What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms of COVID-19Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms.
You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known infectious period for this disease.
Symptoms have included:
The virus starts out as a cold, then flu, then Pneumonia (an infection in one of both lungs)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms of COVID-19Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms.
You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known infectious period for this disease.
Symptoms have included:
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- pneumonia in both lungs
The virus starts out as a cold, then flu, then Pneumonia (an infection in one of both lungs)
1. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold
2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.
3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the Sun.
4. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
5. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours - so if you come into contact with any metal surface - wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.
6. On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it.
7. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.
8. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but - a lot can happen during that time - you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.
9. You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.
10. Can't emphasis enough - drink plenty of water!
THE SYMPTOMS
1. It will first infect the throat, so you'll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 day
2. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.
3. With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.
4. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you're drowning. It's imperative you then seek immediate attention.
2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.
3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the Sun.
4. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
5. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours - so if you come into contact with any metal surface - wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.
6. On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it.
7. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.
8. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but - a lot can happen during that time - you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.
9. You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.
10. Can't emphasis enough - drink plenty of water!
THE SYMPTOMS
1. It will first infect the throat, so you'll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 day
2. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.
3. With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.
4. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you're drowning. It's imperative you then seek immediate attention.
Why children seem to be less affected.....
"We are still trying to wrap our heads around the deficit of cases among those under 20," said Cecile Viboud, an epidemiologist at the US National Institute of Health's Fogarty International Centre.
There are several theories as to why kids, especially young ones, are less prone to serious symptoms.
"Children see so many illnesses in the first years of life that their immune systems are tuned up and respond nicely to novel infection," commented Sharon Nachman, head of paediatric infectious disease at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York state.
There are several theories as to why kids, especially young ones, are less prone to serious symptoms.
"Children see so many illnesses in the first years of life that their immune systems are tuned up and respond nicely to novel infection," commented Sharon Nachman, head of paediatric infectious disease at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York state.
The Thymus Gland, Immunity and Children....is a strong Thymus gland the reason kids aren't getting as sick from COVID-19?
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Largest when newborn, the thymus gland slowly starts to shrink and becomes replaced with fat. Thymosin is the hormone of the thymus and it stimulates the development of disease fighting T cells.
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How to boost the Thymus Gland and T-Cell Count in adults and why it is important!
A T cell is a type of white blood cell (WBC).
WBCs are also called lymphocytes.
These cells fight off diseases.
The two categories of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells.
The T cells respond to viral infections and boost immune function of other cells, while the B cells fight bacterial infections.
Your body sometimes has too many or too few T cells. This may be a sign that your immune system isn’t functioning properly.
The symptoms of an immunodeficiency disorder include:
Medications that may affect your T cell count include:
Recent surgery or highly stressful experiences can also affect your T cell count.
People with a lower T-Cell count (over 50yrs old) may be at greater risk for developing an infection than the rest of the population.
A low T cell count is more common than a high T cell count. Low T cell counts usually indicate problems with your immune system or lymph nodes. Low T cell counts may be due to:
WBCs are also called lymphocytes.
These cells fight off diseases.
The two categories of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells.
The T cells respond to viral infections and boost immune function of other cells, while the B cells fight bacterial infections.
Your body sometimes has too many or too few T cells. This may be a sign that your immune system isn’t functioning properly.
The symptoms of an immunodeficiency disorder include:
- frequently recurring infections
- severe infections from bacteria or other organisms that don’t usually cause severe infections
- trouble recovering from illnesses
- infections that don’t respond to treatments
- recurring fungal infections, such as yeast infections
- recurring parasitic infections
Medications that may affect your T cell count include:
- chemotherapy drugs
- radiation therapy
- corticosteroids
- immunosuppressive drugs, such as anti-rejection drugs
Recent surgery or highly stressful experiences can also affect your T cell count.
People with a lower T-Cell count (over 50yrs old) may be at greater risk for developing an infection than the rest of the population.
A low T cell count is more common than a high T cell count. Low T cell counts usually indicate problems with your immune system or lymph nodes. Low T cell counts may be due to:
- viral infections, such as influenza
- aging
- immunodeficiency disorders
- exposure to radiation
- HIV and AIDS
- cancers that affect the blood or lymph nodes, such as Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, leukemia, and Hodgkin’s disease
- congenital T cell deficiency, in some rare cases
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT IMMUNE BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS THAT IS OVERLOOKED!
Mushrooms have been a diet booster for many centuries, particularly for supporting a healthy immune system. Studies have shown mushrooms to increase the volume and activity of white blood cells, making them more effective. When you have an infection try adding shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms to your cooking or try a comforting mushroom latte.
Mushrooms
Whether we’re talking button, crimini or shiitake, mushrooms are amazing immune boosters. Mushrooms are rich in a type of polysaccharide called beta glucan, which has the ability to “activate” the immune system and help prevent infections. It regulates white blood cells and keeps them in a highly prepared state so they're ready to attack any invaders. Mushrooms are also rich in vitamins, polyphenols, sterols and zinc, which all keep our immune systems healthy and strong.
Mushrooms
Whether we’re talking button, crimini or shiitake, mushrooms are amazing immune boosters. Mushrooms are rich in a type of polysaccharide called beta glucan, which has the ability to “activate” the immune system and help prevent infections. It regulates white blood cells and keeps them in a highly prepared state so they're ready to attack any invaders. Mushrooms are also rich in vitamins, polyphenols, sterols and zinc, which all keep our immune systems healthy and strong.
One of the best ways to increase T-cells is Echinacea
The echinacea plant is a potent herb and renowned for increasing the T cells in the body. It has active interferon-like property that can produce more antibodies to protect the immune system from diseases. Interferon is also called the antibodies, proteins that T cells also produced.
MORE CRUCIAL FOODS/SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE DURING COVID-19
Vitamin C is crucial to a thriving immune system! It’s the premier vitamin for immune function, and also helps protect cells against damage - your best friend when you’re coming down with the sniffles. Try drinking warm lemon water in the mornings, eating more citrus fruits or adding some vitamin-C rich powder to your smoothies or porridge. Increase dosage to even 10,000mg a day!
Vitamin D is one of the main energy sources for our white blood cells, which defend against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Our bodies can make vitamin D from sunlight, so it’s important to get outdoors.
Vitamin D Drops - 1000 IU in each drop, 5000-10,000 IU or 5-10 drops a day may increase immune function
Vitamin D Drops - 1000 IU in each drop, 5000-10,000 IU or 5-10 drops a day may increase immune function
Garlic contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria. Numerous studies have shown that eating garlic regularly reduces the likelihood of catching a cold. Add fresh raw garlic to your sauces and dressings, or make some delicious fresh garlicky hummus. Take an extra supplement for more protection.
Turmeric has been used for years and years. It contains curcumin which countless research studies prove is anti-inflammatory. It’s so powerful, it’s often used in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as improving the immune response.
Ginger is famous for its knack of reducing indigestion and nausea, and for calming the digestive tract. As well as being an effective antioxidant, ginger is anti-inflammatory and acts as a decongestant for clearing sinuses, nose and throat.
Green juice made with leafy greens will give you a boost of antioxidants such as Vitamin E that is important in maintaining immune system function. Juices are a quick and easy way to get a hefty dose of nutrients all in one go! Incorporating more vegetable juices into your diet as liquid nutrition is a great way to ensure your diet is optimal.
Ginger is famous for its knack of reducing indigestion and nausea, and for calming the digestive tract. As well as being an effective antioxidant, ginger is anti-inflammatory and acts as a decongestant for clearing sinuses, nose and throat.
Green juice made with leafy greens will give you a boost of antioxidants such as Vitamin E that is important in maintaining immune system function. Juices are a quick and easy way to get a hefty dose of nutrients all in one go! Incorporating more vegetable juices into your diet as liquid nutrition is a great way to ensure your diet is optimal.
Foods that may help increase white blood cell count.....
Poultry and Lean Meats PLUS high antioxidant rich foods
Foods high in protein, such as lean meats and poultry, are high in zinc — a mineral that increases the production of white blood cells and T-cells, which fight infection. Other great sources of zinc are oysters, nuts, fortified cereal, and beans. High antioxidants rich foods like oranges, berries, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, grapes, kiwis, walnuts and pomegranates.
Poultry and Lean Meats PLUS high antioxidant rich foods
Foods high in protein, such as lean meats and poultry, are high in zinc — a mineral that increases the production of white blood cells and T-cells, which fight infection. Other great sources of zinc are oysters, nuts, fortified cereal, and beans. High antioxidants rich foods like oranges, berries, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, grapes, kiwis, walnuts and pomegranates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Nursing Schools Near Me
