On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is being detected in a growing number of countries. On March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

As I write this, the world and local communities here in the United State are in various states of prevention and panic. Schools are closing, large gatherings of people are being cancelled and businesses are requiring people to work from home.

I thought it would be a good time for me to give some of my recommendations to try and combat this and other viruses.

First of all, I want to cover the basics.

- When you cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow. Doing it into a tissue is not good enough and just covering your mouth with your hands is even worse!

- Wash hands frequently.

- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

- Stay away from others who are sick.

- Do not share glasses, cups or utensils.

- Scrub your desk at work and tables at home with disinfecting wipes. Spray your keypad and cell phone with disinfecting spray.

- Maintain your best overall health to ward off germs by getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously and exercising.

- Consume plenty of water.

There are plenty of things that nature offers to help ward off viruses. I’m doing several of these already and will start doing others immediately. The list below is in order based on what I think is most important but do as many as you can.

Elderberry - The common black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has long been used to fight off viruses and reduce the length and severity of flu symptoms. Elderberry extract binds to the tiny spikes on a virus protein that are used to pierce and invade healthy cells and destroys them so that the virus is ineffective. I take the liquid Elderberry syrup from Garden of Life.

Vitamin C – 5,000-20,000 IU daily in divided doses. Strengthens immune system by increasing the number and quantity of white blood cells.

Apple Cider Vinegar - There’s reason to believe that the acid in apple cider vinegar can work to kill pathogens that are making you sick. Apple cider vinegar is rich in the same nutrients that you would find in apples. Potassium, vitamin C, antioxidants, and vitamin E. ACV is a source to better lung function, which is especially important with COVID-19.

Chaga mushrooms have been used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Asia as a medicine to boost immunity and improve overall health. I buy a chaga powder from Four Sigmatic and mix it with hot water first thing in the morning.

Cordyceps is another mushroom extract that can help support the lungs. I also get this from Four Sigmatic and consume the same way as Chaga.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) — This supplement encourages glutathione production, thins mucus, lowers your chances of viral infection and reduces your risk of developing severe bronchitis. I take a 600mg supplement daily.

Garlic has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The compounds allicin and alliion are responsible for this common plant’s reputation as a triple threat. Garlic is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and it is especially effective against viruses if chewed raw.

Spirulina — Reduces severity of influenza infection and lowers influenza mortality in animal studies. In a human trial, spirulina significantly lowered the viral load in patients with HIV infection.

Zinc — Supports "effective function and proliferation of various immune cells," lowering mortality in the elderly by 27%. 80mg daily, 15mg every 2 hours if you have symptoms

Vitamin D supplementation lowers the risk of respiratory illnesses and lung infections in the elderly by 40%. It can improve the immune system's ability to fight infections because it bolsters the first line of defense of the immune system. The best way to get vitamin D is through direct sun exposure – about 10 minutes a day. There are two types of vitamin D you can take orally: synthetic or plant-based vitamin D2, which most doctors advise taking. I recommend taking 1000 IUs of vitamin D3, which your body makes after being exposed to UVB rays. Ideally, it should be taken daily with 150 mcg of vitamin K.

Vitamin A – 15,000 IU daily. Powerful antioxidants and immunity booster.

Maitake, Shitake and reishi extract help to boosts immunity and fight viral infection.

Get your body temperature up above 103F. Viruses do not survive well in warmer environment.

The herb Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is supportive of the immune system and has a direct anti-viral action against colds and viral bronchitis. Preparations that include both the roots and the flowering tops are the most effective at helping the body resist the viruses. Other herbs to consider are Astragalus, black cherry, goldenseal, pau d-carco and yarrow tea.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains a group of flavonoids called catechins, which appear to inhibit viral infections by blocking the enzymes that allow it to reproduce. Green tea has been known to be effective in inhibiting HIV, herpes simples and the hepatitis B virus.

Finally, go out and buy a new toothbrush along with all that toilet paper everyone is hording! They can harbor viruses.

With any of the above mentioned tactics, please do your own research and consult with trusted health professionals before trying. I am not a medical doctor and do not know anyone's individual health history or current state.

Good luck!