Let’s first put COVID-19 in perspective relative to the annual flu. The flu as we know it has existed for about 2,000 years. As people are exposed and catch it, they develop antibodies. These antibodies confer natural immunity, for a significant percentage of people, when the next exposure interval occurs. Due to viral mutations, this immunity is far from perfect and the cycle repeats again. In the U.S., as many as 26 to 45 million people are infected annually. In 2019, there were over 250,000 hospitalizations and over 14,000 people died. Between 2017 and 2018, the worst flu season in modern history, over 80,000 people died.

   

The novel Coronavirus was potentially first seen in November 2019 and as such hasn’t been around long enough for anyone to develop antibodies to confer natural immunity. Currently in the U.S. (as of March 20) there are 15,219 reported cases with 201 deaths. Superficially, one might compare these numbers and think that the Coronavirus is being blown way out of proportion. This would be a grave error if we delve more carefully into the facts.

   

The U.S. has a population of about 330,000,000 people. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu at its worst kills about 60,000 people annually. This represents a mortality rate of .0002. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), based on the early numbers out of China, the death rate is approximately 3.4 percent or .034. Many health professionals in the world believe this number is probably low and may realistically be closer to 5 percent. As is common, world governments are notorious for under reporting health morbidity and mortality figures. When we extrapolate the 3.4 percent to the U.S., the potential mortality rate is 11,220,000. Currently, according to the White House, contrary speculation is that these numbers are being exaggerated and the correct figure may be closer to only .5 percent. Unfortunately, even .5 percent still equals 1,650,000 deaths.

   

To complicate the issue, we are currently dealing with a critical shortage of tests. As more testing becomes available, we will inevitably see an exponential increase in positive results, which will rapidly change our current data base of cases here in the U.S.

   

A possible difference: Coronavirus might be spread through the airborne route, meaning that tiny droplets remaining in the air could cause disease in others even after the ill person is no longer near.

   

Flu can be spread by an infected person for several days before their symptoms appear, and Coronavirus is believed to be spread in the same manner, but this is not yet confirmed.

   

Current research suggests that 80 percent of people infected will have mild to no symptoms; 20 percent will be symptomatic and need treatment; and up to 5 percent may be life threatening. Those most susceptible have pre-existing health complications, suppressed immune systems or are over the age of 60. Healthy children seem to have a much lower risk quotient.

   

Eat healthy, non-processed, whole foods, avoid concentrated sugars and drink lots of pure water. Get adequate rest and exercise. Daily, take 1,000 mg of vitamin C three times, at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D, 5,000 IU of vitamin A and at least 60 mg of Zinc. Take immune stimulating/antiviral herbs like Echinacea, licorice, garlic and burdock. Use essential oils as air sanitizers, such as eucalyptus, ravintsara, thyme and tea tree. Use 1 teaspoon of nano silver twice daily.

   

If you believe you or someone you love may be infected with COVID-19, please seek medical attention. A board-certified naturopathic physician, who specializes in treating viral infections and strengthening the immune system, can administer IV vitamin C, which has been shown to be beneficial to many withCOVID-19 in China.