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Nasal Irrigation SARS-CoV-2 infection-
Though I have been vaccinated for the SARS-Cov-2 infection, I think it is possible that I can get the virus, pretty much at any time… regardless. Let’s be honest with ourselves. All manner of virus’ are coming and going in our world and covid, the flu, etc is/are continually morphing.
To complicate my life further, I am a survivor of a blood cancer called multiple myeloma. Studies confirm that myeloma survivors do not respond fully to vaccines.
Cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy can have reduced blood counts possibly reducing your bodies ability to handle the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
I am not against vaccination. I am in favor of therapies such as the ones listed in the studies linked and excerpted below. These studies document low tech, everyday therapies to reduce my risk of the SARS-CoV-2 infection putting me in the hospital.
man hand holding his nutritional supplemets, healthy lifestyle background.
And here’s the kicker. as a long-term cancer survivor, I do all the therapies listed below, daily, weekly, etc. I exercise, supplement, get a full night’s sleep, etc. etc. My point is that it is little effort for me to live those therapies shown to reduce my risk of SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization and possible death.
As for nasal irrigation, I own a neti pot. Neti pots are those odd looking things that you fill with warm, salty water, and pour in one nostril so that your nasal passages are cleaned out.
My goal is not to prevent getting a virus like SARS-CoV-2 (though that would be nice). My goal is to stary out of the hospital if I do get the SARs-CoV-2 virus and certainly not to die from it.
- Supplementation- Sars-CoV-2 Virus?
- Myeloma-Reduce Infection, Long Covid, Death Risk- SARS‑CoV
- Myeloma- Enhance Immune- Survive Covid
Low-tech therapies shown to reduce the risk of virus transmission
While vaccination is a crucial and effective measure, here are some low-tech therapies and practices that can help minimize the risk:
- Hand Hygiene:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places, touching surfaces, or coughing/sneezing.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Face Masks:
- Wear a mask, particularly in crowded or indoor settings, to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
- Respiratory Hygiene:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose of tissues properly and wash hands immediately.
- Physical Distancing:
- Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others, especially in crowded places.
- Ventilation:
- Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows and doors to increase fresh air circulation.
- Healthy Lifestyle:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to support overall immune function.
- Avoid Touching Face:
- Refrain from touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to minimize the risk of transferring the virus from contaminated surfaces.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting:
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces daily, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
- Stay Informed:
- Stay updated on public health guidelines and follow recommendations from reliable sources.
- Limiting Exposure:
- Limit close contact with individuals outside your household, especially if they are sick.
Please do not read this post as anything other than what it is. I list low tech therapies shown to reduce the risk of Covid putting me in the hospital and potentially dying from it. In our world of worshiping all things high tech, I think we cancer survivors can benefit from evidence-based, low tech therapies.
Are you a cancer survivor worrying about the SARS-CoV-2 virus? Would you like to learn more about living an anti-cancer lifestyle? Let me know. David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com
Thank you,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Saltwater Gargling May Help Avoid COVID Hospitalization
“Gargling and nasal rinsing with saltwater several times a day appeared to be associated with significantly lower COVID-19 hospitalization rates in a small, randomized, double-blind, controlled study.
“The hypothesis was that interventions that target the upper respiratory tract may reduce the frequency and duration of upper respiratory symptoms associated with COVID 19…”
Adults aged 18-65 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing between 2020 and 2022 were randomly selected to use low- or high-dose saltwater regimens for 14 days…
The low dose was 2.13 grams of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water, and the high dose was 6 grams. Participants gargled the saltwater and used it as a nasal rinse for 5 minutes four times a day…
Primary outcomes included frequency and duration of symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection; secondary outcomes included admission to the hospital or the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilatory support, or death…
Hospitalization rates in the low- (18.5%) and high- (21.4%) saline groups were significantly lower than in the reference control population (58.8%; P < .001). No significant differences were noted in other outcomes among these groups…
“This is a type of intervention that is low risk with some small potential benefit,” he said…”
A Preventive Role of Exercise Across the Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic
“Obesity is defined as a condition of excess body fat and represents a state of low-grade chronic inflammation and impaired immunity that is associated with many debilitating and life-threatening disorders. These include respiratory dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, metabolic risk, and associated co-morbidities, some of which are widely recognized as being related with more severe COVID-19 (Stefan et al., 2020) (Figure 1)…
Using Probiotics to Flatten the Curve of Coronavirus Disease COVID-2019 Pandemic
“Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host (6). Clinical evidence shows that certain probiotic strains help to prevent bacterial and viral infections, including gastroenteritis, sepsis, and respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The reason for adding probiotic strains to the overall prevention and care strategy is founded in science and clinical studies, albeit hitherto none directly on the etiological agent of this pandemic…
Blood omega-3 fatty acids and death from COVID-19: A Pilot Study
“Very-long chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection…
Can vitamin D protect against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
“Several recent studies have looked at the impact of vitamin D on COVID-19-
- One study of 489 people found that those who had a vitamin D deficiency were more likely to test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 than people who had normal levels of vitamin D.
- Other research has observed high rates of vitamin D deficiency in people with COVID-19who experienced acute respiratory failure. These people had a significantly higher risk of dying…
The Role of Nutrients in Prevention, Treatment and Post-Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)
“However, the safe intake of micro- and/or macro-nutrients can be useful either for preventing infection and supporting the immune response during COVID-19, as well as in the post-acute phase, i.e., “long COVID”, that is sometimes characterized by the onset of various long lasting and disabling symptoms.
The aim of this review is to focus on the role of nutrient intake during all the different phases of the disease, including prevention, the acute phase, and finally long COVID…”