We fear what we don’t understand. Yet for all we still don’t know yet about the coronavirus outbreak – declared by the World Health Organization to be an international public health emergency – we sure are hearing a lot about it. Easily half of the top health headlines on Google this week have been all about this emerging pathogen.
Is it any wonder people are freaking out?
Yet, as we write this, there are just 11 confirmed cases here in the US, only two of which are said to have been transmitted person-to-person. Six of those cases are here in California, with one each in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. US officials say that coronavirus “is not a threat to the average American citizen.”
“Americans should know this is a potentially very serious public health threat, but Americans should not worry for their own safety,” said Alex Azar, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
In fact, you’re far more likely to get the flu, the symptoms of which are actually quite similar to those being reported for the coronavirus. The main difference is that the coronavirus can induce shortness of breath and a dry cough, whereas with the flu, you might develop a sore throat or runny nose.
There have been roughly 13 million reported cases of flu here in the US this season, contributing to about 10,000 deaths.
But while the flu can kill, odds are that you’ll recover just fine with no medical treatment at all – just lots of rest, fluids, and healthful food. The fatality rate is less than 1%, after all.
Still, there are things you can do to protect yourself and build up resilience against colds and viral diseases alike. The most important of these is practicing good hygiene, including lots of handwashing – especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after you’ve coughed, sneezed, or blown your nose.
Similarly, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoid touching your eyes or mouth with unwashed hands. And regularly disinfect surfaces that you touch a lot, such as your phone or other mobile device.
Additional support comes from eating healthfully and getting plenty of sleep each night, so your body has the resources it needs to fight off pathogens.
Want to take it to the next level?
Many integrative therapies can be just as helpful for prevention as they are for treating illness. For instance, thymic peptide injections can give your immune system a boost, as the thymus gland plays a crucial role in regulating your immune system and stimulating the immune response. Injecting peptides can heighten the effect.
Another great immune booster is IV drip therapy. When nutrients are delivered directly into your bloodstream in this way, your body can absorb and assimilate them more readily. We have a substantial menu of drip therapies we can provide here in our West Los Angeles office, but two of the best we have for strengthening immunity are vitamin C + minerals and glutathione.
We can even design custom IV nutrient cocktails to match your individual needs.
Yet another great preventive therapy is medical grade ozone. Not only does it support good immune function; it also increases antioxidant protection. And since it supports mitochondrial function and increases oxygen uptake by your cells, you can get a real energy boost from it, as well.
And these are just a few of the more popular options Dr. Joe regularly offers his patients. Contact us today to set your first appointment – or take advantage of our special treatment bundle: Purchase 5 sessions of any single service we offer and get the 6th for free! Learn more.