461-3021 or e mail [email protected]
If you are interested in a custom blended essential oil hand sanitizer (or other essential oil blends) please contact Sharon Mayberry, Clinical Aromatherapist, at 951-319-7819 ext. 2434
If you are interested in consulting with an Integrative Pediatrician or a trained Homeopathic medical practitioner, please contact Dr. Donna Ruiz, Integrative Pediatrician and Homeopathic practitioner, at 951-319-7819 ext. 3506
