As I’m sure you are well aware, the world is responding with hysteria to the Coronavirus. This isn’t the first epidemic that has affected many parts of the globe, as many of you may remember SARS, MERS, the Zika virus, and swine flu. However, the sheer mania surrounding the Coronavirus can be attributed to how tethered we are to the Internet. Current trending headlines of the Coronavirus are “Coronavirus Will Infect 100M Americans with 7M Deaths!” and #Toiletpapergate. One thing that is for certain is that fear is so much more contagious than any virus. And for that reason, this blog was written to dispel any rumors and I hope to put your mind at ease.

Should I be concerned with contracting the Coronavirus?

Headlines are generated for one purpose, which is to grab your attention. Yes, globally there are hundreds of thousands of people infected with the Coronavirus. However, most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover quickly, but it can be more severe for others. You should use precaution so that you don’t contract the illness because the fact is that we don’t know the long term effects of the virus.

Should I be making my own hand sanitizer?

The answer is NO! Firstly, Hand sanitizer needs to contain 60% alcohol to be effective and most store brand vodkas contain 40% alcohol. Furthermore, overuse of hand sanitizer could break down the epidermis on the skin, causing an inflammatory response in your body. Save yourself the 1000% mark-up and wash your hands, which is a good rule of thumb to follow throughout the year.

If I got the flu shot, will I be protected from the Coronavirus?

No, the flu shot is not effective against the Coronavirus. And the flu shot only reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60%.

Who is at a higher risk for contracting the Coronavirus?

The CDC states that older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at a higher risk of getting very sick from Coronavirus. Maintaining a holistic approach to treating heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are crucial in staying healthy.

Can you get Coronavirus through food or goods manufactured in China?

The Coronaviruses is reported by the CDC as spreading from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of the virus associated with food or other surfaces.

Should I cancel my travel plans?

As of 3/10/20 15:12 GMT there have been 4,091 reported deaths from the Coronavirus and 3,136 of them have been in China where the outbreak originated. I personally would cancel plans to travel to China.

Can pets spread the Coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization, currently, there is no evidence that pets, such as dogs or cats, can be infected with the Coronavirus.

What should I do if I think I have the Coronavirus?

You should definitely self-quarantine until you can get tested for the Coronavirus. You should call your doctor so he/she can relay the best course of action to be tested and treated. You should also follow the some basic principles of healthy living.

Should I pull my kids out of school because of the Coronavirus?

It is assumed that closing schools will reduce the number of transmissions in an area where many people congregate. However, a C.D.C study from the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak where there were numerous school closings, found that children frequently got together outside of school, thus rendering the safety measures ineffective. If your child is immune-compromised, it would behoove you to keep your child home.

And finally the most asked question: What is the best way to stay safe from Coronavirus?

Wash your hands for 20 seconds. And adopt some basic principles of healthy living. First, you must get proper sleep on a regular basis; 7-8 hours each night in a darkened, quiet environment. Secondly, you must expose yourself to plenty of good old sunlight. Thirdly, you must eat properly. When you eat fried foods, poisonous take out foods, sugary sweets, and other junk your body are working so hard to combat the stress from these toxins that your immunity is already compromised when you come in contact with the Coronavirus. Lastly, keep your stress levels down, by not overworking, making time for relaxation and recreation and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, and moldy, damp and dirty environments. The best defense against the Coronavirus and other illnesses is healthy living!

Are you interested in learning more about metabolically directed wellness? We believe in “find the cause, fix the cause” as the only rational approach to giving you a better quality of life moving forward. Contact Dr. Rothman by calling 732-268-7663 to schedule a consultation.