COVID As schools are back in session, high school sports teams are competing, and people are trying to live “a new normal”, health departments are monitoring for any increase in new cases of COVID. There is still a lot of debate over what is the best policy for addressing COVID from a public health and financial stability standpoint. I suspect we will never see universal agreement on these policies. However, I do want to pass along some advice for improving the health of your immune system, and potentially lessening the inflammatory damage that can be so destructive in COVID infections. |
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In an earlier update, I mentioned the importance of adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise to improve your general health. Additional measures for improving your immune function include taking Vitamin C 1,000 mg daily, Vitamin D3 2,000 IU daily (unless you have been advised to take more due to a confirmed deficiency), and a Zinc supplement daily. |
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If you develop COVID symptoms, or have a (+) COVID test, continue the above noted vitamins and add: - Aspirin 81mg daily. It is antiinflammatory and slightly thins the blood, helping to reduce the risk of blood clots seen in many COVID patients. Note, if you are already taking a prescription blood thinner, such as Warfarin or Eliquis, call me to discuss if you should add the aspirin. Also, children under 12 y.o. should not take Aspirin in most situations due to the risk of Reyes Syndrome.
- Take Tylenol as needed for pain.
- Start Curcumin, take per the bottle directions. This is a natural antiinflammatory that will work in concert with the Aspirin.
- Stay very well hydrated. I recommend getting a product called Liquid IV Hydration, and drinking 1 packet twice a day while sick. This product is an oral rehydration solution, that makes your hydration more effective. It Is available at Amazon, Costco, or www.liquid-iv.com. Note, since Liquid IV contains extra sodium and potassium, please call me to discuss if you should use this product if you have a history of Congestive Heart Failure or Renal Failure.
- Patients with COVID frequently have a loss of appetite, and can quickly lose 10-20 pounds. Force yourself to eat something even if you don't have an appetite. However, avoid vomiting.
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Get an incentive spirometer, a device used to encourage deep breathing throughout the day. Use it 10 times every hour while awake, even if it hurts to take a deep breath. This is essential to keep the lower airways open. They are available without a prescription from online retailers. Click below for an example of an inexpensive spirometer:
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- Lastly, and most importantly, contact the office if you develop shortness of breath or chest pain, to discuss additional treatment measures
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Ok, I know this picture has nothing to do with medicine. It is just an adorable photo of my girls, that reminds me of the simple joys of living in the country. |
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Pharmacy The in-office pharmacy has been in place since we opened our doors, stocked with medications that we can provide at a cheaper price than you can get them at local pharmacies. In the past few months, the GoodRx program has aggressively driven down the price of medications at the local pharmacies, to the point where many of those meds are now cheaper than we can offer them. Since our goal with the pharmacy has always been to provide a less expensive medication option (it has never been viewed as a revenue generating service) for our patients, we will be reducing our pharmacy inventory, no longer stocking meds that are cheaper through GoodRx.com at the local pharmacy. |
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This is just another example of how Hoke Direct Primary Care is focused on helping you reduce your healthcare expenses, without sacrificing quality. You can see the current medications that we have in our pharmacy by checking the “Members Only” page on our website or by clicking the button below. | | |
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