At this point, you may be-hard pressed to find someone who has not been researching the 2019 coronavirus. Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface and are a large family of viruses that are common in people and some different species of animals, including camels, cats, bats, and cattle. On rare occasions, animal coronaviruses can infect humans, which is the case for this current coronavirus, which is believed to originate from a bat. This has been the case with other coronaviruses, like MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now this novel virus, named SARS-CoV-2 (also called COVID-19). (1)

We now know that this virus can be spread from person-to-person contact. While this virus was detected first in Wuhan, China, we know that it has also been detected in 149 countries and territories internationally, including the United States.

As of March 14th, there have been 2,340 confirmed cases reported in the United States, with 50 deaths. Of the 2,249 active cases, 2,239 are in mild condition, while 10 are in serious or critical condition (2). Reported illnesses throughout the world have ranged from very mild (some people reporting no symptoms) to severe and resulting in death. From what we know so far, most cases appear to be mild. A report out of China suggests that 16% of illnesses are more severe (1).

While the numbers are always changing, the current death rate for coronavirus is estimated to be somewhere between 2 and 3.5%. We don’t know the reliability for these percentages, especially as testing becomes more available. While the reported death rate is highest in Italy (around 6.6%), promisingly, in South Korea, the death rate is only somewhere around 0.8% (3). Experts suspect that as testing increases, the death rate decreases, as there are many cases that are so mild, affected individuals don’t know they have the virus. However, we want to take any and all deaths seriously. Populations that are more at risk include:

Older adults
People who have serious chronic health conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease (4)

We also know that children typically have mild cases of COVID-19. In a report from China based on 72,314 confirmed, suspected, and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, there were ZERO fatalities reported from ages 0-9 (5). While it’s comforting to know that children are often protected from more severe symptoms, it’s also important to know that children can unknowingly be carriers of the virus to other more at-risk individuals.

How is COVID-19 transmitted?

COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact (being within 6 feet OR having direct contact with secretions of an infected person). It may also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. There is some evidence that it may be transmitted through a fecal-oral route or blood transmission (6). People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest), though it may also be possible to spread before a person is symptomatic (7).

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms may occur 2-14 days after exposure. Reported symptoms include:

Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Mild pneumonia
Severe pneumonia
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Sepsis

How Can We Prevent the Spread of this Virus?

According to the CDC, here are some best practices we can all do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as other viruses (8):

Clean your hands often.
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
  **This is so easy to do, but a recent study showed that a large percentage of people do not follow this advice after something simple like using the toilet (9).
- Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when unable to wash hands.

Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Keep distance between yourself and other people, especially if you’re at risk.
Stay home if you’re sick, except to receive medical care. Call your doctor before going into the office to receive advice on how to proceed.
Sneeze or cough into the inside or your elbow or into a tissue and throw directly in the trash. Wash your hands for 20 seconds after sneezing or coughing.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily (tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks).

How Can We Boost Our Immune Systems During this Time?

As you know, this is an ongoing situation, and we are still finding out what can help fight off COVID-19. However, here are some tried and true ways to help boost your immune system and make your body stronger in the event of general infection, as it can be hard to know when you are being exposed.

Immune Support:

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been shown to have a positive effect on the immune system. Various studies have suggested that lower levels of vitamin D are associated with increased infections. Individuals with lower levels of vitamin D appear more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections (10). One study showed that therapeutic doses of vitamin D in schoolchildren resulted in a statistically significant decrease of influenza infection (11).

Colostrum: Colostrum is the very first secretion from the mammary glands and is loaded with protective antibodies for the baby. Science and research have allowed us to benefit from bovine colostrum, which is the colostrum from cows. Bovine colostrum is similar to human colostrum and provides vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, antibodies, and digestive enzymes (12). Bovine colostrum includes bovine immunoglobulins (Ig). Bovine immunoglobulins have the ability to bind to respiratory pathogens, including RSV, influenza virus, and Streptococcus pneumonia. In addition, bovine immunoglobulins have a protective effect on gut function, which can contribute to the effectiveness of your immune system (13).

Bone broth: Bone broth contains a number of things that may support immune function. One of which is gelatin, which contains an amino acid called glutamine. Glutamine can heal, protect and maintain the integrity of the gastrointestinal wall, which helps with immune function. Additionally, bone broth contains glycine and arginine, which are amino acids that can decrease inflammation in the body. Glycine can protect against shock caused by hemorrhage, endotoxin, and sepsis (14), and has been shown to reduce inflammation in the lungs (15).

Herbs that Support Immune Function:

Astragalus: Astragalus is an herb that has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine. Though we urge scientists to continue to research this potent herb, there are a few studies that begin to show its potential. In animal research, astragalus root has helped kill bacteria and viruses in infected mice (16, 17). There is also some beginning research that shows its effectiveness in increased immune function (18) as well as killing viruses in humans (19).

Echinacea purpurea: Extracts of echinacea have gained popularity as an herbal medicine. Echinacea purpurea is a purple coneflower found in North America. This type of echinacea contains multiple bio-activities that have the ability to inactivate or inhibit viral respiratory infections (20).

Licorice: Licorice is another herb which has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Licorice contains more than 20 triterpenoids, which are compounds that have powerful effects against various human diseases (21). Licorice also has almost 300 flavonoids, which are phytonutrients with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Licorice is both a powerful antiviral and antimicrobial agent (22).

Lemon balm: Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis, are used in Iranian folk medicine for a variety of health reasons. It has powerful antioxidant effects due to its high amount of flavonoids, rosmaric acid, gallic acid, and phenolic contents. Lemon balm has been shown to have strong antiviral properties as well (23).

Pomegranate extract: Pomegranates have a long history of being used for antimicrobial activities, dating back to biblical times. The Egyptians used pomegranates to treat a variety of infections, and pomegranates have had a place in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years (24). Pomegranate extracts have also proven to be antiviral in the case of influenza and other viruses, such as HIV (25).

Maitake mushroom: “Maitake” means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. Folklore is that it got its name from people dancing with happiness when they found the mushroom because of its healing properties. This mushroom grows in the wild in Japan, China, and North America (26). They are rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins B and C, copper, potassium minerals, and amino acids. Both alone and in combination with shiitake mushrooms, they have shown to increase phagocytosis, which is the process by which a cell uses its plasma membrane to engulf a pathogen and remove it. In addition, they enhance production of IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-gamma cytokines, which stimulate a positive immune response (27).

Elderberry: Elderberry refers to varieties of the Sambucus tree. This tree is native to Europe but has been naturalized in many parts of the world (28). Made by cooking the berries, elderberry syrup is a popular way to enhance immune function, especially during cold and flu season. There is evidence that elderberry, either alone or in combination with other natural health agents, can improve conditions such as influenza, bacterial sinusitis, and bronchitis. In a Norwegian study, patients with influenza-like symptoms who were given elderberry extract improved an average of 4 days earlier than those who received a placebo. They also had lower incidence of rescue medicine administered (29). One study looked at elderberry’s (specifically Sambucus nigra) effects on infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), which is a pathogenic chicken coronavirus. The researchers found that Sambucus nigra elderberry was able to inhibit IBV at an early point in infection (30).

***There has been some controversy around elderberry and COVID-19. In severe cases of COVID-19, there is evidence that patients may suffer from a cytokine storm, which is an overproduction of immune cells that can lead to adult respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. A 2001 study showed that Sambucol elderberry activates a healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokines. We simply don’t know enough about COVID-19 yet to know if elderberry will have positive or negative effects on COVID-19. ***

For more information on dosing and our favorite immune-boosting products, fill out the form below.

IMPORTANT: After filling out the form below, a download link will be provided in this space.

Receive 10% off of immune bundles by mentioning this article.

Lifestyle Suggestions to Support Immune Function:

Avoiding excessive alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of diseases, including a greater likelihood of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, alcholic liver disease, certain cancers, and slower and incomplete recoveries from infection and physical trauma. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the lungs, which often goes undetected, until a second insult, such as a respiratory infection occurs. This can lead to a more severe disease than non-drinkers (31). While drinking polyphenol-rich beverages can have positive health benefits, it’s important to keep consumption light to moderate (32).

Avoiding sugar: Hopefully the word is out on the negative effects sugar can have on our immune system. In short, sugar doesn’t allow the immune system to do its job as effectively. If a person consumes 100 grams of sugar, or 1 liter of soda, the reactivity of that person’s white blood cells is reduced by 40%, which can weaken the immune system for 4 or 5 hours. Sugar also competes with vitamin C, which is vital to white blood cell function. When we consume sugar, less vitamin C enters into the white blood cells, inhibiting their function (33).

Sleep: It is extremely important to get adequate sleep. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep for their immune systems to work properly. Sleep deprivation weakens your body’s capacity to remain healthy. In persistent sleep loss due to things such as insomnia, alcoholism, and stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines are increased, which increases the overall inflammation of your body, weakening its defenses (34).

Water consumption: Water helps to flush out toxins, improve your skin, boost your energy, and fight illness. There is an association between dehydration and both chronic and acute disease conditions (35, 36). Drink half of your body weight in water daily.

This is a beginning list on general ways to boost your immune system during this critical time. We have products with these important therapeutic agents in our office for your health benefit at this time.

There have also been promising results in China fighting COVID-19 with high dose IV vitamin C as well as high doses of proteolytic enzymes. We will keep you updated with more current information as it comes.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Works cited:

COVID-19 Pandemic and How You Can Boost Your Immune System

For more information on dosing and our favorite immune-boosting products, fill out the form below.

Receive 10% off of immune bundles by mentioning this article.

HOURS

P:(610) 286-9991 - F:(610) 286-0265 • 102 South Pine Street - Elverson, PA 19520