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We apologize in advance for the length of this post - it's around 3000 words, which will take about 15 minutes for most people to digest.  There is a lot to review and it is changing every day. As time goes by, more light is shed on the science of this novel coronavirus, and more complexity is required to explain the actions.  The more we understand how the virus works, the more effective we can be from both the treatment and prevention perspective. There is a lot of information out there regarding COVID-19, much of which is confusing and contradictory.  We see it as our responsibility to sort through as much of the incoming data as possible in order to provide our community with as clear and unbiased understanding as possible.

While taking the “Shelter in Place” directive and world pandemic seriously, our team is committed and dedicated to the health of our patients and community.  Researching data from other countries that are ahead of the U.S. in this crisis allows us to gain perspective on the path of progression of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19).  In a recent chart by Johns Hopkins, it shows that the U.S. is following a very similar path as Italy. In fact, the U.S. has more confirmed cases on day 18 of the virus than Italy did after the same number of days (18 days after each country reported at least 100 confirmed cases).  

We cannot overstate how important the next 3-4 weeks are in regards to the containing and slowing the spread of this virus.  Stay home! What we have seen in countries who had the ability to offer early and widespread testing, is that those countries were able to significantly reduce the spread of the virus, thereby minimizing the time required under quarantine or a “shelter in place” order.  Please remember that during this time, the priority is slowing the spread as much as possible, as upwards of 70% of individuals will experience this viral infection in the coming months. The slower the progression, the more treatment options will come to light. As of now, prevention is paramount in this process, which means that our communities have to work together in a cooperative fashion to abide by the social distancing rules.  At our clinic, we felt the need to move to Telehealth for a majority of our visits in order to ensure that we are not promoting the spread of this very virulent virus. 

Since this is a novel virus, no person has immunity to it, and nothing has yet been proven to treat or prevent this specific virus in either the pharmaceutical or natural medicine arenas. SARS-CoV-2 has never been seen before in humans.  That leaves us doing our very best to extrapolate from prior research on similar viruses, such as other coronaviruses, since very little is known about this specific strain of virus.  

Why is SARS-CoV-2 so much more virulent than other viruses?  

We do have patients who do want to know more detailed information on how this virus actually works, so we will explain and try to keep it as simple as possible based on the current understanding.  If you do not want this level of information, please scroll down to SARS-CoV-2 Basics.  

SARS-CoV-2 is different from other coronaviruses, and other viruses in general, for 2 specific reasons.  To understand this more completely, you need to know that viruses are dependent on the machinery within human cells in order to replicate and become more virulent, which is different from bacteria, parasites, and fungi that live outside of cells.  Basically, viruses need to take over your cells in order to make copies of themselves to be able to take over more of your cells. Viruses have a specific spike protein (s protein) that determines which human cell receptors it will target and bind, thereby determining which organ systems will be affected.  The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 has a specific affinity for a receptor on our cells known as ACE2. ACE2 receptors are located primarily on cells within your arteries, kidneys, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, testes, and the brain. These receptors play a significant role in the management of blood pressure among other processes.  

Previous coronaviruses had a more difficult time entering human cells because our cells have other specific mechanisms that are used to deter the entrance of a virus, which in turn makes them less virulent.  In the case of SARS-CoV-2, the viral spike protein has a site that is recognized and activated by furin, which is an enzyme produced by our own cells. Furin causes SARS-CoV-2 to bind 10x more strongly to our ACE2 receptors than previous coronaviruses.  Basically, when SARS-CoV-2 comes close to its binding site (ACE2) on human cells, it is activated by our own enzymes, which makes it bind more tightly to our own cells causing the virus to then more easily enter into our cells. Once the virus is inside of our cells it stimulates chemicals known as inflammasomes, which causes uncontrolled inflammation through interleukin-1beta and interleukin-18.  As the inflammatory process goes out of control, fibrosis (scarring) occurs, leading to higher mortality rates related to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). 

In 2017, there were a total of 105 million prescriptions for the medication Lisinopril, making it the third most prescribed medication in the United States.  Lisinopril, and other ACE inhibitors, are used to treat high blood pressure. Patients who are currently taking these medications have been shown to have a higher viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in their system and it is speculated that it is easier for these patients to become infected.  The drug class of ACE inhibitors work by blocking the receptor site on the cell. The body, in turn, increases the number of ACE2 receptors on the outside of each cell as to compensate. If you are currently taking medication within this class, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor to see if a change is required.

In a recent scientific journal, it was shown that Ibuprofen (Advil, etc) could be associated with higher rates of COVID-19 because the medication increases ACE2 receptors on the cell surface.  There is not a clear understanding of this relationship, but it might be worth considering avoiding its use until more information is known.

We are open and here to support you with Telehealth and very limited in-office visits.  Dr. Destia, Dr. Bryan, and Dr. Mimosa are available Monday through Thursday for Telehealth visits from the comfort of your home, whether that be through videoconferencing or telephone.  Our front office staff is still working to ensure that you get the care and support you need to be as healthy as possible through this pandemic. Please call the office to schedule your visit at 650-323-7345 or email our staff at frontdesk@cnmhealth.com. If you are also utilizing our computerized scanning technology, we only have a limited number of devices at the clinic to loan out to patients for use during virtual visits from the comfort of your own home. Due to the low supply of these devices and because many of our patients do not have a Windows-based PC,  we will be creating a room at the clinic for patients to have a Telehealth visit with your doctor. Please call the clinic for details. All Osteopathic and Craniosacral visits have been cancelled until further notice due to the “Shelter in Place” directive. We will reassess the pandemic regulations weekly and notify you when we will again be offering these services.

There are 3 important exceptions that would prevent individuals from being able to come to the clinic over the next few weeks. 

1. If you have shortness of breath, a high fever, cough, severe respiratory symptoms

2. Have been in contact with someone with a confirmed COVID-19 infection in the past 14 days

3. Have travelled to China, Japan, Korea, Iran, or Italy within the previous 14 days 

What do we know about this COVID-19 Pandemic?

The Cycle in the U.S. is projected to peak in about 3 weeks. This means that the next two weeks are critical to lower the spread in our community.  Physical distancing is a key component to this spread because the COVID-19 virus is so virulent. If the directives set by the CDC are followed consistently over the next 3-4 weeks, it is highly likely we can have better control of this epidemic.   

SARS-Cov-2 Basics:

1. Spreads more easily than most other viruses seen in our history.  This means it can easily infect a larger part of the population, faster. 

2. It has a tactic to get more easily into our cells by cleaving feron receptors and using ACE receptors.  Other coronaviruses along with other viruses have not shown this ability. This means we need to use other novel herbal remedies that can have an impact on these functions.

3. The infection has a virulent protein that stimulates an overproduction of cytokines leading to a massive inflammatory reaction (Cytokine Storm). This most likely is leading to the intense respiratory distress seen in infected individuals. Tylenol is a better choice over Ibuprofen to manage fevers associated with COVID-19 due to the potential interaction with ACE-2 receptors.  Remember a fever is an important part of your immune system fighting the virus.  

4. COVID-19 infections can have up to a 3 week life cycle. If you have symptoms of fever, sore throat or cough, please make sure to self quarantine. 

Below are some important statistics on fever and flu shared by our colleague in Portland, OR.  Dr. Eric Blake, Naturopathic Physician and Diplomate of Acupuncture. We felt this was important to share as he has been lecturing on this topic for almost 20 years.

Why is there so much concern about the flu and other viral epidemics? 

The flu has become a fearful annual infection since the pandemic of 1917-1918. There have been about 7 of these pandemics in the last 120 years. A pandemic is determined by the large number of persons affected around the world and the high loss of life. However, research is showing that the large losses may be due to the nature of the treatment and management once infections occur and that the methods of prevention centered around the vaccine may be misguided. 

What was the track record of natural treatment in flu epidemics? 

The death rate in the 1917-1918 Spanish Influenza epidemic under regular medical care was upwards of 20%. As we have pointed out, current regular medical care management is such that the flu and pneumonia are still the leading causes of infectious disease death. In 1918, Naturopathic Physicians (ND) Osteopathic Physicians (DO), Chiropractic Doctors (DC), and Homeopathic MDs, worked in a similar comprehensive natural fashion to treat the flu. The mortality rate of patients under conventional MD care surpassed 20%, the loss of life under DC’s and DO’s 2-3%, and the Homeopathic MDs and Naturopathic Physicians less than 1%. The reports from the Naturopaths on their loss of cases indicates that they were seen after the patient had already tried regular medical care. In Chicago at the Lindlahr Hospital for example, they treated 300 in-patient cases naturopathically and 1200 out-patient cases. They saved every life. The nearby Cook County Hospital mortality was 20% - 1 in 5. A key element of treatment was not suppressing the fever with anti-fever medications. 

Why avoid using anti-fever medications? 

Anti-fever drugs are those such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen and those other medicines like Nyquil, Dayquil, and numerous others that contain them. This is frequently the first intervention over the counter and in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Research has shown they do not shorten infections but even worse, that they can prolong infections. More troubling is that they can prolong the time of it being spread. Importantly, anti-fever drugs could be associated with a higher loss of life in infections than when not using them. Naturopathic clinical principles have been confirmed by research that has shown that fevers are associated with better outcome in viral and bacterial infections.  Therefore – we harmonize our treatment to ease the discomfort of fever in ways that assist the goals of the fever – which in itself is an attempt by the body to heal. This is the secret to the effective and successful Naturopathic approach to infections.

Please speak with one of our doctors if you are wanting alternative ways to support your fever.  We recommend not treating fevers below 102.5 unless there are complicating health factors that make this dangerous.  

Remember fever is an important component of our immune system response to fight bacteria and viruses.  SARS-CoV-2, along with the yearly flu viruses, cannot replicate at higher temperatures and cells of the immune system are activated by higher temperatures. Mild fever is associated with better prognosis in both viral and bacterial infections. 

What are the key components to lifestyle in preventing and treating infection?

1. Sleep: Good sleep hygiene is essential.  Sleep supports your immune function.  We are also seeing that people with higher melatonin (your sleep hormone) correlates with less COVID-19 infection risk.  Quality sleep has also been shown to decrease inflammation, which could provide you with more resistance to infection.  

2. Low Inflammatory Diet:  Reduce sugar, alcohol, gluten and dairy during this pandemic.  This will lower your risk of the cytokine (inflammatory) storm that causes most of the Severe disease symptoms like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). 

3. Lower Stress: Stress is shown to increase Interleukin-6, which has been shown to make the COVID-19 disease pattern more severe.  How do we lower stress?  Set your timer to take deep abdominal breaths 3 x day for 5 min. Get outside. Watch something funny - Dr. Bryan loves animal meme videos for this purpose. We will be writing a follow up post on reducing stress during this time. 

Important  Antiviral Preventative Measures:

1. CNM Special Symptomatic Herbal Antiviral Tincture and/or Preventative Antiviral Tincture:  We have listed the specific ingredients below because this is available only for current patients of the clinic.  If you are not a current patient of the clinic and would like a tincture prescribed for you, you would need to become a patient of the clinic.  If you are only interested in an immune protocol designed for you, we are offering a special 30 minute initial office visit in order to put this treatment plan together for you.  Please email frontdesk@cnmhealth.com or call 650-323-7345 if you are interested in this option. Due to safety reasons, please understand that we do not dispense supplements to individuals who are not current patients.  

Andrographis paniculata, which has been used in the current pandemic with good results in China. A review and meta-analysis on Andrographis showed a statistically significant improvement in overall symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection symptoms when compared to placebo and also suggested that Andrographis shortened the duration of cough, sore throat, and sick leave/time to resolution when compared to western medical care.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a potent antiviral herb. A study published in Lancet, 2003 showed glycyrrhizin was the most potent of 5 antiviral compounds tested in inhibiting replication of the SARS coronavirus.  Caution must be taken if an individual has hypertension, as licorice can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.

Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Isatis Root supports respiratory health, the throat and supports digestive health. Natural inhibitors against the SARS-Cov enzymes, such as the nsP13 helicase and 3CL protease, have been identified as well and include myricetin, scutellarein, and phenolic compounds from Isatis Root. 

Cordyceps sinensis extract for it support of liver, kidney and immunomodulatory effects.  It has also been shown to have potent antiviral effects.  

Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) has been shown in clinical trials to be effective against coronavirus. Compounds have been shown in research to effectively prevent the early stage of HCoV-22E9 infection, including viral attachment and penetration.  Sweet wormwood has been shown to be effective in treatment resistant cases of malaria, which is an infection that resides within human cells.  

Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has long been used in antiviral herbal formulas.  It has been shown to effectively prevent viruses from penetrating human cells.

2.  Vitamin D3:  People with low vitamin D3 levels were shown to be 40% more likely to get a respiratory infection than those with normal levels.  Levels can be easily tested with a simple blood test and should be in the range 60-80 ng/ml. Based on research out of Finland, infants less than 1 should have 1000 IU daily, toddlers and children 2000-3000 IU daily, and teenagers and adults more than 5000-8000 IU daily.

3. Oral Vitamin C:  L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is one of the well-known antiviral agents, especially influenza virus. Vitamin C reduces NLRP3, an important inflammatory mediator in the COVID-19 infection inflammatory cascade.  Liposomal vitamin C can be used for those individuals who have gastrointestinal upset with the regular version.  

4. Vitamin A (NOT beta-carotene):  Vitamin A is very important for normal immune function of the lining of the respiratory system and helps to protect your cells from viruses attaching to the cell membrane. We recommend 5,000 to 20,000 IU for prevention and acute symptoms. Sometimes a larger dose can be used for individuals who are very deficient and/or have a genetic mutation that causes them to have a lower level of Vitamin A in the body.  If this is the case, please work with your doctor in order to find the dose that would be best for you.If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant do not take over 5,000 IU daily. 

5. Juice Plus Whole Food Concentrates:  We double the daily dose during cold and flu season as our first line of defense.  Even when we are eating like champs, the variety of different plants in these whole foods concentrates cannot be replicated with eating.  Check out the clinical research.  The research shows improved immunity, lower inflammation and protection of our cardiovascular system.  This is important because COVID-19 works on the ACE2 receptors and can potentially cause cardiac implications.  Flavonoids have shown to be potent support to our immune system and to inhibit SARS-Cov virus. 

6. Intravenous Vitamin C:  According to Global Research, 3 clinical trials are currently underway studying IV Vitamin C for possible effect in patients with COVID-19. Doses range from 12,000 to 24,000 mg/ day by IV. Oral vitamin C is not currently being studied, but the researchers have called for additional studies to see if oral dosing could have a similar effect

Be Safe, Be Well,

Drs. Bryan & Destia

References 

Jo, Seri, et al. “Inhibition of SARS-CoV 3CL Protease by Flavonoids.” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, 14 Nov. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6882434/.

Cinatl, J, et al. “Glycyrrhizin, an Active Component of Liquorice Roots, and Replication of SARS- Associated Coronavirus.” PubMed, 14 June 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12814717.

Chen, F, et al. “In Vitro Susceptibility of 10 Clinical Isolates of SARS Coronavirus to Selected Antiviral Compounds.” Science Direct, Sept. 2004. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1386653204000551.

Acta Pharm Sin B. 2015 Jul; 5(4): 310–315. Published online 2015 June 17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629407/

Liang-Tzung Lin, et al. “Antiviral Natural Products and Herbal Medicines” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Jan-Mar 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032839/#

Lecture Series from National University of Natural Medicine, “Dr. Heather Zwicky Discusses Research on COVID-19” March 20, 2020. https://nunm.edu/2020/03/dr-heather-zwickey-discusses-research-on-covid-19/

Kluger MJ, Wieslaw K, Conn CA, et al. The adaptive value of fever. In: Mackowiak PA, editor. Fever: basic mechanisms and management. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; 1997. pp. 255±266. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-does-sars-cov-2-spread-so-easily#Spike-protein-on-the-new-coronavirus

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8801180

Lisa A. Greismana and Philip A. Mackowiak, Fever: beneficial and detrimental effects of antipyretics. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases 2002, 15:241±245 http://www.ufrgs.br/fisiologiacelular/site/arqs/ENSINO/artigos%20em%20PDF/Fever%20-%20beneficial%20and%20detrimental%20effects%20of%20antipyretics.pdf

Brain Res Bull. 1980 Jan-Feb;5(1):69-73.Antipyresis: its effect on mortality rate of bacterially infected rabbits.Vaughn LK, Veale WL, Cooper KE. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7363103

https://www.statista.com/statistics/779771/lisinopril-prescriptions-number-in-the-us/

This is an update to our previous Coronavirus (COVID-19) article.  Let’s first address the unfounded insanity that is currently being spread throughout the media.  Please remember that fear sells and it inspires people to return to the original source of the information in order to stay updated.  This is another rendition of the old news saying, “If it bleeds, it reads!” It is a better option to fight fear with knowledge. 

The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus, meaning this is the first time we have seen this particular strain in the human population.  We have encountered other novel coronavirus infections such as SARS and MERS in the past, but there is a lack of direct knowledge of this specific virus.  We are able to somewhat extrapolate information from these past outbreaks to aid in the treatment of coronaviruses in general. Coronaviruses are seen regularly and account for 20% of yearly colds. 

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently said:

… We’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic …

This is a time for facts, not fear.

This is a time for rationality, not rumours.

 Please remember that google is not your doctor and that the news and other media sources do not necessarily have your best interest in mind.  The best way to protect yourself and your family is being aware of how this infection spreads and by taking steps to minimize exposure.  

This virus is spread within large respiratory droplets via coughing and/or sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you, but all surfaces where these droplets have landed can be potentially infectious for about 1 week on average.  Basically, you will not become infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon by an infected person, or if you contact a surface that has been contaminated by an infected individual and proceed to touch your nose, mouth, and/or eyes. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs).  

One of the most important preventative steps you can take is to avoid touching your mouth, nose and/or eyes while you are out in public places.  Second, be sure to vigorously wash your hands several times a day for at least 30 seconds per time in order to promote removal of any viruses. The length of hand washing combined with scrubbing have been shown to be the two most significant factors involved.  Wearing latex gloves while out in public will also add another layer of protection and prevention. To reduce your risk of acquiring the virus, avoid such “high-touch surfaces” as doorknobs, handles, stair rails, pens, keypads, touch screens, point of sale terminals, etc. Use your knuckle to push bush buttons and antimicrobial wipes to hold handles and clean your phone, and/or use gloves. 

The incubation period is thought to be 2-14 days, though some researchers say it could be up to 21 days before symptoms emerge. 

Is there a vaccine for COVD-19 infection? How can we prevent an infection? 

To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illnesses should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.

The best way to prevent an infection is a balanced immune system. We have two supportive immune formulas specific to encapsulated viruses, such as coronaviruses.  See the prior Coronavirus article for immune support ideas. 

What is the mortality rate of infection with COVD-19? 

So far, the highest mortality in adults over 65 yrs of age.  Certain populations seem to be more at risk for infection and for death. Increasing age seems to be the most important factor, and as mentioned above, children appear relatively spared. 

While information so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild out of China suggests serious illness occurs in 16% of cases. Older people and people with certain underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example, seem to be at greater risk of serious illness.

"Globally, about 3.4 percent of reported COVID-19 cases have died," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. This number includes cases in China, which seem to have a higher death rate than other countries.

Interestingly, South Korea has been very proactive with testing its population, which has been extremely effective.  Journalist Kim Kyung-Hoon reported in Reuters on 3/5/20 that: 

• South Korea has tested more than 140,000 people for the new coronavirus and confirmed more than 6,000 cases. Its fatality rate is around 0.6%. This is lower than the yearly flu fatality rate at .78%
• This suggests that, as many health experts have predicted, the virus' fatality rate seems to decrease as more cases are reported.
• That's because more widespread testing leads more mild cases to be included in the count.
• The US, by contrast, has tested around 1,500 people. The country has 221 confirmed cases and 12 deaths, suggesting a death rate of 5%.
• The US' testing capacity has been limited.

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

COVID-19 is tested through nasal secretions, throat swab, and/or sputum for genetic material of COVID-19.  In the US, test kits are NOT currently available through your doctors office, but it looks like testing will be available through Quest Diagnostics as early as next week for patients who are symptomatic. If you have had direct contact with someone traveling from China, with a proven case of COVID-19, then you should go to your local public health department for testing. 

Prevention Plan

1. Get adequate sleep
2. 30 minutes of outside movement each day.  This will activate lymphatic flow in the body, which will increase immune function.
3. Wash your hands multiple times a day.  Use vigorous scrubbing and make sure that you wash your hands for at least 30 seconds.  
4. Avoid sugar as much as possible.  Sugar has been shown to lower your immune function for 7 hours after ingestion of even a small amount.  
5. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables in the rainbow of variety.  The colors and flavors help protect different organs. We take a wide variety plant concentrates every day and in this season we are taking a double dose to support our immune system
6. Check to make sure that your vitamin D3 level is optimal.  A simple blood test can be ordered to ensure that your levels are between 60-80 for optimal protection of your immune system.
7. Licorice and elderberry are two good herbs for anti-viral immune support.  Licorice has been shown in research to be effective against coronaviruses. We have a coronavirus specific herbal tincture available at the clinic for your support during this emerging outbreak. 
8. If you are over 65, and are immunocompromised, you may want to consider adding S-Acetyl Glutathione or Liposomal Glutathione to your prevention plan at a dose of 100mg twice per day.  

COVID-19 News Sources:

Thursday afternoon in San Jose it was announced that there were six new cases of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the South Bay to 20, according to the county’s Public Health Department. Santa Clara County public health officials are now recommending employers: suspend nonessential travel; minimize or cancel large in-person meetings/conferences; urge sick employees to stay home and not require a doctor’s note; and consider telecommuting options for appropriate employees.

“It’s good to remember that when H1N1 influenza came out in 2009, estimates of case fatality were 10 percent,” David Fisman, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto, told Reuters last month. The actual mortality rate turned out to be well under 1 percent when all the data was in.

• WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• CDC  Coronavirus Disease 2019 page https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• WHO COVID-19 Situation Reports: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports
• CDC’s COVD-19 travel advisory page https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

What do you need to know?  How can you protect your family?

The Coronavirus, 2019-nCov, is a virus that has never been previously seen in humans.  It is suspected to have been transmitted from animals to humans. The virus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Chinese authorities have since confirmed that healthcare workers have been infected with the virus, suggesting human-to-human transmission is now occurring. Infections have now been seen in the United States, Australia, France, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Taiwan.  As of Saturday, January 25, the virus had claimed more than 56 lives and 1,400 were infected with a pneumonia-like viral illness. The Chinese government is taking this very seriously.  As of two days ago 35 million people were quarantined in China. They are stopping travel and festivals where the virus can easily spread. 

Health experts in the United States have said there's no evidence to suggest the new 2019-nCov coronavirus is any more virulent than the flu. It does not seem to be as virulent as the prior SARS outbreak. We deal with the flu on a yearly basis.  Supporting a good functioning immune system is the key to keeping healthy in this season of viral infections. 

The 2019-nCov coronavirus is another enveloped virus like SARA, which is also a coronavirus.  This means it is a hardy virus and needs specific modes of treatment to pass the lipid membrane surrounding the virus. Enveloped viruses are surrounded by an outer lipid membrane which helps mediate binding to host cells and protects the virus. We have researched how the virus infects us and thus created a specific antiviral herbal remedy for the coronavirus based on research of what current herbal remedies have been shown to be effective with the current 2019-nCov coronavirus and SARS-coronavirus. 

What are the symptoms? 

The incubation period of the virus is between 10-14 days.  This time period equates to the virus having the ability to spread to locations thousands of miles from where it was originally contracted.  Symptoms include the classic cold and flu symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. These symptoms can worsen into breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath and pneumonia. So far, the death rate from this virus is much lower than the prior SARS outbreak in 2002-2003. Most of the deaths have been in older patients with lower immunity. 

What can you do to protect yourself and your family? Here are some simple tips to keep from being infected with any virus 

1. Wash your hands often and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.  This is one of the most important strategies you can incorporate into your virus prevention plan.  Despite popular belief, the temperature of the water used for washing is unimportant. The important action includes vigorously rubbing with soap and water for 20 seconds before rinsing your hands completely.  Regular hand washing has been shown to reduce your risk of contracting a cold or flu by up to 21%.

2. Don’t touch your face. Many infections are introduced by touching infected areas, like handrails, and then touching your mouth or nose.  These are the areas where a virus is likely to infect your body. So always wash your hands before touching your face. Researchers have found that the average person in a public place touches their face 3.6 times per hour.  That is a staggering 60 times per day for most individuals, which greatly increases self-inoculation with viruses.  

3. Eat the rainbow of fruit, vegetables and berries.  These foods provide a wide pharmacy of phytonutrients, which are natural plant chemicals that work directly to support your immune system to more effectively fight off viruses. They also provide fiber, which is the most important factor in maintaining a healthy microbiome in our gut.  Our gut is our most important immune organ as adults, containing 70-80% of your body’s immune tissue. 

4. Get moderate exercise, but don’t overdo it.  Moderate exercise is shown to improve immunity.  Intense workouts or working out too frequently can decrease your immunity for up to 72 hours. According to a study in the British Journal of Sport Medicine, adults who got at least some aerobic activity five or more days per week experienced 43% fewer sick days during cold and flu season. 

5. Drink water!  Your mucous is the protective lining on the surface of your respiratory tract.  Your body needs water to make mucous. This mucus lining performs the important duty of being the first line of defense against infections.

6. Lower sugar intake.  Sugar is shown to lower your immune function for up to 7 hours after ingestion.  Sugar also can disrupt your microbiome, making it easier for you to contract infections.  

7. Sleep is way more important than Facebook or Netflix!  Most individuals are sleep deprived and engage in media far after their body has given them the signal to go to sleep. This can cause a significant reduction in your immune system’s ability to fight off infections. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover from illness.  

8. Make sure your vitamin D3 levels are optimal for fighting viral infections.  Vitamin D3, because of its fatty acid complex, is good at fighting enveloped viruses like the coronavirus.  We recommend starting Vitamin D3 immediately for the cold and flu season at 1,000 to 5,000 IU per day depending on your blood test findings.  Many individuals need a much higher dose due to genetic mutations and poor absorption, but these factors would need to be evaluated before using higher dosages.  

9. Consider having blood work done to evaluate your current level of immunity.  A basic blood panel can help you determine if your immune system is running optimally.  This typically includes a Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets, 25-OH Vitamin D3, Immunoglobulins Panel, and other markers that can aid in the ability for your body to make immune cells.  Consult your doctor about ordering lab work.  

When it comes to infections, we are often quick to call bacteria the bad guys.  Of course everyone by now has heard of the body’s microbiome. These are the bugs we need to colonize our bodies in order to help us perform vital processes in the digestive and immune system.  Now, researchers at University of Michigan have discovered a new symbiotic relationship between our nasal bacteria and the lessening of infection by the flu virus. Creating a healthy gut microbiome helps to balance your general microbiome. Remember, Your body consists of 10x more bacteria than human cells - they are an important defense system.  

If you have people in your community infected with the coronavirus, or if you have been exposed, then it is important to start herbal support  to specifically treat the enveloped virus. We have designed a specific herbal tincture to support your body in fighting this type of infection.  Just call the clinic to get the herbal elixir. 

If you are feeling signs of a viral infection then start the protocol below:

1. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin A Palmitate: 

- If over 120 lbs: 150,000 IU Vitamin A Palmitate and 20,000 IU vitamin D3 per day.  Only take once a day for 3 days. 

- If under 120 lbs: 75,000 IU Vitamin A Palmitate and 10,000 IU Vitamin D3. Only take once a day for 3 days.

- For Children under 5 years of age:  25,000 IU vitamin A Palmitate and 5,000 IU vitamin D3. Only take once a day for 3 days. 

2. Juice Plus whole food concentrate:  Take either 4 Capsules of each blend per day or 8 Chewables of each blend once per day through cold and flu season.  Check out the immune research on these whole food concentrates.
    
3. CNM Enveloped Viral Herbal Elixir: Take 2 dropperfuls 3x day orally for 2 weeks preventatively and until the condition is resolved if you are currently infected.  If the taste is too strong for you, please dilute it with water or mix with another beverage.  

References 

https://vitamindwiki.com/China%27s+Coronavirus+can+most+likely+be+fought+by+Vitamin+D+%E2%80%93+Jan+2020

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/symptoms.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032839/