What is the Coronavirus and How Can You Protect Yourself?
These days you can’t open the internet or turn on a television without hearing the term “Coronavirus”. With over 70,000 cases reported around the globe and a death toll rapidly approaching 2,000, the coronavirus is not an ailment to ignore. But what exactly is the coronavirus and, more importantly, how can you protect yourself from the national health emergency? Here are some tips from Clinical Nutrition Centers.
Know What the Coronavirus Is
The coronavirus is currently wreaking havoc around the world is known as the “novel” coronavirus. It’s a strain that, until this outbreak, had not been previously identified in humans. The virus is almost unique in that it was first transmitted from animals to humans and is now transmittable from human to human.
It’s an especially dangerous virus because of its long incubation period. It can take a person infected with the novel coronavirus up to 14 days to start showing symptoms. This is worrisome since the coronavirus can be transmitted even when the infected person isn’t showing symptoms.
Know the Symptoms
The symptoms of the novel coronavirus are troubling because many resemble symptoms of the flu. Cough, fever, runny nose, and sore throat are all symptoms of the virus. However, the most troubling effect of the coronavirus is respiratory suppression — or trouble breathing.
Difficulty breathing has been one of the leading causes of death from the virus, primarily in older populations and the very young. You should always visit the doctor if you think you may have the flu. However, it is especially important to see your physician if you experience breathing difficulties in association with flu-like symptoms.
Know How to Protect Yourself and Others
There is no known cure for the coronavirus. Treatment, as of now, consists of similar practices you would see to treat the common cold. To protect yourself, experts recommend implementing the same precautionary techniques you would every cold and flu season.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds. Cover your mouth with a bent elbow when you cough or sneeze to protect others. If you use a tissue, dispose of it immediately. Always stay at least a few yards away from others you suspect may be infected with the coronavirus. Other than these precautionary techniques, the best thing you can do is try to boost your immune system.
Know How to Boost Your Immune System
The best way to boost your immune system is to make sure you’re getting your proper amounts of essential vitamins and minerals. Three of the most important immune boosters are vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Vitamin C is the biggest immune-boosting vitamin and comes from fruits, bell peppers, spinach, kale, and broccoli. Good sources of B6, which supports biochemical reactions in the immune system, include chicken and fish as well as green vegetables. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that helps fend off infection and can be found in nuts, seeds, and spinach.
Think you’re not getting enough of the above in your daily diet? Clinical Nutrition Centers can help. Try our vitamin C supplement from Thorne Research if you don’t eat a lot of fruits or leafy greens. If you’re lacking vitamin B6, this supplement from Douglas Laboratories can help. Think your vitamin E is low? Here’s a great product from Pure Encapsulations to help!
The coronavirus is vicious and it’s not showing any signs of going away soon. Take these tips to know how to both identify the novel coronavirus and how to protect yourself from it. If you have any questions about supplements that can help, feel free to contact Clinical Nutrition Centers today!
