In the Spring 2020, especially here in the Atlanta area, we were all concerned if we had allergy symptoms or the novel corona virus. Now that we’ve got 6+ months of studying COVID19, it’s no longer ‘novel’, but the fear and concern remain, only now it’s a question of whether our symptoms are from hay fever or fall allergies, cold, flu or COVID19.
The infographic above is a good baseline to keep in mind when monitoring your symptoms, although we know now that fever is not always an accurate indicator of COVID19, but it is a pretty good detector for flu. All of these: COVID19, flu, allergies, common cold; have coughing, fatigue, weakness and/or exhaustion. What is not on this list and is one of the biggest indicators for COVID19 is loss of smell or loss of taste. If you suspect COVID19 with careful consideration of all your symptoms, and your symptoms are getting worse, the best thing to do is schedule yourself to get tested and self-quarantine until you have the results of your test back. That means you will be the one to wear a mask, eat and sleep separately from the rest of your household, disinfect common surfaces after each use and try to contain yourself in a separate part of your living space if possible.
Whatever it is that has you feeling less than perfect, the remedies remain the same:
- HYDRATE – drinking half of your body weight in ounces of WATER every day;
- REST – stay in bed, sleep, don’t over exert yourself;
- eat HEALTHY foods – now is not the time to stock up on junk food, in fact, junk food will make you feel worse;
- go sit OUTSIDE for at least 10 – 15 minutes per day, soaking up as much sunlight as possible. During the flu pandemic of 1918, there was an outdoor hospital ward in Central Park. Those patients who were outside, getting fresh air and sunshine, actually recovered faster and with less risk of relapse than patients who remained inside the hospitals.
Ways to prevent getting sick this season? Well, the same things just previously mentions: hydrate, rest, eat healthy foods, go outside for sunlight. You can add to this by
- increasing your Vitamin D levels, either through supplementation, food sources, or sunlight.
- Vitamin C is also good for boosting your immune system.
- taking Black Seed Oil,
- Black Currant Seed Oil by Standard Process l https://amzn.to/337koad
- or even Black Cumin Seed Oil by Life Extension https://amzn.to/3ic0jUC
- Black Currant Seed Oil by Standard Process l https://amzn.to/337koad
- Exercise regularly. 30 minutes of light aerobic activity (walking) 5 times per week is all that is needed. Studies are now showing that longer, more intense workouts may actually have a detrimental effect on our bodies and immune systems.
- Practice SELF-CARE on a DAILY basis. Allow yourself time for self-reflection and mental relaxation every day. 20-30 minutes daily works wonderfully.
- And of course, my favorite, get a Chiropractic Adjustment. Studies have shown that regular chiropractic care leads to a healthy immune system and that after each chiropractic adjustment, your immune system is 80% stronger over the following 6-7 days.
Wishing you an ABUNDANTLY HEALTHY Autumn!
Dr. Cynthia Seebacher, D.C.