This article was first published on Nov 24, 2021. With the new variants resistant to antibodies from previous infections and vaccinations, it’s not bad to read this again.
I wish all of you a Healthy New Year!
This piece discusses how you can prevent getting sick during the holidays. The Amazon affiliate products are in orange, and my articles are in blue. Click on the titles to read more about that topic.
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Addendum 11/25/2021: The title was previously 15 ways. I added Black Cumin Seed oil at number 11. That makes it 16 ways now.
16 Ways to Avoid COVID-19 During the Holidays
The holiday season is when friends and family get together and celebrate. It is understandable to be conscious about getting infected with COVID, the flu, and other viruses in these pandemic times.
One reason for concern is that the effectiveness of the mRNA vaccines only lasts for six months.
- Durable Immunity from Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Lasts only Six Months
- The Durability Study of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is Strange and Unusual
Likewise, the efficacy of the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 vaccine generally waned faster and with no effectiveness detected after 121 days (4 months).[1]
Vaccine effectiveness was lower and waned faster in men, older frail individuals, and individuals with comorbidities. [1] Lower antibody levels make them prone to COVID-19.
Study Shows Decreased Antibody Response to Breakthrough Infections
Aside from getting a breakthrough infection, there is also a risk of severe disease in the form of antibody-dependent enhancement.
What is Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE), and why should you care.
ADE can also happen in infants. Antibody-Dependent Enhancement in Breastfed Infants.
Vaccinations and booster shots can lower immunity for two weeks. That may put them at risk for viral infections.
We don’t want fear to rule our lives. We had enough of that in 2020. Everyone should have a chance to have a great time during the holidays.
This article will discuss what we can do with the environment and what supplements to take to prevent viral infections, specifically COVID-19.
1. Test at Home for COVID-19
If you have symptoms like sneezing, cough, headaches, or fever and you are unsure if your symptoms are COVID related, you can do a home test like the Quidel QuickVue at-Home OTC COVID-19 Test or the FDA-authorized On/Go at-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test.
Keep in mind that false positives may happen. If you feel like you have a viral infection, you probably do, and it is better not to go. There’s always a next time.
2. Get a PCR Test
If you have enough time and know that some people in the gathering may be at-risk, you can opt for a PCR test. You can now do a PCR test at home with empowerDX at-Home COVID-19 Nasal PCR Test. It may take three days because they have to mail it to you, and you send it back to the laboratory.
Another option is to visit the nearest testing center several days before the occasion.
3. Take Your Medications
Hypertension and diabetes are the top risk factors for severe COVID-19. It is always good to be compliant with your medications. Getting blood pressure and sugar under control helps decrease your risk. High blood sugar makes your white blood cells “lazy” and ineffective in fighting infections.
I wrote this article before Thanksgiving in the US. If you have plenty of time, you can even do intermittent fasting. That lowers blood pressure, controls diabetes, and decreases weight. Here are two articles I wrote on how to fast for the holidays.
Getting Ready to Celebrate the Holidays and 12 Ways to Have a No-Weight-Gain Holiday Season!
If you are taking blood pressure medications, it is better to talk to your doctor before doing intermittent fasting. Some medicines, like insulin, may need adjustment.
Intermittent Fasting while on Diabetes Medications
4. Vitamin D3
Studies have consistently shown that low Vitamin D3 correlates with severe COVID-19. You can have your levels tested or take supplemental Vitamin D3 before the get-together. The I-PREVENT COVID Protection Protocol recommends 1,000 to 3,000 IU of vitamin D daily.
Adequate Vitamin D Prevents Severe COVID-19
5. Vitamin C
In 18 years of work in the emergency room, I never called in sick. That’s because of vitamin C and Zinc. It is always good to have them around. NOW Supplements, Vitamin C-1,000 with 100 mg of Bioflavonoids and Solimo Zinc 30mg, 300 tablets, Ten-Month Supply.
The I-PREVENT COVID Protection Protocol recommends 500 to 1,000 mg of Vitamin C and 30 – 40 mg of zinc daily.
6. Quercetin
Quercetin prevents the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 to human cells. It also prevents viral replication, decreases inflammation, and prevents blood clots.
The anti-COVID-19 properties of Quercetin
The I-MASK+ Prevention Protocol for COVID-19 recommends 250 mg of Quercetin.
7. Melatonin
Melatonin has antiviral, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects against COVID-19. It optimizes the body’s immune system to prevent and fight infection.
Melatonin’s Multiple Actions Against COVID-19
The I-MASK+ Prevention Protocol for COVID-19 recommends 6 mg before bedtime.
Melatonin SRT is time-released and is like normal melatonin secretion.
8. Nasal and Mouthwash Povidone-Iodine
Viruses must multiply in the nose and throat before they start an infection. Povidone-iodine kills viruses in 20 seconds upon contact. You can get a nasal spray or, as a mouthwash, make your own by diluting 10% povidone-iodine that you may already have.
The instructions are at Nasal Povidone-Iodine Works Great for the Prevention and Early Treatment of COVID-19!
9. Gargle Mouthwash
Mouthwashes like Scope, Act, and Crest have cetylpyridinium chloride that the FLCCC recommends.
Use the nasal spray and mouthwash before and after the gathering.
10. Ivermectin
The I-PREVENT COVID Protection Protocol recommends 0.2 mg twice a week. The dose increases to 0.4 mg if exposed to COVID-19. There are many articles about Ivermectin on this website. Here are some:
- What makes Ivermectin a kick-ass antiviral?
- How to get Ivermectin
- Ivermectin is effective against Influenza and Cold Virus In Vitro
- Ordering Ivermectin Internationally
- News that ivermectin overdose is clogging up hospitals is not true
11. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin Seed)
Black cumin seed is an alternative to Ivermectin or can be added to maximize prevention. A meta-analysis has shown early treatment with Nigella Sativa results in 84% improvement and 62% post-exposure prophylaxis. It is also included in the The I-PREVENT COVID Protection Protocol
Nigella Sativa or Black Seed, Black Cumin for COVID-19
12. Clean the Air
A study showed no significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in asymptomatic people, vaccinated and unvaccinated. [2]
Eating and drinking loosen mucus from the respiratory tract. Talking, laughing, and cheering for your sports team expel germs into the air.
If the room is enclosed, the viruses stay airborne and increase in concentration with time. A straightforward way to decrease the viral load in the room is to open the windows. That assures that fresh air can get in and get rid of the “dirty air.”
If it is freezing outside and you cannot open the windows, use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter like the LEVOIT Air Purifier. That’s what I use, especially when I have guests.
The effectiveness of air purifiers is dependent on the size of the room. The Honeywell HPA300 may fit the bill better if the room is large.
The suggestions above are based on research by physicists who works at the Large Hadron Collider. You can read their work at How to Lower Viral Airborne Transmission Indoors.
13. Use Hand Sanitizers
Touching is one of the most common ways to spread germs. In hospitals, healthcare workers must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after contacting a patient.
Proper handwashing with soap and water should be 20 seconds long. Having hand sanitizers strategically placed around the house where the visitors are will assure them that you are concerned about their health and safety.
14. Use Alcohol in Moderation
Drinking ethyl alcohol (the alcohol in beverages) will not destroy the virus. It does not stimulate immunity but depresses the immune system.
Too much alcohol increases the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome. If you don’t drink, don’t start. You may have to drive back home after the occasion.
Alcohol Abuse, Covid-19, and Lung Complications
15. Quit smoking
Cigarette smoke and alcohol destroy the cilia, the tiny hairy linings of the respiratory tract that sweeps away inhaled germs. The effects of quitting smoking are more immediate and effective than you may know.
How Effective is Quitting Cigarettes?
16. Lifestyle Change
This part is for the long term. Diet and exercise can correct obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. All of these are risk factors for a multitude of diseases that plague modern society.
All of these chronic diseases cost trillions of dollars. But they can be prevented, treated, and reversed with intermittent fasting and exercise that almost cost nothing.
- The 20/80 Rule for Health
- Physical Activity Correlates with Life Span
- Diseases Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome
Here’s to a safe and happy holiday!
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References:
- Effectiveness of Covid-19 Vaccination Against Risk of Symptomatic Infection, Hospitalization, and Death Up to 9 Months: A Swedish Total-Population Cohort Study
- No Significant Difference in Viral Load Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated, Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Groups When Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant
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