Natural Ways to Prevent COVID-19

The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) originated in Wuhan, China. Still, we lack information regarding the incubation period, rate of infection, or the animal source of the virus. If you have traveled to or from significantly affected areas in recent weeks or months, or if you have been in contact with someone who had symptoms of flu, you should consult your local health authorities.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 include:

1. Common cold, which affects most individuals at some point or another in their lifetime.
2. Running nose.
3. Headache.
4. Cough.
5. Sore throat.
6. High-grade fever.
7. A general feeling of being unwell.

In compromised individuals, elder people, and those with compromised immunity or those who already have other health issues, the common coronaviruses can cause bronchitis or pneumonia in them. It starts with a common cold with fever, lethargy, cough, and difficulty in breathing. Later symptoms may include sore throat, nasal congestion, and swollen adenoids.

How Does the New Coronavirus Spread?

The progression of this coronavirus is rapid, which makes individuals very ill and may lead to death. Transmission or spread of coronaviruses are most commonly occur from direct contact between an infected person to healthy individual through:

• Air while coughing and sneezing.
• Close personal contact, such as touching infected parts or shaking hands.
• Contact with an object or surface with the infection or virus on it and then again touching your mouth, nose, eyes, or face before washing your hands.

Travelers returning from areas significantly affected by the new coronavirus should monitor themselves for symptoms of respiratory ailments for 14 days.

Preventive Measures for COVID-19

Some basic steps to prevent exposure and exposing others to any virus, including SARS-CoV-2:

1) Hygiene -

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Liquid soap should be preferred.
• Wash your hands properly with soap before preparing food and before eating anything.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, maybe they are infected with a deadly virus.

2) Cough Hygiene -

• You should cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
• After you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands properly with soap.
• If you do not have tissue paper, it is better to cough into your shirt or cloth sleeve with a bent elbow; and not on your hands.
• Always wash your hands with soap every time after coughing or sneezing.
• Limit handling doorknobs, metal rods of buses, trains, lift buttons, biometrics at workplaces, and other public surfaces without gloves.
• You can use washable or reusable gloves and so you can wash gloves daily.

3) Food Hygiene -

• Uncooked meat should be avoided.
• More emphasis should be given to a vegetarian diet.
• Ensure that you use a properly clean cutting board for vegetables.
• Avoid sharing water, food, or products, including glasses, plates, and cutleries.

4) Clean Surfaces -

Whether grocery shopping, flying, or when exposed to something new, try to clean as well as disinfect all objects and surfaces that you touch in day to day life.

5) Avoidance -

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or people with symptoms, because sick people though maybe because of other reasons may possess decreased immunity.
• If you have a cold or flu or similar symptoms then stay at your home to limit your risk of spreading the infection to others and to support the healing process.
• Avoid large crowds because the risk is high over there.
• If going out is unavoidable, choose to wear a mask. Choose a mask that covers both your nose and mouth.

6) Stay Hydrated -

Ensure adequate hydration to assist the body in fighting infections.

7) Balanced Diet -

Emphasis should be given to balanced nutrition, including protein, vegetables, whole grains, etc. One should avoid or limit foods that contribute to the formation of mucous, for example, bread, dairy, yeast, and bananas. Restrict the usage of processed food and foods high in salt and sugar.

8) Spices -

Many spices, specifically warming spices have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Spices such as garlic, turmeric, clove, ginger, thyme, oregano, and sage can be added to teas and food. So, they are useful here to slow down the risk of getting an infection.

9) Sleep -

Ensure adequate sleep which helps to boost immunity. You will need more sleep when you have a cold and flu. So, sleep adequately and boost your immunity.

10) Stress Management -

Reduce and manage stress. Positive relationships possess reduced stress and are associated with stronger immunity and overall health.

11) Indoor Pollutants -

Have a check on indoor pollutants such as mold, as they can worsen conditions of lung-related illnesses.

12) Smoking -

Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke (passive smoking) can increase your susceptibility to lung-related illnesses.

13) Exercise -

We all know the fact that exercise makes us fit and increases immunity, so, moderate exercise enhances immune function and lowers the risk of respiratory infections and other infections. More vigorous or intensive exercise is best but avoided if someone is feeling unwell.

14) Natural Medicines -

The following are some natural medicines and other naturopathic approaches that enhance immunity while helping to create and maintain healthy mucous membrane tissue, which is essential to fend off viral infections.

There are some Botanical medicines known to help prevent flu and similar symptoms. This includes:

1. Licorice root.
2. North American ginseng.
3. Elderberry.
4. Echinacea.
5. Garlic.

15) Nutritional Supplements -

Nutritional supplements can be taken for an optimal immune system function. These nutritional supplements include:

1. Zinc.
2. Selenium.
3. Vitamin C.
4. Probiotics.
5. Seaweed extract.

16) Humidifier -

Use a humidifier as higher air humidity reduces the chances of virus survival rate and may well decrease transmission and spread.

Natural Remedies for COVID-19:

Some approaches that can be helpful and comforting during acute illness and help with recuperation are-

1. Place 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in warm water and take a bath. This helps reduce inflammation and decreases muscle soreness and joint pain.
2. A hot water bottle can also be used if the patient is chilly and sore.
3. Vegetable broths will help replenish electrolytes and also have many other health benefits.