The Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), Coronaviruses (CoV) comes from a group of viruses responsible for the common cold and other respiratory illness. For example, MERs (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), SARs (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The latest one is this group that has not been seen in humans before is the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Coronaviruses are transmitted from animals to humans and from human to human. ref 1 (WHO). In case you are wondering what the word “Novel” means in medical virology terms, it’s Latin for new, nobody has prior immunity.
How is the coronavirus spread?
It is thought to be first spread from an infected animal-to-human at the Huanan Seafood market in Wuhan China. Shortly after followed transmission from human-to-human. Infected individual spread the virus via respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It has also been postulated that people can be asymptomatic (no symptoms) and could also transmit the virus. Ref 2 PubMed 08 March 2020. Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus (COVID-19). Authors: Marco Cascella; Michael Rajnik; Arturo Cuomo; Scott C. Dulebohn; Raffaela Di Napoli.
Symptoms include:
- Fever, chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Headache
- Sore muscles stiffness
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise, extreme fatigue
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness, dizziness
- Night sweats
- Gastrointestinal upset
- In severe cases, the infection can cause:
- Pneumonia
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
- Kidney failure and even death
Who is most at risk?
People who are at high risk for severe disease symptoms are:
- Over 60s
- Immunocompromised individuals
- People with serious medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes and lung disease
- People who have recently travelled to an infected country.
- In the last 14 days, people who have contact with a coronavirus infected person.
How to prepare for coronavirus
The best method of containing the spread of the virus is to isolate infected individuals. And for the rest of us to avoid unnecessary travel and follow cold and flu hygiene protocols. For more details on how to prepare for the coronavirus, see my blog on “How to prepared for pandemic flu, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from a natural medicine perspective.”
The suggestions in this blog are general in nature and are for educational purpose only. The recommendations do not take into account your specific needs. Before you make changes to your routine or embark on any herbs or nutritional supplements, it is wise to check with your health care professional. If there are any aspects of your diet you would like to discuss or clarify, please feel free to contact me through this website. Ultimately, my goal is to provide you with the knowledge to decide what diet best supports your health needs.
In health and wisdom
Brendon
Written by:
Brendon Groves
Clinical Naturopathic Practitioner
Founder of “Groves Naturopathics” and “The Groves Lifestyle Diet”
Adv. Dip. H. Sc. Nat, Dip. H. Sc. H.M., Dip. H. Sc. Nut.
Advance Diploma of Naturopathy, Diploma of Nutrition, Diploma of Herbal Medicine.
Special interests in: Weight loss, digestive issues, anxiety and mood disorders, immune support.
