Novel Coronavirus — Prepare, Don’t Panic

STAY HEALTHY : EAT WELL  —  EXERCISE MODERATELY — GET PLENTY OF REST

CONSIDER TAKING SUPPLEMENTS THAT STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

There are lots of opinions about the value of supplements – my perspective is that if they work for you and your family, or they make sense to you, give them a try.  In normal doses, for limited time frames, unless you have contraindications to the ingredients, negative side effects are usually rare.                                                                                     

                             Examples:  Vitamin E, D, C, A, B complex, especially B6

                             Selenium, Quercetin, Bromelain, Zinc

                             Garlic, Elderberry, Mushroom extracts, Ginger

HAND WASHING – OFTEN, THOROUGHLY, ESPECIALLY AFTER CONTACT WITH BODY FLUIDS

Sanitizers are a reasonable substitute if >60% alcohol based.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN NOT TO SHARE

                             Everybody needs their own cup, washcloth, towel, pillow, etc.

                             Don’t drink out of another’s beverage container, use their fork, etc.

CONSIDER PUTTING RANDOM HUGS, HIGH FIVES AND HANDSHAKES ON HOLD

STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK – THIS IS NOT THE TIME FOR PUSHING THROUGH IT

COUGH INTO YOUR ELBOW or into a tissue that you immediately discard – AND TEACH OTHERS TO DO THE SAME

AVOID SITUATIONS IN WHICH THERE ARE LIKELY TO BE SICK INDIVIDUALS

Close quarters are worst, but may also spread in crowds, at events where persons are in close contact Examples: school, work, church, meetings, games, health care settings, gyms, exercise classes, restaurants

Limit TRAVEL – especially by plane, if can postpone.  Recirculated air. Large numbers of exposures.

Wear a mask if you must be in those settings – N 95 is the standard

PREPARE SO YOU WON’T HAVE TO GO OUT IF THINGS GET BAD

Food, medications, pet needs – anything of which you might run out in at least a two week period

Other “essential items” – hygiene products, cash, things for kids to do

Things to treat symptoms of respiratory illness so you can treat at home if symptoms are not severe Examples: cough meds, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, teas, oils, soups, homeopathic and natural remedies

IF YOU OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBER HAS HIGH FEVER, DIFFICULTY BREATHING:                        

CALL YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER FIRST– THEY MAY WANT TO DIRECT YOU TO A LAB OR A PARTICULAR SETTING TO SCREEN FOR INFLUENZA AND CORONAVIRUS.  If you go, wear a mask to protect yourself and others                                                                                             

CONSIDER OSTEOPATHIC MANUAL TREATMENT TO HELP FIGHT THE INFECTION                                I have more details – contact me at 541-419-8743  Susan Reichert MD