CDC Update OCT 5, 2021: 43,773,573 total cases and 702,360 deaths. Underlying health conditions have contributed to most deaths.
As a mother, I’m doing my research and getting prepared. I’m happy to share what I know with all of you about the new Coronavirus and any prevention and natural treatment tips to help you or your young ones get through this type of virus.
Should we be worried about the new Coronavirus
This Coronavirus that originated from china is a respiratory virus much like the common cold, RSV, and Influenza. Just like the common cold, it is spread easy from person to person contact and can lead to complications such as bronchitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. These types of complications can be more severe and sometimes fatal for the very young, the elderly, those with other medical conditions, and who have weakened immune systems.
This virus is more likely to cause lung disease than the common cold or flu, but not as likely as other viruses such as SARS according to Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, M.D – sciencenews.org.
Contracting this virus would require more attention than just blowing your nose with the common cold. These types of respiratory viruses tend to get deeper into the lungs causing more inflammation, mucus and phlegm. These symptoms are also increased and more worrisome in the colder weather.
About 200 million cases of viral community-acquired pneumonia occur every year—100 million in children and 100 million in adults. – ScienceDirect
Here is an incredible video explaining symptoms and complications of the virus. This is a must watch for those who are unsure if they have symptoms or should go to the hospital: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OOJqHPfG7pA&feature=youtu.be
How to prevent contracting the new Coronavirus
Prevention is the best medicine when talking about viruses.
This virus can survive days on surfaces and cause infection once introduced to any mucus lining in the body. This includes the eyes when you touch something with the virus like a table top or door knob and then rub your eyes. An easy prevention tip is to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your hands to any area with a mucus lining.
The virus can survive in the air through droplets after a sneeze or a cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throwing that tissue right away.
Practice social distancing. Stay home as much as possible. Learn something new that you can do at home like growing an indoor houseplant garden. I am supporting my grandparents right now through this tough time for them. They are very scared and are staying home as much as they can. If you are in the high risk group for complications if you contract the disease, find someone who can do the grocery shopping for you. I shop for my grandparents before stores close when there is hardly anyone shopping and I leave their groceries on their steps. I also showed my grandmother how to do banking on her phone so she didn’t have to go into the bank. This is the time to help each other and adapt to staying home more often.
Natural treatment health tips to relieve respiratory symptoms caused respiratory viruses.
Since this virus can dig deep into lung tissue, there are a few natural treatments to consider focusing on to keeping the lungs clear of fluid and inflammation. Here are a few of my best natural health tips if you or your young contract a respiratory infection.
- Stay home and keep your room warm. Cold air causes more mucus and inflammation.
- Sleep elevated to reduce drainage into the lungs.
- Take a natural antihistamine to clear up the fluid accumulation.
- Increase humidity in the room as dry air can irritate the respiratory tract more. (Indoor plants that increase humidity naturally)
- Drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes to stay hydrated.
- Eat foods high in vitamin C to help your body fight infection faster.
- Eat chicken soup to reduce nasal congestion
- Get plenty of rest. Our bodies heal best in our sleep!
These tips can be used to help fight all types of viral respiratory tract infections. Want to learn more about natural medicine options for other sicknesses? See my recommended list of natural medicines here.
Don’t have all the supplies to relieve viral respiratory tract infection symptoms? Here are some products I highly recommend to add to your cold fighting arsenal:
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My family calls this pillow the “no more ill pillow”. My son loves it and sure beats stealing my pillow to relieve sinus pressure. You will be surprised how many times this pillow comes in handy.
Homeopathic Kids Allergy Medicine by Hyland’s
This allergy medicine is safe for kids as young as 2 years old and there is no conflict with other medications. They are in tablet form which may be easier than the typical syrup that kids run away from. After 5 years of respiratory illness experience from my son, allergy medicine works the best to reduce mucus and cough that is caused by that irritating drip. My son’s pediatrician also swears by allergy medicine clear up the mucus. During allergy season, kids could end up with allergy symptoms and viral symptoms at the same time complicating illness.
TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier
This humidifier is quiet and smaller. I know you all don’t have a lot of room on those bookshelves for those bulky humidifiers. That’s why this one is perfect! A humidity setting of 50% is preferred. Not too little and not too much. Do make sure to clean it with 1:4 dilution of vinegar. This will make sure no bacteria or mold can start growing. People tend to miss this step and cause more respiratory problems. A humidifier is a must in the desert winter. My son had pneumonia once and I vowed never to let that happen again if a humidifier was all he needed.
Summary
The new Coronavirus is similar to the common cold, RSV, and Influenza virus but is different with a greater risk to cause lung disease. We are still learning about the disease and there is no exact treatment for this virus currently.
It can spread easily and survive on surfaces.
The very young, elderly, those with other medical conditions, and those with lowered immune system are more vulnerable to severe illness.
Prevention is the best medicine.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect a Coronavirus infection.
Relieve respiratory symptoms to reduce severe problems that can result from any viral infection. See our article on the best natural medicines for other common illnesses.
The New Health Cycle 