This article provides information about preventive measures that help avoid acute respiratory disease COVID-19. In it, you’ll be able to find either basic or not widely-known protection methods.
Common measures
Never forget about widely spread ways to avoid infection. It’s necessary to:
- Use a medical face mask in crowded places and change it every three hours;
- Fumigate hands, the surface of the telephone, bag, etc.;
- Put on one-use gloves;
- Never touch mucosa and face with unwashed hands;
- Stay 6 feet away from other people away;
- Try to avoid poorly ventilated places;
- Stay at home when it’s possible.
Also, you’d better follow a healthy lifestyle.
Vitamins and minerals
Lots of micro- and macronutrients are necessary for the right functioning of the human body and essential for immunoprotection. They may prevent COVID infection or alleviate the course of the disease.
According to the EVMS Critical Care COVID-19 Management Protocol, the most necessary nutrients are:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
This antioxidant increases the production of interferon proteins, which fight viruses. The human body can’t accumulate it, so it’s necessary to take vitamin C regularly. The recommended dosage is 500 mg two times a day.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
It reduces the concentration of proteins (cytokines) that cause inflammation. Also, it positively affects the immune system. The recommended dosage is 1000–4000 IU a day.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 has an anti-inflammatory effect and affects the production of melatonin. In addition, it is necessary for normal hematopoiesis, which is disrupted when coronavirus gets in the body. The recommended dosage is 2,4 mcg a day for an adult.
Vitamin A (retinol)
It may help support the body’s ability to fight respiratory infections. The recommended dosage for an adult is 3000 IU a day.
Zink (in the form acetate, gluconate or picolinate)
This mineral strengthens the immune system, affecting its parts. The recommended dosage is 75–100 mg a day.
Selenium
It’s an antioxidant that enhances the body’s defense against viruses. The recommended dosage is 75–100 mcg.
Dihydroquercetin (taxifolin)
This bioflavonoid allows people to fight inflammation and allergies, also it reduces the effects of stress. The nutrient also increases the body’s stamina and helps strengthen blood vessels. The most effective dosage is 0,25–0,5 g.
Melatonin
It’s a hormone, not a mineral or vitamin. Individuals with insomnia and seniors are recommended to take Melatonin pills (3–10 mg). This hormone indirectly affects the wellbeing of people and lets them cope with diseases.
The World Health Organization confirms that these supplements can’t cure the infection. They just support the human body and increase immunity function.
Topical preparations with barrier functions
They prevent the adhesion of the virus to the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract. Topical drugs with ointment or gel base form a physical barrier on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.
Such preparations were originally made for highly allergic individuals who cannot avoid exposure to an allergen. The drug forms a thin shell and prevents the deposition of dust, viruses, and particles on the membrane.
For example, Interferon alfa-2b is an element that reduces the risk of virus infiltration. Gels, containing it, may have some contraindications. Some of them are pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use under the age of 3.
Elimination treatment
This method represents irrigation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity with an isotonic solution of sodium chloride. This kind of treatment provides a decrease in the number of both viral and bacterial pathogens of infectious diseases.
The upper respiratory tract is the first barrier to the virus. So, this method helps to stem the risk of becoming sick.
Vaccination
Vaccination turns out to be the most efficient preventive measure from coronavirus. Vaccines contain only deactivated viruses that can’t cause any danger to the organism. Anyway, such a method has some contraindications.
Things you shouldn’t do
In chase of improving immunity and health, people may hurt themselves. There are collected things you shouldn’t try.
Never self-medicate
Consultation with a physician is always necessary when you’re going to take any drugs, vitamins, and minerals. Taking antibiotics, not on purpose, it’s possible to reduce immunity and become more sensitive to the infection. Hypervitaminosis also causes allergies and issues with all the systems of the organism.
Never follow wrong recommendations
It’s always necessary to pay attention to the source that provides pieces of advice. Remember that not a single nutraceutical may prevent contamination.
Never drink alcohol to reduce the risk of getting infected
Strong drinks can’t help avoid contamination.
All in all, these were measures that may protect you from COVID. It’s necessary to remember that no one of them guarantees 100% defense, but increases chances to stay healthy.