Corona Virus...How to stay healthy and protected!
With growing concerns surrounding Corona Virus or COVID-19,it is important to remain informed of the facts regarding this viral outbreak. Let’s take a deeper look at the coronavirus and exactly how you can protect yourself, your loved ones. What is coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, seven of which are currently known to infect humans. Four of these strains cause minor symptoms similar to the common cold and two are more severe diseases including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was discovered in 2019 when an unusually high number of people in Wuhan, China, became ill with pneumonia after having an illness similar to the flu. When doctors tested them, they found these people had a type of coronavirus they hadn’t seen before. Why is it spreading so quickly? The reason COVID-19 is spreading so quickly is simply that it is a new virus the body does not recognise, and as such has little defence against. How is it spreading? Transmission of COVID-19 occurs when infected droplets are distributed via human-to-human contact, usually when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It may also be spread via contact with contaminated objects as human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces for up to 9 days. What are the symptoms of coronavirus? Symptom severity of COVID-19 varies, with mixed reports of severe flu-like symptoms in addition to milder presentations. Primary symptoms to be aware of include: • Fever, cough and shortness of breath/breathing difficulties. Affected individuals may also experience additional flu-like symptoms including: • Headache, muscular stiffness and pain, loss of appetite,malaise/extreme generalised fatigue, chills, confusion, dizziness, rash, night sweats, and gastrointestinal upset. How you can protect yourself from coronavirus. As COVID-19 is a novel virus, there is no vaccine currently available. However, practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene provides the best defence against viral infections.These include: • Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet. • Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, immediately disposing of tissues and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser. • If unwell, seek immediate guidance from a medical professional. You may be advised to isolate yourself from the general population for up to 14 days to stop viral spread. My favourite foods and supplements to protect myself and my family are: 1) Vitamin C is vital it’s function to helps to fight the virus 2) Zinc does have anti-viral properties and was shown in a laboratory studies to inhibit the replication of coronaviruses incells 3) Garlic has been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit certain flu and cold viruses, garlic supplements may help to prevent colds. 4) Elderberry has been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit the replication and hemagglutination of human flu viruses,including certain strains of Influenza A and B, and H1N1 5) Coconut Oil - Two researchers have highlighted preliminary research on the anti-viral effects of lauric acid, found in coconut oil, and the metabolite of lauric acid — monolaurin 6) Echinacea. Studies in laboratories (but not in people) have shown that certain species of echinacea may inhibit corona viruses. So stay calm and healthy during this period and not only keep hygienic but also take care of your mind, body and soul. Happy Balance Health .xx
