The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) that causes Covid-19 (coronavirus disease) is a current concern for everyone. News outlets and social media provide us a constant stream of detailed information about the outbreak, cancelled events due to coronavirus fears, quarantines and the number of new cases and fatalities all over the world.
Most of the cases are in China, many cases are in Italy, South Korea and Iran.1 According to a recent study, published in JAMA (The Journal of the American Medical Association) on February 24th, 2020, researchers looked at 44, 672 confirmed cases in China and characterized 81% cases as mild, 14% as severe, and 5% as critical. Most people that have died were 70 or older or had chronic health conditions.5
A healthy immune system is the best defense for any viral disease. Prolonged fear of a possible threat causes exhaustion (often referred to as burnout or adrenal fatigue), immune system dysfunction and other emotional and physical issues.6 The best way to stay healthy in the current situation is not to give in to panic, avoid exposure to the virus, strengthen your immune system, and prepare the remedies you might need.
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to a group of viruses called corona viruses, 15-30% of viruses that cause the common cold are corona viruses. It is important to stop the cold naturally as soon as possible, to reduce the chances of it progressing into bronchitis or pneumonia. Fever is an important part of the defense mechanism of the body, it helps to fight the infectious agents by triggering a greater number of CD8 T-cells that are capable of destroying infected cells.4 Reducing fever, especially right away, is counterproductive in viral diseases.
Avoid exposure
To stay healthy avoid being exposed to the virus and have good hygiene. Wash your hands and face after you go shopping or socializing. Stay away from people who are sick and avoid crowds. Do not share food, utensils, cups and other personal things. Follow travel guidance to avoid unnecessary exposures.
Strengthen your immune system
Increase and maintain your immunity by getting fresh air every day, eating more fruits, vegetables, homemade soups, and eating less processed foods, getting plenty of sleep and physical activity.
Supplements like vitamin C, elderberry extract, tea made from ginger, lemon and honey, and apple cider vinegar are all very helpful before and during colds or flu.
Gemmotherapy extracts Ribes nigrum (Black currant) and Rosa canina (Briar rose) taken twice daily in water are a wonderful way to support immunity. Use your usual dose if you have taken those remedies before. If the remedies are new to you, take 6-16 drops for children 12 to adults, contact your practitioner for the doses for younger children.
Homeoprophylaxis
A homeoprophylaxis (HP) remedy for Covid-19, a homeopathic remedy made from the virus itself or the most used remedy for a current outbreak (genus epidemicus), is not indicated at this time. Luckily, the chances of getting Covid-19 are low for American public – there are 60 cases of Covid-19 in the US (as of 3/3/20). In comparison, 32 million people in the U.S. have experienced flu illnesses this season, according to a CDC estimate. If the necessity arises, the HP remedy will be available. Please contact your homeopath directly to inquire.
Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathy has a history of tremendous success in epidemics. 3 The most often used remedy in the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic was Gelsemium Sempervirens, the same remedy that has been suggested as the most likely remedy for cases of Covid-19 as well.
Oscillococcinum – Take at the first sign of cold or flu symptoms; aborts bad colds or flu. If you have to travel, take an extra dose before you start your trip.
Based on reports from China several possible remedies have been suggested by the homeopathic community.
Arsenicum album – Burning pains, anxiety and restlessness; dry cough, cough worse after midnight, worse lying down, better with warmth. Thirsty for small sips of water taken often.
Bryonia alba – Fever, dry hacking painful cough, dry tongue, stitching pain in the chest, pain is worse by breathing or least motion.
Eupatorium Perfoliatum – Severe pains in muscles or bones. Feels like bones are broken or bruised. Thirst for cold drinks. Loose cough.
Ferrum phosphoricum – Dry cough, short painful tickling cough, cough when bending head forward, cough worse outside; tired, apathetic, little thirst or appetite, better from rest and cold applications.
Gelsemium sempervirens – Slow onset with dizziness, dullness, extreme fatigue, chills, and low grade fever. Extreme muscle weakness, trembling and body ache all over. Dry cough. Dull pain on the back of the head, no thirst.
Homeopathic remedies above can be used safely in 30C potency. If you have tried 3-6 doses of a remedy that matches your symptoms the best and do not see any improvement, consult your homeopath for a more specific remedy for you.
Should you have further concerns you would like to discuss, please email or call to book an appointment.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace primary care. This information is not intended to replace the services of any physicians or health care professionals. It is not intended to be a substitute for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease or health condition. This information is for education purposes only.
References:
- https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
- http://www.whale.to/v/winston.html
- “Elevated body temperature helps certain types of immune cells to work better, evidence suggests”; December 13, 2011; Source: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology; https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101130200.htm
- Zunyou Wu, MD, PhD; Jennifer M. McGoogan, PhD ,”Characteristics of and Important Lessons From the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in China” Summary of a Report of 72 314 Cases From the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, JAMA. Published online February 24, 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.2648; https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2762130
- Jaime Rosenberg, “The Effects of Chronic Fear on a Person’s Health”, Conferences > Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) 2017 Congress – Published on: November 11, 2017; https://www.ajmc.com/conferences/nei-2017/the-effects-of-chronic-fear-on-a-persons-health