I have been frequently contacted by patients who have been exposed to someone that tested positive for SARS Covid-19 or tested positive the question is:

what can you do to arm yourself as best you can?

Our research and experience highlighted in India’s Uttar Pradesh province’s aggressive covid campaign to mitigate the spread of the virus. They distributed medicine kits to villagers instructing them on how to avoid the virus or treat it early. They had an astounding success rate. With that in mind we developed a Wellness Kit that patients can use at home. If you think about it, we are all perhaps unknowingly exposed to the virus as we move through the day. Enhancing your immune system to limit susceptibility to viral infection and having more powerful antiviral supplements at home to take at the first sign of any infection is the prudent course of action. Early treatment is essential to help prevent more serious outcomes in any viral infection.

Everyone is different; in light of that we tailor our basic kits to individual needs.

Most people are aware of the nutritional supplements that have been known to be helpful in prevention of infection: Vitamin D, C, Zinc, as well as Quercitin and NAC which have recently gotten some good press. OrthoMune by Ortho Molecular is a blend that offers all of these in a single formula for ease of use.

Avoid refined sugar as it weakens the immune system, as does alcohol and other simple refined carbohydrates; eating a clean diet high in veggies and whole foods is best. Vitamin D3 deficiency has been correlated with susceptibility to viral infections; the flu season follows the darker months of the year when decreased sunlight lowers our production of Vitamin D. A blood test can tell if your levels are within a healthy range. Other nutrients that are important for a strong immune system include vitamins A and C, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.

I have avoided colds and the flu for years by keeping my immune system strong and using antiviral supplements. Some that I use most often are:

Lauricidin- A coconut derivative which is very safe. It works with the immune system and has strong antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties.

Uña de Gato- This has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties which enhances T cell activity to increase immune protection.

Chronic Immune- A wonderful blend of medicinal mushrooms, herbs, and nutrients to strengthen the immune system against possible infections.

Stamets 7- Another powerful mushroom blend that strengthens the body’s ability to fight infection and cancer.

Microbinate- A strong antiviral and antibiotic formula which contains allicin, a concentrated garlic extract in a powerful blend.

Humic Minerals- This is a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory liquid that can be taken daily to enhance cellular repair and helps prevent viruses from replicating.

Astragalus- An antiviral and immune enhancing adaptogenic herb that supports adrenal glands in times of stress

Dr. O’s Antiviral Elixir- Our in house blend formulated with broad spectrum antiviral and anti-inflammatory herbs including andrographis and propolis.

IV Vitamin C- This intravenous blend is a strong immune and anti-inflammatory support which is given with minerals and additional vitamins to give the body strong support.

Many of these supplements are available online through Wellevate and/or Fullscript. You can also stop by the office and pick up your kit!

Generally during flu season when I risk exposure I take one or more of these to protect myself. At the first sign of any infection, such as a scratchy throat, swollen glands, or generally feeling run down, I have found increasing the dose will often eliminate the symptoms and avoid actually developing the illness.

In dealing with Covid-19 it has become evident that certain habits are associated with poor outcomes of Covid-19 infections. For instance, smoking greatly increases the risk, so if you have considered quitting now is a great time. Approximately 66% of admitted covid patients are overweight. Working on diet and exercise to avoid inflammation and weight issues can be helpful in all ways to minimize disease.

Stages of infection:

Many studies have been done on treatments for Covid-19; new information comes in daily. It is important to understand the stages of infection to know how to treat it properly.

Incubation- A person has been exposed and the virus is replicating but symptoms are not yet experienced. If you know or suspect that you have been exposed this is an ideal time to take antiviral medication to prevent the infection from increasing.

Symptomatic- The patient is experiencing flu-like symptoms and the virus is still replicating.

Pulmonary- Inflammation has set in, the virus may or may not still be present, the patient experiences “air hunger” with lower oxygen saturation. At this time it is most important to treat the inflammation. This may be indicative of Covid pneumonia.

Severe Pulmonary- This is the critical phase that impacts some people infected with Covid-19, marked by cytokine storm, hyper coagulation, severe inflammation, etc. It is important to treat all the different aspects of the condition at this point although in general the viral infection has already passed.

Recently a website was created that evaluated effectiveness of treatments by the efficiency reported in studies: https://c19early.com/

What to do if you are exposed or symptomatic?

I was interested to learn that Nigella sative (black seed oil) was consistently in the top five for treatment and prevention, I am now recommending it for all of my patients. As most people complain about the taste I recommend taking capsules 2-3 times daily. The FLCC Alliance recommends adding a teaspoon of honey with this treatment to increase the antiviral effects.

Another top protocol for prevention and treatment is doing a nasal cleanse and gargling 2-4 times daily. The gargle can be a mouthwash, Listerine has antiviral properties as do the hydrogen peroxide based mouthwashes. As for the nasal cleanse, the suggestion is to use iodine or dilute hydrogen peroxide in water to use in a neti-pot. Using a neti-pot is recommended, but nasal sprays work well too. The easiest way would be to get a nasal silver spray (such as ACS Nasal Spray) or Xlear, both of which have been found to be effective. These are easy to carry with me and use after any possible exposure. The idea is that the virus tends to concentrate in the nose and throat, by cleansing those areas regularly you prevent infection and clear up viral loads.

Other important natural treatments for infections include:

Curcumin- 500-1,000mg daily (often curcumin supplements include black pepper to activate)

Melatonin- Up to 10mg at bedtime, starting with a lower dose of 5mg and increase to the full 10mg.

Quercetin- 1,000mg taken with Zinc 30-40mg. This has been reported to work similarly to Ivermectin.

Vitamin A- 5,000iu daily

Vitamin D- The dose is determined by monitoring blood levels

Probiotics- it has been proven that taking probiotics lessens the impact of infection.

Ivermectin- Ivermectin has been proven to be effective in many studies for treatment and prevention of Covid-19 infection. This is a prescription medicine which has some potential interactions with other medications. The need and dose must be determined for a physician. If you would explore this option, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

There are also many supplements to help with symptoms and the after effects of illness that conventional medicine does not take into consideration.

Pulse Oximeters are useful to monitor oxygen saturation levels. The main symptom of covid pneumonia is shortness of breath, othewise people can be fairly asymptomatic. With a home pulse oximeter you can easily see if you have reached a dangerous level and need oxygen or hospital care. Levels above 94% are relatively normal, once below 90% medical intervention may be indicated.

Conventionally monoclonal antibodies given intravenously have been proven to be very effective. They are not administered in hospitals but are available at multiple sites in the valley. You can find approved locations for monoclonal antibody infusions here: https://covid.infusioncenter.org/. Treatment for hospitalized patients generally includes steroids and oxygen. Remdesivir and ventilation are used in more severe cases.

How do we treat children?

FLCCC Alliance Protocol and Adolescents- Prevention recommends the following:

Multivitamin with age-appropriate dosages of vitamins C, D, and B Complex.

Oropharyngeal sanitation with mouth gargle twice daily- this is very important.

Curcumin- dose dependent on weight.

Nigella sativa (black seed oil) and honey

Kefir, probiotic yogurt and/or bifidobacterium probiotics (e.g. Daily Body Restore) together with prebiotics (eg. XOS Prebiotic, Bio Nutrition Pre-biotic).

Children’s zinc lozenges/chewables 3-5mg daily.