Real Facts Not Fear About the Coronavirus and How to Protect Yourself

3/13/20

Dear valued Oasis patients and clients,

I write to provide you all with a broad update on Oasis Healing Arts’ efforts to address the coronavirus (COVID-19), as well to provide you with evidence-based information on precautions and actions you can take to lower your risk of infection and to optimize your immune system. The health and safety of our patients and staff have always been a priority here at Oasis, and they will continue to be so as we actively monitor trusted government and medical websites to stay informed.

The uncertainty and global nature of this virus has created great anxiety and we see it rapidly affecting all aspects of our daily lives. I encourage you to stay of sound mind and take action based on science and wisdom, not fear. 

How is Oasis Healing Arts responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

As instructed by the CDC, we encourage all Oasis staff and patients to wash their hands with soap and warm water for 30 seconds regularly, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with anyone who is sick, and regularly disinfect all workspaces and commonly touched areas.

We at Oasis are dedicated to offering a clean and safe environment, which is always a priority. Here’s what we’ve done to optimize cleanliness and safety:

  • increased the frequency of deep cleanings at our facility
  • begun utilizing a hospital-grade disinfectant that is bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal (although we are typically committed to all-natural, non-toxic products, in light of the current spread of the coronavirus we’re upping the ante)
  • instructed staff members to clean and disinfect treatment tables and headrests after each patient
  • instructed staff members to disinfect commonly touched areas like doorknobs, toilet handles, faucet handles, and all surfaces typically contacted by the public

If you or your family member has flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever, or body aches, WE ASK THAT YOU RESCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT AND RECOVER AT HOME. We reserve our right to refuse service to any patient who exhibits flu-like symptoms. This is for the highest good and safety of all our patients and staff, especially our elderly and immunocompromised patients.

We are currently maintaining our usual hours of operation and services.

What precautions & positive actions are recommended?

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue then immediately discard tissue
  • Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing
  • Stay home if you’re sick. Seriously. Stay home if you’re sick. For your safety and for the safety of everyone around you, especially sick and elderly people just a few degrees away from you
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and areas
  • Irrigate your nose with saline water. Regularly cleansing your nasal passages can help to prevent viruses from traveling further into the body. I use Xlear for myself and my children. I recommend this 3-pack so each person gets their own nasal spray. It’s inexpensive, convenient, and effective.
  • Load up on foods and spices with antiviral properties (garlic, ginger, onions, etc)
  • Eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid sugar and processed/junk foods
  • Take immune-supporting supplements (see below)
  • Get fresh air and daily exercise
  • Get great sleep
  • Minimize stress (exercise and meditation top the list)

What supplements can I take to support my immune defenses?

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune function and helps us fight infections. I offer a unique form of vitamin C called Ester-C that is non-acidic and highly bioavailable. Ester-C with Flavonoids also contains strong antioxidant-bioflavonoids like quercetin to support the immune system. (available in our office and online at DrJamiePhD.com)

2. Zinc

Zinc is a well-studied immune-supportive mineral and antiviral nutrient. It is a key ingredient in Daily Immune.

3. Immune boosting herbs

Herbs like astragalus and maitake mushroom support lung health and immune function. Daily Immune contains about a dozen nutrients and herbs shown to boost our immune defenses. *Please note that Daily Immune has sold out twice recently as patients are highly concerned about boosting their immune systems. We should have Daily Immune back in stock in both our online store and in our office by March 17th.

4. Glutathione

Glutathione is the primary detoxifying molecule in our body. It is also a potent antioxidant and antiviral. I keep glutathione in my house 24-7, and recently have upped my intake of it. We carry liposomal glutathione for superior absorption in the body. *Please note that we sell glutathione only in-office; it is not available on our webstore as it requires refrigeration.

5. Vitamin D3

If you’re not taking it, you need to, especially during the winter and especially during the flu season. Vitamin D is a major immune-supporting nutrient and people who take vitamin D show significantly lower rates of infection as it increases the body’s production of cathelicidin, an antiviral and antibacterial compound. We offer vitamin D3 both in the office and online.

6. Probiotics

For a healthy immune system that effectively defends against infections, you must have a healthy gut (diet matters!). Probiotics support the microbial balance in your GI tract and boost immunity. One study showed a dramatic reduction in fever and upper respiratory symptoms in children who took a probiotic with a specific combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium daily throughout the cold and flu season. All of the probiotics we offer contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in varying potencies: Ortho Biotic contains 30 billion microorganisms, Ortho Biotic 100 contains 100 billion and is considered high-potency, and ProBiotic 225 contains 225 billion microorganisms and is considered ultra-high potency. These probiotics are shelf-stable and guaranteed viable, so you do not have to refrigerate them and can feel confident that all the microorganisms are still alive at their stated potencies. Available in-office and online. I must state again that your food matters, as refined carbs and sugars weaken your gut and feed bad bacteria, while whole, fibrous plant foods nourish healthy bacteria which in turn produce key vitamins and immune-protective compounds.

Where can I get reliable information on the coronavirus?

An excellent resource is the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). Their information is right on the pulse of the coronavirus issue, and they are focused on spreading facts, not fear, so that you can make the most informed decisions. Here’s their website http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/

Another excellent resource is a blog from Elisa Song, MD. She is a holistic pediatrician who has been keeping her blog updated on the coronavirus. To read her entire blog click here.

What are the FACTS about the coronavirus?

 Below are key facts that I’ve summarized for your convenience. My sources are CIDRAP, the WHO, the CDC, and Worldometer. Worldometer is run by an international team of developers, researchers, and volunteers with the goal of making world statistics available in a thought-provoking and time relevant format to a wide audience around the world, and they site all their sources.

  • COVID-19 is the name of the respiratory illness caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus first detected in Wuhan, China. Coronaviruses can cause mild illness like the common cold, or more severe illness like we’ve seen with SARS or MERS.  It is suspected to have originated from the wet markets of China, where the unregulated storage and display of various wild animals, both alive and dead, combined with the unregulated handling of animals and animal carcasses by humans create a virtual “petri dish” for viruses to mutate and spread. It is “novel” because it is new and not much is known about it yet. 
  • As of March 13, 2020, there have been at least 139,630 global confirmed cases and 5,120 total deaths.
  • Of those 139,630 people with confirmed infection, 70,733 have already recovered.
  • The rate of new cases in China is slowing down while the rate in other countries has been increasing. Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, and Germany have the next highest number of COVID-19 cases.
  • As of March 13, 2020, there are 1,832 cases of confirmed COVID-19 in the US and 41 deaths.  These numbers change daily.
  • There have been an increasing number of infected persons with no history of international travel or close contact with a patient with known infection. 
  • Transmission is mainly through close contact and respiratory droplets, similar to flu spread. The CDC defines close contact as being within 6 ft or in a confined space for prolonged periods of time without personal protective equipment (PPE) or having contact with the secretions of an infected person. The incubation period is 2-14 days with the median period being 4 days.
  • Patients can be contagious even if they are not symptomatic.
  • Most coronavirus patients have mild or moderate illnesses and recover without need for hospitalization.
  • The virus is expected to continue to spread rapidly, and according to the director at the Center of Infectious Disease, we are realistically looking at 3 to 6 months if not longer of continued exposure to the virus. This fact can help you prepare for the long run.
  • The elderly are at greatest risk, with those over 80 having the highest risk factor. Having chronic pre-existing conditions like lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity  increases risk significantly. 
  • Symptoms: fever, uncomplicated upper respiratory symptoms: cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headaches, muscle aches)
  • CDC urges:  If a person develops symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath and has reason to believe they have been exposed, they are to call their health care provider or health dept BEFORE seeking care. This is imperative so as not to put others at risk.
  • The director of CIDRAP states that masks are not helpful, but then goes on to say that certain airtight masks can be useful. The WHO states that common medical masks can be helpful only in specific situations, and must be used with proper hand hygiene and other preventive measures. Most medical masks are not airtight so there is no guarantee of protection. There is currently a global mask shortage.

I hope you have found this helpful. May you all be safe, use wisdom in your preventive measures, and robustly support your immune systems.

In Peace & Wellness,

-Dr. Jamie, Ph.D.

3/12/20