COVID cases are up this Summer. The latest EG.5 variant is highly transmissible and its symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, lingering congestion, persistent cough and diarrhea. You may also feel run down and fatigued prior to testing positive.

What can we do to prevent getting the coronavirus? Let's revisit some of the most effective ways:
Wearing Masks: Masks, particularly high-quality ones like N95 or KN95, can significantly reduce the spread of respiratory droplets. Wear a mask in crowded or indoor settings, especially where social distancing is not possible.
Hand Hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands.
Social Distancing: Maintain a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from others, especially if they are coughing, sneezing, or not wearing a mask. Avoid large gatherings and close-contact settings, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
Good Respiratory Hygiene: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands.
Improve Ventilation: Ensure that indoor spaces are well-ventilated. Open windows and doors when possible to increase air circulation. Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne particles.
Stay Home When Sick: If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, stay home and self-isolate. Seek medical advice and get tested if necessary.
Sleep:Â One of the most important things you can do to keep your immune system strong is to get enough sleep. All the studies done say 7 to 9 hours per night is mandatory for optimal health. While you sleep, your body heals at a cellular level and clears illness. So, make it your daily goal to get to bed earlier, turn off your screens, relax, meditate and drift off into good sleep.

Diet: Chinese medicine also tells us to boost our Yuan Qi, the source of our strength, vigor and vitality. Diet is one of the most effective ways to keep your immune system strong. Fill your plate at every meal with immune-boosting nutrients. One of the easiest ways to get a big dose of immune-boosting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is to fill half of your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and the other half with protein such as meat and nuts.
Beta carotene:Â This red-orange pigment gets converted to vitamin A, which helps our antibodies respond to toxins and foreign substances. Good sources of beta carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, apricots, spinach, kale, broccoli, squash and cantaloupe. Please keep fruits to a fist size portion.
Vitamin C: This vitamin increases blood levels of antibodies and supports protective lymphocytes (white blood cells.) You can easily consume 200 milligrams of vitamin C from a combination of foods such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, red and green peppers, broccoli, cooked cabbage and cauliflower. Please keep to a fist size portion of fruit and avoid juices because excess sugar in the juice causes inflammatory mucus.
Vitamin D:Â This vitamin regulates the production of a protein that "selectively kills infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses," explained Dr. Michael Holick, an expert on Vitamin D research from Boston University. Good food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, eggs, tofu and mushrooms.
Zinc:Â A deficiency of this mineral includes the loss of our sense of smell, which is a distinctive COVID symptom. Sources of zinc include beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, oysters, crab, lobster, beef, pork chop and dark meat poultry.
Protein:Â This biomolecule is a key building block for immune cells and antibodies and plays a crucial role in helping our immune system do its job. Protein comes from both animal and plant-based sources and includes fish, poultry, beef, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils.
Probiotics and prebiotics:Â These microorganisms help boost the health of the microbiome, supporting our immune system. Sources of probiotics include fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh and sourdough bread. Sources of prebiotics include whole grains, bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes and beans.

Hydrate:  Mild dehydration can be a physical stressor to the body. In addition to drinking water, choose water-rich foods such as vegetables and bone broth soups to keep your immune system strong. If you are well hydrated, your urine will be a light-yellow color.
By integrating these practices into daily life, you can significantly reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID, protecting yourself and your community.
Remember, Acupuncture and herbal supplements can increase the effectiveness of your immune system so you can fight off the coronavirus or other cold/flu bugs. Come into the office and we will work to boost your immune system!
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