What You Need To Know

With the first few diagnosed cases of coronavirus showing in up in Waterloo Region, the cancellation of professional sports leagues like the NBA and NHL, as well as hundreds of concerts and conferences across the globe, there is need for more information. Here are some considerations for you and your family.

Coronaviruses comprise a vast family of viruses, 7 of which are known to cause disease in humans. Some coronaviruses that typically infect animals have been known to evolve to infect humans. SARs-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 we are hearing about today) is likely one such virus postulated to have originated in a large animal and seafood market. Recent cases involve individuals who reported no contact with animal markets, suggesting that the virus in now spreading from person to person.

SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (middle east respiratory syndrome) are also caused by coronaviruses that jumped from animals to humans.

The full genome of SARS-CoV-2 was first posted by Chinese health officials soon after the initial detection. The CDC analyzed the genome from the first US patient who developed the infection on January 24, 2020 concluding that the sequence is nearly identical to the sequence reported by China. 

As of this morning there have been 138 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada, with 59 of those being in Ontario. There is 1 reported death from the virus.

Of these cases:

• the onset of illnesses occurred between January 15 and March 9, 2020
• 53% of cases are female
• 67% of cases are over the age of 40
• 13% of cases have been hospitalized
• 1 person has died of COVID-19
• 80% of cases are travellers and 10% are close contacts of those travellers

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

Prognosis and Severity

Early reports have described COVID-19 as clinically milder than MERS or SARS in terms of both severity and case fatality rate. Thus far, the fatality rate for COVID-19 is around 0.5-2%. This is very close to the fatality rate from the influenza virus. In the US there are about 40 000 000 cases of the flu every year and about 40 000 people die every year.

The most common clinical finding has been fever (98%), followed by cough (76%) and myalgia/fatigue (44%). Headache, sputum production, and diarrhea were less common.

Overwhelmingly, this infection self resolves and it is important for people to understand that, although it is critical to take the necessary precautions (see below), coronavirus is an infection our bodies can work with.

Diagnosis

The CDC has developed a diagnostic test for detection of the virus. The test is a real-time transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay that can be used to diagnose the virus in respiratory and serum samples from clinical specimens. 

Treatment (from Medscape)

No vaccine is currently available for COVID-19. Avoidance is the principle method of deterrence. No specific pharmaceutical antiviral treatment is recommended. 

General measures for avoidance and prevention from the CDC include:

a. handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds. A 60% alcohol hand sanitizer may be used if soap is not available. 
b. avoidance of touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
c. avoid close contact with sick people
d. sick people should responsibly self isolate
e. coughs and sneezes should be covered with tissue
f. frequently touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly

Alternative Approaches

The fear surrounding the coronavirus is understandable but I think the pandemic of fear is worse and more damaging than the pandemic of the virus itself. That said these are some ways that you can protect yourself.

Intravenous (IV) Vitamin C

In a press release from a Chinese hospital specializing in infectious disease it was observed that intravenous (IV) vitamin C was extremely effective in treating affected and infected patients. The dose was 100-200 mg/kg body weight and it was given intravenously for 3 days in a row. This equals up to 15 mg of vitamin c per infusion in a 180 lbs person. 

You can read about this finding here:

https://www.globalresearch.ca/three-intravenous-vitamin-c-research-studies-approved-treating-covid-19/5705405

Because of these initial reports out of China I am recommending for prevention 2000 mg of vitamin c 2x/day. 

For patients that are interested in being more proactive we are running vitamin c IVs at 10-20 grams per bag for both prevention and treatment of seasonal viral infections. We have been using high dose vitamin c intravenously for many years and are impressed by its ability to combat viral and upper respiratory infections.

Glycyrrhizic acid (licorice)

From the medical literature it is clear that licorice can be an effective preventative and treatment aid against COVID-19. We recommend 50 drops 3 times per day for solid prophylaxis, more, if you suspect that you are infected.

Immunitone Plus

Immunitone Plus is a comprehensive, synergistic formula that combines herbs, mushroom extracts and other natural compounds to help the body maintain a normal immune system response. Some of its significant botanicals include echinacea, astragalus, elderberry and green tea that is standardized to a very high level of its key active component epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg). In addition, Immunitone Plus includes an impressive combination of the immune supportive mushrooms cordyceps, shiitake, maitake and reishi.

We recommend taking 3 caps per day with food. 

Vitamin D

Optimizing vitamin D levels is a known strategy for immune support against a variety of infections. Testing your vitamin D levels to ensure you are within the optimal range is ideal and is an easy blood test at Lifelabs. You can speak with me if you are interested in performing this test. 

Vitamin A 

We recommend using Cod Liver Oil as a source of not only vitamin A but also some extra vitamin D as well as EFAs of course. This is another easy way of ensuring out bodies can respond appropriately to exposure of a variety of infections. 

Avoiding Sugar

If you are worried about getting sick, the single most effective strategy to support robust immune function is avoiding sugar. Even a small amount of sugar will sabotage your white blood cell function for hours. In addition to supporting your immune function, removing sugar will assist in weight loss, improve your sleep, and help to balance your digestive function. This is a must.

Get Enough Sleep

Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

Strive for 8 hours of sleep per night. And aim for those hours to be between 10 pm and 6 am.

Should I come to the clinic?

If you are wondering if you should come into the clinic please remain at home if you meet the following criteria:

If you have fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing

AND

In the 14 days before symptom onset, you have:

– been to a COVID-19 impacted area, OR
– you have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, OR
– you have been in close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to a COVID-19 impacted area

Following these guidelines is for both your safety and the safety of your community. We appreciate your consideration. Also if you meet these criteria it is important that you report to public health. Here is a link to their website:

https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/2019-novel-coronavirus.aspx

We are equipped at the office to connect with patients via phone call or video chat if you meet these criteria. 

We want to ensure everyone that it is safe to come into the clinic. It is only the people that meet the criteria above that should remain at home. We will continue to support people that are fighting seasonal infections and are equipped to do so.

If there are any questions please don’t hesitate to call the clinic.