GENERAL COVID-19 PREVENTION INFORMATION

Numerous viral agents are capable of causing acute, significant illness in patient populations.

Communicable pathogens can spread rapidly especially in vulnerable populations such as children, those with chronic diseases like diabetes and the elderly.

Quick response and proactive measures can significantly influence severity and duration of infection, as well as reduce risk for transmission.

A variety of herbs, botanicals, and nutrients possess robust antiviral properties, and can improve immune function in the presence of viral challenge.**

Basic Preventative Measures

Basic preventive measures, as well as the application of targeted nutritional compounds, such as those detailed below, provide defensive strategies for supporting immune response against acute infection.

When a community virus strikes, recommending some basic behavioral and barrier strategies to patients is warranted, especially if they are traveling and have to be in the presence of a dense population (ex. airports, planes, railways, public transportation, etc.) who may be from geographically dispersed areas.

If the virus spreads by droplets, encourage patients to sneeze into the crook of their arm at the elbow, following up with hand sanitizer. Most common viruses are not viable outside of a living host (a few hours on average), however that still leaves a window for infection.

Masks are generally a wise idea, as they provide a basic physical barrier against the spread of communicable pathogens. Medical grade masks or N-95 rated masks are effective when used properly. If infection is already present, counsel patients to rest, avoid contact with others, push fluids (with meat and vegetable stocks, simply cooked fish and vegetables, cooked fruits and copious amounts of water).

Herbs, Botanicals and Nutrients

Garlic is in a family of plants noted to contain a protein lectin that has been shown to inhibit most common viruses. Fresh, crushed garlic appears to have some anti-infective effects in the mouth and throat, but also exhibits strong activity in the lungs. Onions and leeks also have this anti-viral protein.1

Elderberry is a medicinal plant with a long tradition of use as an effective antiviral. As with garlic, some of elderberry’s actions may be due to its ability to adhere to neuraminic acid on outer cellular membranes. Neuraminic acid is often used as a point of attack by viruses to attach to the cell using an enzyme they make called neuraminidase, which allows them to drill through the outer cell membrane and access the intracellular space. Elderberry has been shown to block neuraminidase, making it potentially effective for many viruses.2

One additional well-studied medicinal herb that may play an important role in mitigating the severity of viral infection is Andrographis paniculata, which has an extensive research basis for supporting symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults.3

Dietary Considerations

Recommend a foundational dietary plan that emphasizes micronutrients essential to optimal immune system function:

Zinc – seafood, pumpkin seed, sea vegetables, and beans, lentils and legumes
Vitamin D – salmon, fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese (if tolerable), mushrooms
Vitamin C – oranges, papayas, strawberries, kiwi, organic leafy green vegetables (spinach, bok choy, kale), broccoli, bell peppers
Vitamin A – liver, cod liver oil, mackerel, salmon; beta-carotene: sweet potato, winter squash, kale, collards, carrots
Recommend consumption of fresh garlic – crush garlic and wait up to 60 seconds to enhance formation of allicin
During active viral infection, direct patients to maintain adequate hydration
Guide patient to reduce dietary sugar & alcohol intake
Optimize omega-3 fatty acid composition of diet to support patient anti-inflammatory status
Support patient protein status (RDA: 0.8 grams per kilogram (g/kg) of body weight a day. Higher protein intake may be warranted, and can be achieved by supplementing with high-quality protein powders. Whey protein supplementation has been shown to increase glutathione levels, further supporting immune and antioxidant protection.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Promote sleep hygiene to ensure adequate quantity and quality of restorative rest
Reduce patient allostatic load via stress management techniques. Consider meditation, breath work, biofeedback.
Recommend a balanced physical activity routine to avoid excess exercise during times of immune challenge

Additional Resources & References

Click here for the CDC Information Page

Supplement Schedules

Basic Immune Support Kit

Enhanced Immune Support Kit

Ultra Immune Support Kit