COVID-19 VIRUS INFECTION
26Apr
Health Articles

COVID-19 VIRUS INFECTION

  • By Louw van Riet

Written By Dr Steven Gunn (MBChB. BSc. CVIT)

 

COVID-19 VIRUS   STRAINS AND VARIANTS -  WHAT TO DO TO AVOID OR SUPPORT TREATMENT

According to latest research, which is updating and changing all the time, scientists have now discovered approximately 6 different Covid-19 virus strains and more than 30 different variants.  Strain G is the commonest and the most recent new variant 501Y.V2 is causing many of the new infections in the second wave in Europe, UK and South Africa.  The 501Y.V2 strain appears to be more transmissible than the first variant, but not more dangerous.  As most people know by now the Covid-19 virus attacks the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat) and the lungs especially, causing a mild to serious problem with breathing, and not enough oxygen, as well as other symptoms like loss of sense of smell, sore throat and dry cough, headache, fever, fatigue and body pains.  The virus causes an over-reaction of the immune system (‘cytokine storm’) with excess fluid and inflammation in the lungs and the infection causes the blood to clot, which can cause heart attacks, strokes, kidney problems and thromboses (blood clots elsewhere in the body).

HIGH RISK INDIVIDUALS

Persons who suffer from other medical disorders (comorbidities) such as high blood pressure, heart and lung diseases, diabetes, immune system deficiencies (e.g. HIV and TB), and obesity, are more at risk.  So are the elderly, especially those citizens over 60 or 70 years of age.  Other risk factors include nutritional deficiencies such as malnutrition, low Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Magnesium, Vitamin B group and anti-oxidants.  Individuals who drink excessive alcohol, smoke excessively and take street drugs are also at risk.

WAYS TO PREVENT COVID-19 INFECTION OR HOW TO PREVENT IT FROM GETTING WORSE

There are four main ways from preventing yourself from getting infected with the Covid-19 virus, or if you are infected, then preventing your infection from developing into a more serious problem.  There is obviously no 100% guaranteed way of achieving this, not even by having the vaccination.  However, this advice can reduce your risk enormously and promote recovery.

AVOIDANCE:
Avoid exposure to the virus by practicing social distancing, wearing an appropriate face mask correctly, washing of hands and surfaces and avoiding crowds or mass gatherings.

STRENGTHENING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: 
A strong immune system and good, or optimal, physical health obviously increases one’s chance of not getting infected or recovering well.  First of all, one should follow a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep & rest, no smoking, no excessive alcohol or drugs).  Secondly, take food supplements which strengthen or maintain a healthy immune system and good general health:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin B complex
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Selenium
  • Magnesium
  • Omega 3 Essential Oil
  • Anti-oxidants: Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Quercitin
  • Melatonin

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

  • CODE 19 Immune Booster & Anti-Viral capsules (Xtreme Health)
  • VIT D 3-ZINC-SELENIUM PLUS capsules (Xtreme Health)
  • VITAMIN C (in high doses) capsules,tablets or powder (Xtreme Health)
  • BRAIN & MEMORY SUPPORT with high dose Vit B complex capsules (Xtreme Health)

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:

  •  Immune Booster Drips plus Vitamin C (LifeXMed Clinic)
  • Specific Booster Drips for various conditions (eg. Fatigue, Sport Performance, Medical Disorders) (LifeX Med Clinic )

ACT QUICKLY AND TREAT SYMPTOMS
As soon as symptoms occur, one should be pro-active and treat accordingly.  This will mean beginning home self-treatment and contacting your doctor for testing and prescription medication.

HOME SELF TREATMENT

  1. Healthy Diet, Rest & Isolation.
  2. Immune Boosting Food Supplements & General Health support as mentioned above
  3. Medication from doctor
  4. Blow up a balloon every hour, or blow bubbles with a straw in a bottle of water.
  5. Sleep on stomach most of the time and on your side, some of the time.
  6. Sit upright when sitting
  7. Drink lots of liquids, especially hot liquids and steam inhalation (this advice is controversial. Some authorities state that it will not make a difference and other healthcare practitioners promote it for their patients).

HAVE A COVID-19 VACCINATION
Scientifically it is too early to tell just how effective the various Covid-19 vaccinations are.  Pharmaceutical clinical trials have shown high percentage effectiveness (over 80 and 90%) in developing immunity against getting a Covid-19 infection.  However, some of the latest studies, one performed in South Africa after vaccinations, has not shown a high percentage of immunity, or protection for the 501.V2 variant. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has shown better results in South African studies.   The vaccination manufacturers do not guarantee that a person will not get infected with Covid-19 after the vaccination and are therefore recommending that vaccinated individuals should still not visit elderly, or high risk persons.  Scientists still cannot tell if the latest vaccines will protect one against the newer variants which will arise after the 501.V2 variant. Some will, some will not. Some individuals are concerned about the possible long term side effects as these are a new type of vaccine without a long track record.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Study the research and keep up to date with the latest health information.  Make an informed decision and ask your doctor about the risks and benefits.


NOTE:

All XTREME Health products can be purchased online at www.XTREMEHEALTH.CO.ZA and delivered to your doorstep within 48-72 hours.