COVID – What To Do

What’s the current status?

COVID with its Omicron variant has thoroughly spread worldwide, the chances of getting COVID are much higher.

It is somewhat reassuring that according to a South African Study an infection with Omicron has a 70% chance of getting seriously ill compared to infection with Delta.

We still don’t know about some of the long term effects of a COVID infection and if Omicron causes long COVID. However we do know that even a mild COVID infection can cause long COVID, so ideally it’s still better to avoid getting sick with COVID

 

Simple steps to reduce the likely hood to attract COVID (as much as possible)

• Get vaccinated, and if you are eligible, get the booster.
  It won’t necessarily stop you from getting COVID, but if you get infected with COVID, your immune system is already primed to deal with it. As a result the disease is going to be milder. According to research by the Australian Kirby Institute an mRNA booster is 86.2% effective against symptomatic infections and 98.2% effective against severe infection in the Omicron variant.
• In your day to day life, practice good hygiene i.e. washing your hands regularly, keeping physical distance from people, wear a N95 or P2 facemask they provide better protection
• When you catch up with people, choose well ventilated places or meet outdoors.
• If you are concerned that you might have gotten too close to an infected person you can immediately after the exposure gargle with Betadine. It also helps to spray some Fess into your nostrils or if you have use a Neti pot. The aim is to reduce the viral load in your nose and throat area by diluting it.

 

What can I do to support my body?

It’s all about having a super fit immune system.

• Eat a colourful diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables. We have an abundance of fresh plant foods which are all fantastic supporting your immunity
• Even though it’s summer, if you know that your Vit D levels are on the lower side, take a Vitamin D supplement. It’s not only great for your immunity, it also supports your bone health.
• General supplements that help and support your immunity are Zinc and Vitamin C. Mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake and Cordyceps are also fantastic. They supporting the immune system. If you want to find out more how to support your immune system, feel free to inquire about a naturopathic consult: Contact
• Your Lifestyle choices make a huge difference to your immune system as well. having adequate sleep (generally 7-8 hours per night), spending time out in nature and exercising without overdoing it all support your body and immune system
• Keep a positive mindset. With all the news (and often negative) swirling around, don’t let yourself sucked into a bad mood. Our immune system needs endorphins (happy hormones) to function optimally. So, be elective with what you pay attention to. Make time to find positive things in your life. Practice gratitude, it makes a huge difference to your state of mind.

What can I do if I get COVID?

• Rest. Give your body time and space to heal. Be gentle with yourself. If you feel sleepy, sleep. Even if you work from home, it’s best to take a couple of days off if you can, just to give your body a break so it can heal itself
• With regards to your nutrition, it is pretty much the same approach as outlined above, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid alcohol, refined foods and high sugar foods. They all put a strain on the body
• Watch a comedy. It’s once more all about your endorphins. When you laugh, you produce a lot of them and they boost your immune function, helping your body to overcome the virus.

What happens after I had  COVID?

I’m not sure if there is a sure way to avoid long COVID. However after every viral infection it is important to allow the body to slowly return to its normal equilibrium. Even though you are no longer infectious you still might experience fatigue for another couple of weeks.

• Return to your normal day to day life, but be gentle with yourself. Have more rest periods than you usually have
• Slowly get back into exercise, don’t overdo it. Gentle exercise like walking is great. You can find some great tips on the Vida Lifestyle Blog Post about COVID
• If you experience any leftover body aches and pains, have a chat to your Chiropractor and have a look at Vida’s Blog Post
• Continue with a diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.