Covid Update Sept 2021

Written by: Dr. Fred Harvey, MD

Delta Strain

Delta is a highly contagious, SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. Delta and other strains battled for supremacy and Delta is almost the last variant standing. The Alpha strain that came from the United Kingdom dominated for months until the third week of June, and now it barely accounts for 1%, while Delta is 87-93% of all cases. It is efficient in its programming, producing many copies to spread after inundating the victim with lots of particles.

That is the critical piece of information that is unclear in the current messaging and in experts’ descriptions. Mitigation education is necessary for understanding and behavior change. This variant is a breeder! Delta makes two hundred times more particles than the Alpha. So, we know that it is particle density in the air that determines infectivity and severity of illness. The inoculum (the dose of virus particles) determines both, so the Delta is more efficient in getting in and getting the job done. This is especially worse when indoors with many asymptomatic people.

Masks reduce particle exposure thus reducing risk. Remember, even vaccinated people who are infected can transmit when asymptomatic so everyone must mask up.

MASKS ARE NECESSARY TO END THE PANDEMIC!

Long-haulers

Covid long-haulers are those unfortunate folks who have persistent symptoms long after the Coronavirus SARS CoV-2 infection is gone. We know these people are experiencing inappropriate immune activation which is the definition of the COVID-19 disease syndrome. The virus is not actually the killer, it is our own immune system’s inappropriate and excessive response is the culprit.

Some individuals have bodies with inflammation and irritated immune systems that are associated with their diets or lifestyle choices and that predispose them to Covid-19 and long-haul syndromes. To support both prevention and recovery, choosing an anti-inflammatory diet is important. The Wahls’ paleo protocol is very effective at eliminating many autoimmune triggers from the diet, and it stresses food based phytochemical therapy. The foundation is to eat nine cups of fruits and vegetables daily. Regular exercise is also important. If chair or bed bound, restorative Tai Chi breathing, and movement can help to promote recovery. In addition, we can use supportive plant extracts and oils to support the reduction of inflammation: Quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, green tea, omega 3, D3.

Carnitine and CoQ 10 help mitochondrial energy. Acetyl glutathione, acetyl carnitine, Omega 3 and choline help to rebuild organs. Melatonin helps protect the brain and restore sleep cycle. It is obvious that we are in for the long haul with the pandemic so adjust your lifestyle, change your diet, stock up on supplements and MASK UP!

on Tuesday, 31 August 2021.