1. SLEEP for MELATONIN

This nasty old virus does not like high levels of Melatonin. We can increase our levels naturally by getting enough and proper sleep. We can even increase it more by sleeping when it is dark and by avoiding artificial light in the evening (this unfortunately will mean less social media and TV at night).

 

2. Less STRESS for less CORTISOL

This nasty old virus loves high levels of Cortisol. We can decrease our cortisol levels by lowering our stress levels. Even though it is very stressful for many when you are told that you tested positive for the virus, it might help to be mindful of the fact that you are by far more likely to have either no or very mild symptoms than severe disease. The uncertain times we are all experiencing currently also increases our stress levels significantly. Please remember that all of us, and our ancestors, in SA have been through very difficult times in the last 370 years or so. We are a resilient people.... this to shall pass.

 

3. Stay well HYDRATED

This nasty old virus hates well hydrated patients. Drink at least 2L of fresh water a day. Increase this to 2.5L if possible as fever and mucus production causes more fluid loss than normal.

 

4. Sun exposure for VITAMIN D

This nasty old virus hates Vitamin D. This indeed forms part of our treatment regime in hospitals. We can increase our levels by getting at least 15 - 20 minutes of direct sunlight daily on at at least 15% of exposed skin.

 

5. Healthy diet for VITAMINS B and C

This nasty old virus hates these very important vitamins. This too is indeed part of our in-hospital treatment regime. Although we can buy over-the-counter vitamins we can still increase our intake of these vitamins with a healthy diet of a variety of fruit and vegetables which contains them.

 

6. Zinc

This nasty old virus really hates this element. It also forms part of the treatment regime of patients admitted to hospital. Although we can augment our intake with over-the-counter Zinc preparations, we can easily increase our Zinc levels with a proper healthy diet with zinc containing vegetables and fruits. 

 

7. Steam and Eucalyptus

This nasty old virus hates heat. We know viruses does not function well in heated environments. We can also lower the viral load in our nasal passages with steaming. Steaming with Eucalyptus will also help with symptomatic relief of the upper airway symptoms. A simple method is to take 2 teaspoons of Vicks VapoRub and dissolve it into hot water in a big bowl. Cover your head with a towel over the bowl so that you can inhale the steam through your nose and mouth. Make sure to put the bowl on a steady surface and ask someone to hold the bowl for you to avoid spilling the hot water as this can potentially cause burns which is also the reason why this is sometimes not advocated by certain professional bodies. Although this is not proven to kill the virus there is some evidence that it lessons the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of disease.

 

8. Nasal flushing to LOWER THE LOAD.

This nasty old virus hates waves. Lower the intranasal viral load by flushing the nasal passages with a saline solution 3 times a day. Many over-the-counter preparations are available and a salt solution can even be prepared at home. 

 

9. You ELBOW is your friend

This virus hates elbows. The virus is designed to spread by irritating the intranasal and airway passages causing us to cough and sneeze thereby helping it to spread. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to stop its “transport system” in its tracks.

 

10. Wash your HANDS, SANITIZE and MASK UP

Keep your neighbour safe.