What Else Can We Do to Minimize the Likelihood of Contracting Viral Infections?

by Joshua Phillips, ND

As news of spread of the current coronavirus and its named infection COVID-19 reaches increased intensity, many of us are feeling very concerned about the risks.  With confirmed cases in Seattle and Portland, and now in Central Oregon and other Oregon counties, those of us living in Central Oregon have reason to be concerned.  Please note:  I did say concerned, and not panicked or frenzied.  We are going to be okay.

Even though there is not a vaccine or definitive treatment for this particular coronavirus infection, there are MANY things in addition to the basic CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations that we can do to support and enhance our immune systems’ response, in the event we are exposed.  We can be proactive in ways that are supportive of our bodies’ innate response to any viral infection.   

I am reminded of some words of wisdom that originated from Louis Pasteur, which is part of the thinking behind a holistic medical approach to infection: “The pathogen is nothing, but the terrain is everything”.  While I wouldn’t agree that the pathogen is in fact nothing, I would agree that the state of our biological terrain and the overall health and vitality of our immune system is extremely important in determining how we as individuals will respond when exposed to bacteria, viruses or other pathogens.

Why is this important?  Simply put, there are steps that can be taken in addition to the CDC recommendations for preventing and spreading infections.  The CDC guidelines are very important, focusing primarily on minimizing risk of exposure and transmission of the pathogens- i.e. handwashing, disinfecting, and what to do if you get sick, etc. (see below).Please be sure to read the crucial CDC guidelines  for social distancing, and taking meticulous personal hygiene measures at this time:

CDC STEPS TO PREVENT ILLNESS

CDC CORONAVIRUS INFO PAGE

By taking additional steps, addressing the terrain of our bodies to enhance our immune systems’ response, we are less likely to contract a severe infection, and are more likely to recover quickly if we do get sick from an exposure to someone with a viral infection. NOTE:  Please understand, these are NOT recommendations for treatment or prevention of COVID19 specifically, but only for general wellness and immune support.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONSIDER

  • Have your Vitamin D levels tested. This is the time of year (end of winter) that we can expect these levels to have fallen.  Why does it matter?  Optimal levels of Vitamin D have been shown in multiple studies to support the immune system’s response against viruses.

Study Links:

Vitamin D and the anti-viral state

Vitamin D increases the antiviral activity of bronchial epithelial cells in vitro

Preventive Effects of Vitamin D on Seasonal Influenza A in Infants

Research suggests that optimal blood levels of 25-OH Vitamin D are between 60 and 80 on lab work.  The fact is that living in Central Oregon, you are not going to achieve these vitamin D levels without supplementing this important vitamin.  Talk to your health care provider about optimal dosing.  I routinely recommend 5,000 ius daily for adults.

  • Immune system boosting and anti-viral herbal formulas. There are many options for herbal formulations that are specifically supportive of the immune system and its capacity to keep viruses in check.  Talk with your holistically minded physician to find out which herbal formulation would be best for you.  Herbs to consider are:  Elderberry, Osha, Goldenseal, Astragalus, Lemon balm, Lomatium, Licorice root, Hyssop, Echinacea, to name a few.  I generally find tinctures to be most potent, but many encapsulated formulas are worth consideration as well.
  • Essential oils: High quality essential oils that include those known to have anti-microbial properties, are great for using in a diffuser to aerosolize the oils into the air in your home, and to use topically.  This helps to create a cleaner, more sanitized overall environment in your home or at work.  Again there are many formulations available, while one reputable company, doTerra, offers a product called OnGuard that can be diffused.

Also certain essential oil formulations can be used internally to further support the immune system and offer anti-viral protection.  Talk to your physician about choosing the right oil blends, as it is important you are using safe and reputable essential oil products for internal use.  Again, one option is the OnGuard product by doTerra in its soft-gel, internal use formulation.

Protective essential oil attenuates influenza virus infection: an in vitro study in MDCK cells

  • Vitamin C:  This vitamin can be supplemented orally, and can be taken to a dose known as “bowel tolerance”.  This means that when you take too high a dose it causes a watery bowel movement.  This is not a harmful event, and doesn’t happen for most people unless they take more than 8,000 mg of vitamin C.  Evidently, high dose intravenous vitamin C has been a successful treatment in China for some affected with this new coronavirus.

Early Large Dose Intravenous Vitamin C is the Treatment of Choice for 2019-nCov Pneumonia

Vitamin C Is an Essential Factor on the Anti-viral Immune Responses through the Production of Interferon-α/β at the Initial Stage of Influenza A Virus (H3N2) Infection

  • Probiotics: Research has demonstrated that the “landscape” of our gut has a huge impact on how responsive our immune systems are.  A high quality and reputable strain of probiotics are one important way to support the terrain of the gut, and encourage a robust response from the immune system to address pathogens such as viruses.  Some probiotics I routinely recommend are Therbiotic Complete by Klaire labs, as well as the HLC line of probiotics by Pharmax.

Probiotics and Paraprobiotics in Viral Infection: Clinical Application and Effects on the Innate and Acquired Immune Systems

  • Diet: Without getting into excruciating detail, eating a diet that is generally wholesome, nutritive, minimally processed and free of preservatives will only help your immune system.  Also, avoid refined sugars—too much in the way of sweets slows down the immune response and can act to create a biological terrain more conducive to contracting infections.  Think soups or stews, for example, with healthy sources of protein, lots of veggies, including root vegetables, perhaps a bone broth base as an immune supportive meal.  Stay well hydrated, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid too much caffeine and alcohol.
  • Mental and Emotional: Do not forget that one of the quickest ways to negatively compromise your immune system is to be stressed out.  Being stressed out means high cortisol levels, which is a potent inhibitor of the immune response.  Yes, it’s true, being unduly panicked about community acquired infections will in no way help your body avoid acquiring one!  Take care of yourself.  We live in Central Oregon, so get out to the hills, breathe some fresh air and take it easy.  Be sure to include activities in your routine that bring a sense of calm and peace within yourself.  This can only help.
  • A Note on Fever:  If you do get sick and develop a fever, avoid the temptation to take something like acetaminophen to make the fever go down!  Remember that fever is a very intelligent response of the body, that serves to create a more effective immune response.  A fever is perfectly safe between 100-103 degrees F.  Your body is much more efficient at fighting an infection at higher temperatures.

THE BASICS :  CDC (Centers for Disease Control) RECOMMENDATIONS

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. Preventing exposure is the best way to avoid illness. The CDC is encouraging all Americans to take the following everyday preventive actions, much like you would during a standard severe flu season.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others, as well as by health care workers those taking care of someone with COVID-19.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

CDC STEPS TO PREVENT ILLNESS

CDC CORONAVIRUS INFO PAGE

Joshua Phillips, ND is a naturopathic physician and the director of Hawthorn Healing Arts Center. He is available for questions or consultations for individuals who would like to put together a plan to ensure they are optimizing their health and immune systems.  Please note:  This article is in no way a substitute for medical advice or evaluation.  We are each unique individuals, and as such, should receive individual evaluation and planning for our circumstances.  Contact your physician to discuss and address your concerns in depth.