About Covid-19 & Coronavirus

This pandemic of Covid-19 (previously called 2019-nCoV) coronavirus reminds me when I was the team lead for the SARS outbreak with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). It was eerie. I was the only one entering Beijing, a ghost town at the time. Unlike the usual hustle and bustle of a busy crowded city, I could see no one, and only heard the sounds of birds chirping in the trees. I walked alone in the streets heading to the outskirts where we set up treatment centers. I am certain Wuhan and Hubei province is experiencing much the same phenomenon. However despite all the news you are hearing in the media, now is not the time to panic. If we can be vigilant and disciplined with our care, our risk will be minimized. I hope I can answer your questions and help you better understand how you can best be prepared.

In this article:

• What are Coronaviruses?
• What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19/2019-nCoV)?
• How is Coronavirus nCoV Spread?
• Coronavirus symptoms
• Testing for Coronavirus
• Treatment for Coronavirus
• Coronavirus Prevention
• Coronavirus Treatment with Natural Supplements
• Coronavirus Prevention for Travelers
• Final Thoughts – nCoV and SARS

December 2019 may have been the first time you heard about coronavirus, but coronaviruses have been around for quite some time.

What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large classification of viruses that are common in animals, like bats, cattle, even cats. These animal coronaviruses rarely infect people and then spread between people – but it does happen. Common human coronaviruses include Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, and Coronavirus HKU1, but you’ve likely never heard of them since they usually cause only mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract symptoms. And like the common cold, they are resolved in a matter of days.

This was not the case with SARS in 2003, MERS in 2012, and now with 2019-nCoV. Like SARS and MERS, the 2019-nCoV coronavirus is highly transmissible and has caused more serious respiratory illness in individuals, even death in some cases globally. For these reasons it is important to understand the illness and our defenses against it.

What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19 / 2019-nCoV)?

As of February 2020, much is still unknown about how this new human coronavirus Covid-19 / 2019-nCoV spreads. Most recommendations by the CDC are based on what is known about similar and more severe coronaviruses.

How is Coronavirus Covid-19 Spread?

Though there is much more to learn about the transmissibility associated with 2019-nCoV coronavirus, it is generally accepted human coronaviruses spread from the infected via the following methods:

Coronavirus Transmission by Respiratory Droplets

Most often, the spread of Covid-19 from person to person happens by close contact (about 6 feet). Human nCoV transmission is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Coronavirus spread via close personal contact

Being in close personal contact with an infected person increases the likelihood of spread, as in hugging or shaking hands.

Though it’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, other human coronaviruses have been spread in this manner.

Asymptomatic Coronavirus Transmission

With Covid-19, there have been reports of spread from an infected patient with no symptoms to a close contact. For this reason, individuals entering the United States who have recently traveled from China have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days in case symptoms emerge.

Coronavirus symptoms

Symptoms of Covid-19 coronavirus include runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever, cough, and shortness of breath – and range widely in severity.

The CDC suggests the incubation period for human coronavirus is anywhere between 2 and 14 days after exposure, based on their understanding of the MERS virus. Those who have been in contact with the virus are advised to self-quarantine to limit their possibility of spreading the illness to other individuals.

Testing for Coronavirus

Laboratory tests on respiratory specimens and blood can clearly identify nCoV coronavirus. Because this virus is being closely tracked from its place origin (Wuhan, China), it is important to share any recent travel history and contact with animals with your healthcare provider.

Treatment for Coronavirus

There is currently no coronavirus vaccine to prevent Covid-19 / 2019-nCoV infection, and no anti-viral treatment for those infected. A vaccine in development is still at least a year away from readiness for use. Healthcare professionals are treating patients primarily to relieve symptoms and support any vital organ functioning. If you are feeling unwell and have traveled recently, please see a healthcare professional immediately and limit your exposure to others.

To reiterate, the Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) has advised that “[t]here are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges, or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).”

Coronavirus Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

These are healthy everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of not only Coronavirus Covid-19 / 2019-nCoV, but many common viruses.

Should I wear a face mask to prevent Coronavirus?

The main benefit of wearing a face mask is when the infected person wears the facemask. When sneezing and coughing, the face mask contains any secretions and therefore limits the ability of the virus to travel through the air. Face masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. Healthy individuals gain very little benefit by wearing a face mask, as these covers cannot not fully prevent the virus from entering your body.

The CDC advises wearing a face mask if you are sick, as part of preventing the spread of coronavirus. Because most face masks do not prevent coronavirus droplets from entering one’s airways, Dr. Wang advises reserving the use of a face mask for when you are sick and in areas where you will be in contact with others. The last thing we want is for our face mask supply to run out, leaving sick patients without face masks to avoid contaminating others.

Update 4/6/2020: The CDC released new recommendations about masks to address COVID-19. Americans should cover their faces when leaving home. In February, the US surgeon general urged the public to stop buying face masks because of a shortage for health care workers needing protection when treating patients. Now, the CDC is advising Americans to use cloth face coverings like homemade masks, bandanas, or scarves in public settings like grocery stores and pharmacies. Studies are suggesting that coronavirus can be transmitted by those infected but asymptomatic.

What can Boost your Immune System amidst the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic?

Important in boosting overall immunity against illness during cold and flu season are vitamin A, vitamin D, and virucidal herbs. Our body’s immune system is functions better when it’s well nourished and has the micronutrients it needs to fend off attacks from illnesses of any kind during this time of year, when illness peaks.

Is it Coronavirus?

What can you do if you start to feel sick?

Above all, keep calm. If you experience all symptoms associated with coronavirus, contact your doctor. Only a doctor can give you a diagnosis and offer you instructions on what to do next.

Coronavirus Prevention for Travelers

The CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Update 3/14/2020: As of today, all non-essential travel should be avoided.

I also offer some tips for Airplane Traveling in my Post-Stress blog post.

Final Thoughts – Covid-19 Coronavirus and SARS

I am hopeful.

Like the 2003 SARS outbreak in many ways, the majority of the human population is healthy enough to survive from infection of this coronavirus. Unfortunately as with all viruses, the infected appears to be contagious 3 to 5 days prior to developing symptoms. We can be hopeful, yet we still must be vigilant to protect ourselves and others around us.

The best prevention is making sure your micronutrients, antioxidants, and  minerals such as zinc are at their optimal levels to allow our immune systems to perform at their best.

To your health,

Learn even more

The Coronavirus discussion from my Facebook Live:

References

1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
3. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/asia/china-coronavirus-contain.html
4. https://www.businessinsider.com/china-wuhan-coronavirus-compared-to-sars-2020-1