Current Omicron variant appears less severe, but many are still experiencing significant effects. Meds are available and can help, especially for early COVID, with good research and experience. No one treatment works- a combination of meds is essential (always work with your doctor to see if a personalized approach can be helpful).
“The winds of adversity fill the sails of accomplishment.” ~ Andy Andrews
Vaccinated
Vaccines – Safety Net but NOT a Shield – Vaccines have helped minimize deaths and hospitalizations, especially for high-risk patients, but do not prevent infections or decrease transmission.
Have you gotten the vaccine? Would you benefit from it?
Focusing on the following for pre- and post-vaccine tips can help improve the effectiveness of the vaccine and decrease the side effects (a new theory that makes sense).
Optimize lifestyle factors.
Get good sleep, especially before the shot- melatonin is good before and after the vaccine.
Eat low inflammatory foods and no alcohol before shot.
Balance stress response.
Lower inflammation markers.
Support the immune system through better Vitamin D, A, folate zinc, NAC, etc.
Watch for side effects – VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) shows more side effects than past vaccines like flu, etc. Most are self-limiting but some lasting a while and can have real effects.
Do you have any lingering symptoms consistent with Long Haulers? These are real and like other infections, benefits from attention. An integrated and comprehensive approach can help. See:
Keep improving to be the best version of yourself – fasting is a great way to help the immune system (see my recent article on fasting).
COVID pack on standby and for your travels.
Nutritional armor aka Vitamins. I take my custom supplement blend, Immune Armor, which can support early exposure and help prevention.
OTC medicines such as aspirin and antihistamines, and prescription drugs like antibiotics, steroids, antiparasitics, etc. Work with your doctor to get the best-personalized plan for you.
Nasal irrigation with special saline formula- XLEAR is my favorite. Gargle with products that have cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) found in common oral rinses, Betadine oral rinse.
Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Use supplements and/or meds for targeted support after or before possible exposures.
Practice mucosal irrigation – flush out the sinuses and gargle in the throat, the most common place COVID gets attached. Research shows these work very well: XLEAR, CPC oral rinse, Betadine, etc.
“Public health, by definition, should be inherently broad and interdisciplinary, not monotone and overly specialized in scope.” ~ Sam Pappas MD
4. Personalize
Be aware that many factors are contributing to the local and worldwide morbidity and mortality numbers. No one country or state, nor any one plan is perfect; we must use all the tools available in this war as we personalize support for our families and communities.
Mary Beth Pfeiffer states, “In the midst of this onslaught, federal policy says to watch, wait and do nothing for the newly sick. “No specific antiviral or immunomodulatory therapy recommended,” states this nation’s COVID-19 care guidelines for outpatients. Instead, sicken in place.”
5. Take action
…to become as bulletproof as possible by focusing on closing the G.A.P. from your current situation to your ideal health profile.
GYMNASTIKE- purposeful and regular exercise and fitness.
ASKESIS- Greek spiritual term related to the habits of discipline and spiritual training or exercises such prayer, meditation, and fasting to awaken from the “sleep-walk of daily life and create a compelling purpose.”
PHILOSOPHY- The set of your sail and core values and beliefs. We must do Deep Work as we ‘contemplate the cosmos’ and intentionally cultivate habits and an outlook that is resilient and supportive.
