04/13/2020
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - What We Need to Know
Much has been reported in the news and on social media regarding the Coronavirus.
We are not front-line experts on this matter. However, as part of your healthcare team, we desire for you to be armed with information that would support your well-being and that of your family, and to help you to avoid panic and paranoia.
The situation and the spread of the Coronavirus is evolving quickly. As of this writing, world-wide the number infected is over 1,841,123 with over 113,479 deaths – that is a 94% survival rate. In the U.S., which now has the largest number of cases, there are 553,744 infected; 21,816 deaths with a 96% survival rate. Arizona is now at 3,539 infected, 115 deaths for a 97% survival rating.
The virus can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. We are unsure if this form of the Coronavirus can be spread when an infected person is not showing symptoms, also known as being asymptomatic.
The virus is called “novel” because this strain had not previously been seen in nature. There are other coronavirus strains that cause mild common cold-like symptoms.
Symptoms typically present within 2 to 14 days after becoming infected. This is a long incubation period.
How to Protect You and Your Family:
EVERYDAY, it is important that everyone strive hard to prevent the spread of germs through the following suggestions:
1. Wear a face mask. A protective barrier is better than none.
2. Wash hands often with soapy water for at least 30 seconds. Use hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
3. Avoid unnecessary close contact with others, especially someone appearing to be sick. Maintain a 6-10-foot physical distance from others when you leave your home.
4. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands.
5. Avoid touching surfaces in public. Germs can live on surfaces after becoming infected by saliva or mucus.
6. Sneeze or cough into a napkin and dispose of it quickly.
7. Bathe or shower, and brush and floss teeth twice daily. Use a sinus wash with distilled water (Netti Pot) several times weekly especially if you have asthma, allergies, hay fever, and/or allergic rhinitis.
8. Do get plenty of fresh air and sunshine daily (with sunscreen, of course).
How to Boost the Body’s Immune System:
AS ALWAYS, maintaining a strong immune system is key to protecting yourself from illness or helping your body to make a speedy recovery.
1. Avoid Panic, Fear, and Anxiety - these increase stress. When the body is stressed and fatigued, the immune system can be lowered which allows for the onset of illness.
2. Maintain daily hydration with water in the amount of 12 to 16 cups. Avoid excessive caffeinated or sugary beverages and foods.
3. Eat fresh live foods that helps to boost your vitamin C, vitamin B, zinc, iron, and protein levels. Avoid crap foods (for example, enriched and refined sugars, rice, pasta, potatoes, flours, and ready-made fast foods) these foods lower the body’s immune system, increases inflammation, and increases blood sugar (glucose) levels.
4. Exercise more – use a YouTube exercise video in your home.
5. All the items above helps to inspire proper waste elimination (pooping); toxins must be released from the body daily to avoid illness.
6. Pray and/or Meditate several times daily to reduce stress and anxiety.
What to Do if You Suspect Coronavirus:
A person infected with the Coronavirus presents with flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and/or diarrhea.
Those who are most at risk for an adverse event includes those with a compromised immune system (for example, airway diseases, heart disease, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders).
The virus is not an age discriminator – YOUNG ADULTS ARE ALSO BECOMING INFECTED AND HAVE DIED.
Testing is available at this Office, Department of Health Services locations, urgent care centers, and hospitals.
There are no vaccines or scientifically confirmed treatments for Coronavirus.
So, what should I do?
1. Remain at home to prevent the spread of the illness and isolate yourself from family members if sick. Maintain a 6-10-foot physical distance from others when you leave your home.
2. Telephone our office before you visit – (520) 477-1815; A Telemedicine Visit (Video Visit) is required to assess for the need of COVID19 testing – Contact your insurance company to confirm that Telemedicine Visits are covered.
See the Video Visit tab at www.HealthyWingsLLC.com to request an appointment.
3. Avoid scammers that are selling fake cures or treatments.
4. In-Office visits are still available ONLY for those NOT SHOWING FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS.
5. Our desire is to keep you and the staff well and healthy: The Office is disinfected after every Patient visit; only one Patient is allowed in the Office at a time, and only the Patient being served is allowed in the Office during their appointment.
We remain hopeful that we can survive this pandemic if we exercise the appropriate precautions.
April 12, 2020
A Page from My Notebook,
Jennifer Muhammad, NP-C
Your Family Nurse Practitioner
Healthy Wings Primary Healthcare
For an Appointment Call or Visit: (520) 477-1815 - www.HealthyWingsLLC.com
Healthy Wings Primary Healthcare is truly dedicated to providing quality, caring Family Medicine using integrative and regenerative medicine.
