There is so much information out right now about the coronavirus that I don’t believe there is much I can add that you don’t already know. But based on what I have been hearing from patients, I will clarify a few things that might be of help. I will then finish with some words of encouragement and guidance.
I get the feeling that most people are thinking this is going to be a 2-3 week deal. The reality is that it will likely be a 3-6 month deal. It is important to wrap your head around that so that you can plan and prepare accordingly.
I see a lot of fear right now. This is to be expected because of the media, misinformation, and uncertainty. And the government knows that fear causes action, so the more scary something is made out to be, the more likely Americans are to follow recommendations. The truth is that there will be many, many Americans infected with this virus. However, for most, it will be fairly benign. I believe many people are already infected and do not know it, and I believe many have been infected and are already over it. As with any significant virus, those that are older and/or immune compromised are at greater risk for complications and death.
There is a local man who did get the virus while traveling, was hospitalized, and is home and doing fine now. He is 83 years old and (I was told) has COPD (a lung condition) which put him at a high risk of dying. I share that to emphasize the point that not everyone who gets exposed to the virus will get it, not everyone who gets the virus will have symptoms, and even those who are high risk and get it can pull through and do well.
I believe the action being taken, while appearing extreme, is appropriate based on what happened in China and Italy. It should mitigate the rate at which the virus spreads, which would slow the burden that the healthcare system will be hit with.
I personally am not worried about the virus for myself or my children. I anticipate that we may likely get it eventually, but it will run its course and we will be fine. We would not seek medical attention (unless there were complications), as there is no treatment specifically for this virus, and antibiotics and antiviral medications are not helpful. I would want the medical professionals to tend to those with the greatest need.
In speaking with numerous medical doctors and healthcare workers, reading the literature, and listening to interviews with the top infectious disease professionals, the bottom line is that it is a fairly benign virus for younger and healthy individuals. The concern is the rate at which people might need medical attention, and our potential inability to give optimal care to those in need.
What you are not hearing… the most important thing I believe you can do (along with washing your hands, avoiding infected individuals, and acknowledging social distancing) is boosting your own health. If the weakest immune systems are the most vulnerable to complications and death… that means that the strongest immune systems are the least vulnerable to complications and death. And it is not too late to take action. I am reducing my sugar intake, choosing real, whole foods, taking 7,000 I.U. of vitamin D3 daily, taking vitamin C, taking a whole food multi-vitamin, just started higher doses of a product called Meriva (which is the best curcumin supplement I could find), exercising, and utilizing colloidal silver throughout the day (taken as a nasal spray or throat spray). One of your primary goals, no matter what your current health status is, or how old you are, NEEDS to be to boost your inborn, innate defense system… your immune system.
The information I provide is not medical advice. I am sharing my opinions and views based on my own efforts to protect myself and my family. Do not let fear paralyze you. Doing nothing is not a good strategy. Want more from me? Subscribe to my Friday’s Findings at drbizjak.com.