It is probably safe to say that the COVID-19 issue has turned the world upside down. Besides causing a lot of fear, there is a lot of confusion surrounding the subject, and many people want some clear answers on what actions they should take if they feel ill.
If your test comes back positive, should you take supplements? Is a vaccine the only answer? To say that these questions are controversial is a severe understatement! To help you gain some clarity, here are some evidence-backed statements from the World Health Organization (WHO) to take into consideration when making a decision:
1. COVID-19 is not a virus
According to the WHO, COVID-19 is a set of symptoms caused by a virus called SARS-COV-2.
According to the WHO website:
“COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.”
2. COVID-19 causes many issues that are similar to the common cold, flu, and other respiratory diseases
According to the WHO, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue, and a dry cough.
Other less common symptoms include a loss of smell or taste, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (red eyes), headache, sore throat, chills, joint or muscle pain, nausea, and digestive upset.
3. COVID-19 death rates are very low
Oxford University, the #1 top-rated university in the world, released its QCovid risk assessment application that allows you to input your information and calculate your risk of dying from COVID-19.
For example, according to the calculator, a 25-year-old female that is 170 cm (5’8”) tall, 70 kg (155 pounds), and without any severe underlying health conditions has a 0.0003% chance of dying.
Consider as well that this is chance is only possible IF she catches the virus that causes the disease.
But what about other “at-risk” populations? According to Oxford University, the chances of an ill, elderly person dying of SARS-COV-2 are also minimal. According to the calculator, a 90-year old male that is 180 cm (5’11”) and 100 kg (220 pounds) with asthma AND type 2 diabetes only has a 0.4514% chance of dying.
That is less than one-half of one percent and only applies if the person catches the virus that causes COVID-19.
We are in no way downplaying the effects of diseases on the immune system! However, it is important to note that this risk calculator – created by some of the most qualified scientists at the most prestigious university in the world – gives us insight into the real risks of SARS-COV-2, which appear to be very minimal.
COVID-19 Treatment Controversy
From the very beginning of the COVID-19 issue, scientists and doctors all over the world began to prescribe treatments to help people overcome the flu-like symptoms associated with the virus. Some of these treatments include:
Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat and prevent malaria along with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and discoid/systemic lupus. Approved for medical use in the U.S. in 1955, it has been prescribed over 5 million times, making it one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the country with a very high safety record.
As a result, many doctors have advocated the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, including Dr. Peter McCullough, who released a research paper outlining the use of hydroxychloroquine along with other possible treatments.
Ivermectin
Discovered in 1975, Ivermectin earned scientists William Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura a Nobel prize for Physiology or Medicine in 2015. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an antiparasitic agent, Ivermectin was shown to reduce the duration of COVID-19 illness within five days.
Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Melatonin
Recommendations for supplement combinations containing vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and melatonin are widespread on the internet. While most of these supplements are long associated with improving immunity, experts at Harvard and the University of California, in addition to scientific researchers, have provided insight into the benefits of their use in helping people with symptoms related to COVID-19 or similar illnesses.
Boost Immunity with Vitamin C
Many people reach for orange juice at the first signs of a cold – there’s a reason for why it’s one of the world’s most-loved morning drinks! That’s because it’s super high in vitamin C, a critical nutrient you need to maintain a healthy immune system – your first defense against diseases.
Vitamin C (or L-ascorbic acid) is water-soluble, and found naturally in some foods. Some people also choose to boost their levels with vitamin-C supplements as a way to strengthen their natural immunity against viruses and other pathogens.
The benefits of vitamin C go far beyond stronger immunity. This critical nutrient is required to biosynthesize L-carnitine, collagen, and other essential hormones. As an important antioxidant, Vitamin C is also necessary for wound healing and detoxifying the body.
Boost Energy and Strengthen Bones with Vitamin D
Vitamin D is critical to calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and overall immune strength. Synthesis of this vital nutrient takes place when ultraviolet sun rays hit your skin – that’s why getting sunshine is so important!
While it’s present in some foods, COVID-era lockdowns have triggered a high demand for vitamin D supplements. In addition to strengthening your immune system, vitamin D is also required for other vital processes, including prevention of spasms and cramps, osteoporosis and osteomalacia prevention, cell growth, neuromuscular function, and inflammation reduction.
Strengthen Your Immune System with Zinc
Guess what is the key ingredient in many cold medicine preparations? If you guessed zinc, then you’re right!
Zinc goes a long way in keeping you healthy. This critical nutrient is essential to synthesize protein and DNA, heal wounds, maintain a healthy pregnancy, and maintaining your senses of taste and smell.
A Strong Body is your Best Defense!
It also goes without saying that it’s crucial to eat well, exercise, manage stress, and maintain supportive relationships. Putting it all together as part of a holistic health program will keep you strong, healthy, and resistant to any disease!