Covid-19
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, while others do not.
Your risk of severe disease may be higher if you have a weakened immune system. This may be the case for:
· older people
· people with chronic disease (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease)
The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
On December 31, 2019, Chinese health authorities identified a new (or novel) coronavirus (referred to as 2019-nCoV) through a series of reported cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China.
How Ontario is preparing
Ontario is working with its partners in the health care system implementing a robust plan to monitor for, detect and, if needed, isolate any cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus. The Ministry of Health is taking several steps to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians. This includes:
Symptoms range from common to severe respiratory illnesses and include:
· fever
· cough
· difficulty breathing
· pneumonia and kidney failure
In severe cases, death can be an outcome.
How to protect yourself
To reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses, including coronaviruses, you should follow usual health precautions such as:
· washing your hands often
· avoiding contact with people who are sick
· practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette
If you are travelling to an area known to have cases of coronavirus, be sure to avoid:
· high-risk areas such as farms, live animal markets and areas where animals may be slaughtered
· contact with animals (alive or dead), including pigs, chickens, ducks and wild birds
· surfaces with animal droppings or secretions on them
Feeling sick after travel
If symptoms of an existing medical condition worsen while travelling, and you are still sick when you return to your country:
· tell a flight attendant or a border services officer when you arrive so they can decide whether you need further medical assessment
If you are sick after you return to home:
· see a health care provider and tell them the countries you visited, and if you received medical care (for example, blood transfusions, injections, dental care or surgery)
If you were sick while you were away:
· see a health care provider and tell them the countries you visited, and if you received medical care (for example, blood transfusions, injections, dental care or surgery)
· tell a flight attendant or a border services officer when you arrive. They will decide whether you need further medical assessment.
If you are traveling to another country:
· learn about travel advisories related to the 2019 novel coronavirus
Treatment
There are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.
You should also:
· drink plenty of fluids
· get rest and sleep as much as possible
· try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough
24/7 help by phone
Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000
Alternative approach to Cold and Flu
What is the difference between Cold and Flu?
The common cold is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Influenza is also a viral infection and, although a vaccine has become available in recent years, the large number of different strains means that flu is still widespread. Other viruses that can cause coldsinclude coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and parainfluenza.
The uncomplicated flu is characterized by sharp fever, chills, dry, unproductive cough, muscle aches, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat and general fatigue. Not all people affected by the virus develop symptoms - depending on the age and condition of the immune system before the virus is encountered.
The peak flu activity is typically between December and early March. In general, the rate of sick people is higher in crowded areas. The flu virus is transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets, through tiny droplets of airway secretions spread through sneezing, coughing and talking. The incubation period for influenza is 1 to 4 days and infected adults are usually infected from the day before the onset of symptoms to 5 days after their onset. Signs and symptoms of uncomplicated flu usually go away for a week, though coughing and fatigue can persist for longer. Complications include otitis media, secondary bacterial pneumonia, bacterial sinusitis, and less commonly viral pneumonia or respiratory failure. Complications can also result from the exacerbation of some underlying chronic illness. Homeopathic Remedies may be taken safely by any patient including babies and those taking prescription medication without concerns regarding side-effects or interactions. Because homeopathy takes into account the overall picture – a person’s emotional state and general health, the type of illness and specific “modalities” that make the symptoms better or worse – two patients presenting with the same complaint, likecold with fever, might be given different homeopathic remedies.
Homeopathy can offer both the prevention and treatment of influenza.
The main remedies for the current Coronavirus Epidemic (2019 nCov and also Influenza) are:
Gelsemium Sempervirens
The patient feels tremendous weakness (up to trembling) and heaviness in the whole body or parts of it, for example, the eyelids, and is very sleepy, as if intoxicated, may not sleep for hours or feel sleepy, but sleep superficially. There is pain in the nape that extends upwards and covers the entire head. He feels cold and looking warm. A unique symptom is an improvement in the overall condition after urination. The lack of thirst is typical.
Eupatorium perfoliatum
The most characteristic sign is severe bone pain (like broken), which is aggravated by any movement. However, the patient cannot stand still. Chills are most common between 7am and 9am, and are preceded by extreme thirst and bone pain. Desire for cold drinks and even ice cream.
Arsenicum Album
Sudden fever, accompanied by weakness and anxiety. A burning secretion from the nose that irritates the nose and upper lip. The patient is very sensitive to the flow and cold air; they can sneeze with every change of temperature. Usually the cold starts from the nose and goes down the throat. The mouth is dry, causing intense thirst, but often takes small sips of water. Diarrhea is also very common. The patient is afraid to be alone, to become angry and ameliorates when there is someone around him.
Bryonia alba
The disease develops slowly and gradually. The patient has body aches that worsen with each movement. He wants to be alone. The secret of the nose is profuse or is lacking; strong frontal headache, pain is rather dull. Sneezing can cause piercing in the head. The weaker the secretion from the nose, the greater the headache is. The mouth is dry, as is the throat, and there may be a dry cough, accompanied by piercing sensation in the chest. Strong thirst for cold drinks, which are consumed in a high volume. General aggravation from heat.
Preventative recommendations:
Gelsemium 30C – once a week in the areas away from the outbreaks
Gelsemium 30C daily , for 7 days ,in the areas close to the outbreak area, and then twice per week
Other homeopathic remedies for cold and influenza are: Aconitum napellus This remedy is useful especially during the first 24 hours after exposure to cold wind. A sudden onset is typical. Usually, patient goes to bed perfectly healthy and suddenly wakes up with a very high fever, dry mouth, hoarseness, shallow and rapid breathing, dry cough and no expectoration. Most often, it happens around or after midnight. The patient is nervous and scared, strong fear may appear that he will die. The cough is aggravated by cold, cold drinks, from lying on his side at night. The high fever is persistent, but the patient does not sweat and generally does not tolerate heat. He has a strong thirst for cold water. Allium cepa Effective when the patient has runny nose with copious watery burning secretions from the nose, which worsen in a warm room and improves outdoors. The nostrils are red and painful. There may also be profuse (irritable) tearing and frequent sneezing from the tickling in the nose, as well as headache. Later on, a dry, irritating cough is added. Belladonna A characteristic symptom is redness of the face and mucous membranes and the coldness of the limbs. Sudden onset of very high fever without sweating, the patient literally "shines." His eyes are shining and their pupils are dilated. The patient may hallucinating and has a very restless sleep. Obstruction of the nose, followed by a throbbing, bursting headache and fever. Ferrum phosphoricum It is useful in the early stages of any acute illness where inflammation (pain, heat, swelling, redness) and fever are present. The onset is relatively slow with a sore throat, red cheeks, headache, high fever, which is not visible to the child. The lips may be chapped, the nose could be stuffy, tinnitus, white coated tongue, discharge could be green with bloody streaks. Chest pain, pain in shoulders; muscles feel bruised. Nux vomica Colds after overloading with food, alcohol or medication, after exhaustion from prolonged mental or emotional stress, after overworking, mostly mental. The nose is stuffed (at night and out), it runs (during the day). The fever is accompanied by strong sneezing. The patient is very chilly, sensitive to cold current and does not tolerate any part of his body being uncovered. Pulsatilla A thick yellow or greenish mucus and irritable nasal discharge that obstructs at night and in a warm room with a tendency to alternate nostrils. Despite the dry mouth, the patient is not thirsty. His mood is changeable, tearful; he is touchy, whining and better from consolation.
Rhus toxicodendron Soreness and stiffness, worse at rest and with the first move, but is better by prolonged movement. The patient is restless and constantly tossing in bed, seeking for a more comfortable position. Fever and pain worsen at night and when lying down. Stiffness is worse in the morning. There may be dry coughs and sneezing, which are aggravated by cold and unbending. A rare but important symptom is the bright red tip of the tongue. The patient is sensitive to cold, draft, aggravates when uncovered and improves with warmth.
Home remedies For runny nose or sore throat, a bowl of warm chicken soup is a good choice. Onions and garlic (the Allium remedies in homeopathy) are also excellent for colds.
Ensure your kitchen is well stocked with honey and ginger to coat a dry, scratchy throat. Lemon and other citrus fruits are famous for their vitamin C and antioxidant properties. Herbal tea with some cinnamon has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea prepared with these ingredients is very soothing and helps a good night’s sleep.