Coronavirus and Natural Immune Support
Coronavirus is a class of viruses first identified as a serious human threat in 2003 with the SARS (Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus in China. The current COVID-19 pandemic presented as a new strain of coronavirus on Dec. 31, 2019.
Coronaviruses are so named because they have a crown-like appearance of spikes on their surface. These spikes can penetrate human cells. (1, 2)
How Worried Should You Be?
There is a lot of contradictory information online and some sources claim the media has overblown the severity of the threat and we should all just enjoy cheap airfare. I disagree.
While many people will get only a mild or asymptomatic version of the virus, a fraction will become seriously ill and may perish. The elderly, those who spend time with the elderly and those with conditions that weaken immunity should be the most cautious.
Consider Italy. This small country has been hard hit, with a current case count of over 10,000, 631 deaths and 877 patients currently in the ICU. (source) Their 5% mortality rate is above average probably due to the age of their population, but it’s still as sobering number. (source)
I recommend that we all follow the advice of the CDC and other governmental agencies. Failure to do so could result in a worsening pandemic that will have economic effects on most everyone.
There is a current backlash against natural medicine that I write about below and you will likely observe online. While you should be prudent about what supplements you take (please read to close of article), to say that there is nothing you can do to support your immune system is total BS.
This article provides researched advice on boosting your immune system against viruses and presents immune system supplements.
How Do You Fight Off Viruses?
Let’s say your body does encounter a droplet of moisture that contains Coronavirus or another virus…. what happens next?
The immune system goes to work when a foreign substance (antigen) is detected. The first line of defense is B cells that make antibodies to identify the invader. Then other immune cells, such as T cells and complement proteins, come in to attack.
The immune system is composed of white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. (3)
The health of the immune system depends on many factors.
Age
Children have fewer antibodies so tend to catch more bugs. However, they get antibodies through breast milk and have a more responsive immune system in many ways. They also currently have a zero fatality rate when it comes to COVID-19.
In advanced age, the thymus gland (an immune gland in your chest) shrinks, your T cells and macrophages are less responsive, and the quantity of antibodies produced lowers. This is one reason that there is a higher fatality rate with flu in senior adults. (4)
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Another reason seniors have a higher fatality rate is that this population has a higher rate of:
-
Heart disease
-
COPD
-
Cancer
-
Diabetes
-
Other illnesses that weaken the immune system.
Other factors that affect immunity include:
-
Dysbiosis (unbalanced bacterial population in and on the body)
-
Leaky gut
-
High sugar and processed food diet
-
Lymph congestion (5)
-
Tissue adhesions/scar tissue (6)
-
Smoking
-
Chronic Lyme disease
-
Immuno-suppressant medications
-
Autoimmunity
-
Chronic Epstein-Barr virus
Within our community, the biggest question is, “I have autoimmunity/ toxic mold/ gut infections/ etc. Do I have a higher risk when it comes to COVID-19?”
To answer this, ask yourself:
-
How well are my health conditions currently managed?
-
How strong is my current self-care?
-
What is my current stress level?
If you are in the thick of mold remediation and highly symptomatic, your lung tissue is likely weakened, your immune system is dysregulated, and inflammation is high. This is not a good time to pick up a virus!
If you feel your health is already delicate, I would avoid contact with the virus and support your body’s immune system. I would also follow this advice if you are in frequent contact with seniors.
This means frequent hand washing, avoiding large conferences and airplane travel, avoiding group events if coronavirus is in your community, and supporting your body with some of the tips below.
