Vitamins may help one’s ability to stay healthy and prevent Covid-19 infection.
Dr. Homer Lim, integrative oncology of Cancerhealerph.com said getting infected with Covid-19 can be prevented following the minimum health protocols and boosting the immune system by taking vitamin C 3000mg per day, vitamin d3 5000iu per day, zinc 50mg per day, Quercetin 500mg per day or EGCG 500mg per day.
Dr. Jose Beltran, president of Davao Medical Society, said supplemental feeding, provision of fresh fruits, vegetables, vitamins to depressed communities may be an option by the government if there are no budgetary constraints to limit the spread of the virus.
“Early interventions include modulating and enhancing the immune system of communities especially those who are financially challenged and malnourished, the elderly with weaker body defenses, those with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, renal failure and others. Proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles should be top priority,” he said in an email interview.
Beltran added that the entry of virus into humans is usually through oral and nasal passages or even through eyes that is why individuals need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, suits, gloves, caps, etc. to protect themselves from contamination or prevent transmission of viral particles to others. He also said social distancing is a must.
“I am not an expert on Covid-19 or infectious diseases. The way I see it the cases are rising its either more people are getting infected or more screening tests are available or both,” he said.
Beltran also said what’s frustrating is the city’s laws and ordinances are not strictly implemented.
“Everybody wears masks but with noses exposed, face shields worn like headbands, no social distancing, nobody apprehends these violators. Discipline is the key such infractions are rampant in high risk areas like congested informal settlers,” he added.
Lim said CDCph and majority of the Filipinos feel the sincerity of the government in trying to solve this crisis. However, as in any plans or actions against the pandemic such as ease of lockdowns with a more focused isolation and protecting the vulnerables (seniors, those with co morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart, lung and kidney diseases, cancer).
“These are not perfect and can be improved. That is the very reason, CDCph was formed, to help by advocating policies and interventions that we feel will immensely help our government manage the crisis upon us. Prevention or prophylaxis of infection by drugs and supplements, early outpatient treatment for suspected and confirmed Covid-19 patients,” he said.
Beltran said the government are just implementing guidelines set by regulatory agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and if measures are inadequate, these may be attributable to logistics.
“Bear in mind that we don’t have the financial capability to perform mass testing, provide adequate quarantine facilities, staff, medicines and the like,” he said.
“Our cases in NCR is declining which is very good, however, in the provinces especially Davao, Cebu, and Calabarzon are quite worrisome and really need active intervention,” Lim said.
