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For about a week and a half, I have been aggressively participating in the movement for social distancing, only going to work, the doctor's office, and the grocery store. Despite this, though, I started feeling sick on March 18th with a sore throat which quickly progressed to coughing, fever, loss of appetite, stomach problems, and general exhaustion. As my symptoms were worsening, I was evaluated by my doctor yesterday who determined I did not have the flu and tested me for strep and COVID-19. The strep test came back negative, and I will not hear back on the COVID-19 results for another few days. Until then, here are the steps I am actively taking to boost my immunity and keep my vitamin levels up while I recover from whatever I have.
While I'm in quarantine, I recognize that I might not get as many vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables that I normally do. I have had many supportive friends and family offer to buy me groceries, but to help boost my vitamin levels, I started taking a multivitamin every day. Additionally, there has been some data that people with a Vitamin D deficiency are harder hit by the virus. During routine blood work at my annual physical last year, I had a Vitamin D deficiency, and since then I have been taking regular Vitamin D supplements. This multivitamin includes Vitamin D, helping my levels stay normal while I am isolated in my apartment.
When I went to my doctor to be evaluated for my symptoms, she instructed me to start taking Vitamin C and Zinc supplements to boost my immunity. Apparently the rest of the world already knew that Zinc was immune boosting, because all the Zinc only supplements where sold out (don't worry, my coworker went to the store, not me). These supplements do have the added Calcium and Magnesium which helps with bone and muscle health, though. Many COVID-19 patients report muscle aches, so these supplements may be helpful to add. Also, Calcium and Magnesium deficiencies often lead to Vitamin D deficiency, and Vitamin D levels have been tied to patients' ability to recover and the severity of their symptoms.
About a month ago, I was sent these gummies by the New Hope Network, and they are meant to boost immunity when used regularly. They also contain Vitamin C and Zinc, the two things my doctor told me to start increasing my intake of after my COVID-19 test. While I'm not sure how much the elderberry helps, these gummies taste great and provide additional peace of mind.
As someone with a corn sensitivity, it is often difficult to find medicines that do not contain corn ingredients. For this reason, I usually don't even use cough drops because they often are filled with corn syrup and other ingredients that cause more harm to my body than good. Luckily, I found these cough drops, though, because my cough and sore throat have been my worst symptoms. These drops contain menthol, so they have been helpful in soothing my throat along with hot tea, orange juice, and hot broth.
During this scary and difficult time, I wish nothing but health and happiness to all of you. Please stay home other than for necessary outings (grocery shopping, essential work, doctor's visits, etc.) and help flatten the curve. Most of all, remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand-sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content if hand washing is not available.
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