Since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, there have been several theories and myths circulated about how to beat the COVID‑19 virus. Unfortunately, almost every single one has been proven false or has no scientific evidence to support the claims made.
This article will lay out what science says our options are when it comes to both treatment and prevention.
What Are the Treatment Options for COVID‑19?
It's important to state that there are no specific treatments that cure COVID-19. Any information saying otherwise is false, and you should disregard it. This is a novel pathogen and, as such, has no known treatment. Antibiotics do not help, as they do not work against viruses, and all available treatment options are therapeutic in nature to help deal with the symptoms as your body fights the infection.
One thing we can say with certainty is that you'll need to stay in isolation away from other people until you've recovered.
If you have mild symptoms of the coronavirus, you should take the following steps to aid your body's recovery:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – drink enough so that your pee is pale and clear.
- Take Tylenol to help ease your symptoms.
- Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or on social media, to help you avoid feeling low or lonely.
- Try to keep yourself busy – you could try activities like cooking, reading, online learning, and watching films.
- Attempt light exercise, but only if you feel well enough to.
The most likely treatment for COVID‑19 will arrive in the form of a vaccine. But that is at least 12 months away, if not longer. The CDC has approved multiple clinical trials of drugs such as Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine, but the results of those trials will also take months to analyze. Until then, treatment will remain therapeutic to help manage associated symptoms.
How to Prevent Yourself from Catching COVID‑19
While there is no known treatment for COVID‑19, there are plenty of prevention strategies that are already proven to reduce the chances of contracting the disease. By taking the following preventative steps as advised by the CDC, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- 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 your hands are visibly dirty.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles).
- Launder items, including washable plush toys, as appropriate and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people's items.
- Wear a cloth facial covering that covers both mouth and nose, such as a scarf or face mask when out in public.
- Maintain at least 6 feet between you and other individuals when outside of your home.
Prepare Your Immune System for Battle with Products from Because Health
If you still have to enter the public domain as part of your job, or you're at a higher risk of complications arising from pre-existing medical conditions, then it may be a good idea to make use of our immune health products.
For instance, you can make use of the immune boost injectable (learn more here), to enrich your existing immune defenses. Alternatively, you can gain a more accurate picture of your immune system before it arrives in your community with the Immunity test kit.
Remember to follow the CDCs guidelines, ignore medical advice that doesn't appear from either the WHO or CDC, and take action now to shore up your own immune response so that you don't suffer adverse effects should you contract the virus.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/therapeutic-options.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#Preparing-Your-Home-and-Family-for-COVID-19
