Going into the 2020 flu season seems like a perpetuation of our already established pandemic. While we hope Covid cases decline and we begin to feel secure again, flu season is upon us to test that notion. It is a trying time and the collective global worry is heightened.

Naturally, worry prompts action–what to (or not to) eat, do, and take are common questions. Let’s settle some fears while encouraging healthy habits so that, coupled with your doctor’s medical care, you can make choices that will best suit your health.

Step one: A strong immune system starts with diet

We always say, when going into any flu season, nutrition is paramount. But this year, we really mean it. If there is a year to veer away from family holiday recipes and have a Paleo Thanksgiving, this is this one. Inflammatory foods (dairy and gluten are most common) weaken the immune system and sugar and carbohydrates feed viruses and bacteria, spreading infection. Eating sweets, gluten, and dairy can push that mild cough into full bronchitis or that sinus drainage into sinus infection.

It doesn’t mean holiday dinner has to be bland! Sweeteners like stevia (which doesn’t feed microbes) are always being reformulated for taste. And there are many delicious gluten-free and dairy-free food choices that have also evolved in flavor. Cauliflower crackers and chips are a favorite at my house!

If gluten and dairy do happen, enzyme formulas exist that minimize inflammation. Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV or DPP-IV is a critical enzyme that both regulates digestion and inflammation. It helps breakdown gluten (protein from wheat) and casein (protein in dairy) and can be taken to minimize or clear the inflammatory symptoms from dietary exposure.

Step two: Supplements!

With the inflammatory holiday-diet season also comes shorter daylight in fall and winter, which means double trouble. Less light means less vitamin D production, an important “trainer” for the immune system. Vitamin D activates macrophages, dendritic cells, and T and B lymphocytes–the infection-fighting weapons of your immune system.(1)

It has now been published that people with vitamin D blood levels under 30 ng/mL were more likely to have upper respiratory tract infections than those with sufficient levels.(2) Ideally, having the blood levels tested by your doctor will determine the dose to take. Anyone presenting with blood levels under 30 ng/mL may have to take between 5,000-10,000 IU per day for several weeks. Always have the blood levels checked again after 4-8 weeks of supplementation to assure the levels are coming up to sufficient status.

In addition to diet changes and vitamin D, general immune support is wise. Echinacea is an oldie but goodie. A 1989 study showed echinacea was useful in preventing upper respiratory infections.(3) Another study in 2007 showed that mice given echinacea had increased percentages of natural killer cells and lymphocytes (important immune cells for fighting infection).(4) Finally, in 2014, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study determined echinacea inhibited virally-confirmed colds, minimized recurrent infections, and showed a reduction in total number of colds reported in a sample of 293 individuals.(5)

As a society, we need to start understanding that viral and bacterial infections are very much in part reflective of immune status. A robust immune system is not overwhelmed by dietary inflammation. If you eat ice cream and cake, take notice if you develop the sniffles 4-7 days later. This is no coincidence. That said, everyone is doing their best and it isn’t always easy to eat clean. Supporting with enzymes can improve outcomes when we are not eating perfectly. In addition, vitamin D and echinacea are two evidenced-based tools that play huge roles in infectious outcomes.

Peoples Rx and our expert wellness team are here to help figure out what might benefit your body and diet the most. Come in store and safely shop around (masks required, sanitizer available, social distancing in effect, and staff cleaning surfaces around the clock), or now you can even easily shop online!

 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

1. (Beard JA, Bearden A, Striker R. Vitamin D and the anti-viral state. J Clin Virol. 2011;50(3):194-200. doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2010.12.006)

2. (Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA., Jr. Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(4):384–90.)

3. (Hudson J, Vimalanathan S. Echinacea—A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2011;4(7):1019-1031. Published 2011 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/ph4071019)

4. (Zhai Z, Liu Y, Wu L, et al. Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multiple Echinacea species. J Med Food. 2007;10(3):423-434. doi:10.1089/jmf.2006.257).

5. (Jawad M, Schoop R, Suter A, Klein P, Eccles R. Safety and Efficacy Profile of Echinacea purpurea to Prevent Common Cold Episodes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:841315. doi:10.1155/2012/841315).

We have been fielding a lot of questions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic about “the elderberry controversy.” There have been several warnings circulating about the potential catastrophic effects of taking elderberry extracts with COVID-19. The concern is that elderberry extracts may cause a fatal “cytokine storm” in patients affected by COVID-19.
 

What is a cytokine storm?

The immune system is like a team made up of a lot of different specialists. There are more than a dozen different types of immune cells, each one in charge of different aspects of immune function. They communicate using molecules called cytokines. There are LOTS of different cytokines (think: letters in the alphabet that are used to make words or phrases). When we contract a virus, a specific set of cytokines are released and they tell the virus-killing specialist cells to mobilize and swing into action. In most circumstances, this is how our body wins the battle against a virus, so an increase in those cytokines is usually a very good thing.

If the infection is severe, sometimes this cytokine signal gets stuck in a self-perpetuating loop. It keeps increasing, causing more and more of an immune response. If the immune response gets out of control, it can cause damage to our own healthy cells, sometimes on a large and dangerous scale. This is called a cytokine storm.

In the case of COVID-19, when people develop difficulty breathing and fluid build up, it is due to a cytokine storm. The huge excess of cytokines make the virus-killing cells too aggressive, and they end up damaging lung cells in addition to killing the virus. This can be fatal in some people. Just to clarify, the cytokines that can cause this deadly storm are the SAME cytokines** that are essential for us to have an immune response to the virus at all.

So, some “antiviral” cytokine signal = good
Way too much of that same cytokine signal = bad
 

How does this relate to elderberry extract?

Elderberry extract produces a small increase in the exact same antiviral cytokines* that we need to fight off things like respiratory viruses.
 

So, is elderberry safe or not?

It really is a matter of scale. Elderberry extract can produce a 2-6x increase in these cytokines. For the sake of perspective, running a marathon can produce a 100x increase in these same cytokines. A cytokine storm produced by a virus that is severe enough to start causing dangerous respiratory distress is more like a 1000x increase. Taking this into consideration, the elderberry is not really the problem in this scenario.

For mild illness or early stages of illness in an otherwise healthy person, elderberry is theoretically a safe and effective choice for immune support. BUT once a virus-induced cytokine storm has started, adding elderberry would not be helpful, and could add to the already growing storm.
 

In summary

Elderberry by itself does not cause cytokine storms.

In otherwise healthy people, elderberry extract should be a safe and effective choice for immune support.

In people with underlying health conditions who already have immune imbalances or lung issues (autoimmune, COPD, pneumonia), elderberry might not be the best choice.

If you become infected with COVID-19 and develop lung symptoms, you should immediately STOP taking elderberry for immune support, and contact your healthcare provider.

There are many other herbs and nutrients that can be used to optimize and balance immune function. Elderberry is not our only option!

 
You can schedule a telehealth appointment with me by calling the Peoples Wellness Center at 512-219-8600. I, as well as the other Peoples Naturopathic Doctors, am also offering discounted mini consultations focusing specifically on immune support. Appointments can be over the phone or via video conference, and all appointments are safe and confidential.
 
**The cytokines that start the immune response and are also increased by elderberry, echinacea, and beta-glucan concentrates are: Interleukin-1b, TNF-alpha, Interleukin-6, and Interleukin-8.
 
Becky Andrews, ND*, L.Ac. received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University. She specializes in complex, chronic and “difficult” cases, especially relating to digestive health, fatigue, mood and detoxification. She works extensively with MTHFr and genetic challenges. In addition to seeing patients in Austin, she is faculty at AOMA School of Integrative Medicine.
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
Consult your healthcare practitioner before changing your medicine regimen in any way.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

As we all know, COVID-19 has led to unique opportunities and innovation out of desperation amid basic supply shortages. With disinfectant cleaners and hand sanitizers hard to come by over the last four months, many companies have started producing products not in their normal lineup of offerings in order to meet demands.

The CDC says that washing hands with plain soap and water for 20 seconds is still the best way to prevent the spread of infections. If soap and water are not readily available, they recommend consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 

FDA sanitizer recalls

While there is evidence to support sanitizer having effectiveness with as low as 60% alcohol content, not all brands are created equal. The FDA just released safety information on hand sanitizers, in particular a list of recalled brands due to potential presence of undeclared Methanol (wood alcohol).

“The FDA is warning consumers and health care providers that the agency has seen a sharp increase in hand sanitizer products that are labeled to contain ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol), but have tested positive for methanol contamination.

The agency is aware of adults and children ingesting hand sanitizer products contaminated with methanol that has led to recent adverse events including blindness, hospitalizations, and death.

Methanol is not an acceptable active ingredient for hand sanitizers and must not be used due to its toxic effects.”

See the FDA’s full statement, as well as the list of recalled sanitizers here. The list is being updated daily.

Our wellness department is currently able to keep a few sanitizer brands in stock, none of which appear on the FDA recall list. You can trust that Peoples’ selection of sanitizers is effective and safe for you and your family to use. What’s more, if your sanitizer is over-drying, you can check with our knowledgeable wellness team for creams and supplements to help retain and restore moisture to your hands.
 

Peoples has your hands covered

In an unprecedented move, earlier this year the FDA granted compounding pharmacies permission to compound high quality hand sanitizer for purchase without a prescription! Typically, any item that is compounded requires a prescription per government regulation.

This unique opportunity allows Peoples to compound our own safe and effective hand sanitizer, which we quickly began making batches of. We started donating sanitizer to first responders in the Austin area back in April, and are prepared to make and sell it to the public should the shortage of sanitizer on shelves continue. Being a compounding pharmacy, Peoples has higher standards we are required to comply with, and we’re able to use the highest quality, FDA-approved chemicals in the industry.
 

Does your sanitizer smell like tequila?

Distilleries were also granted permission to make hand sanitizer. Many local distilleries like Tito’s, Deep Eddy, and Dripping Springs stepped up to the task and began making sanitizer when the city’s shelter-in-place orders first took effect. And thank goodness, because our first responders and medical staff on the frontlines of COVID-19 needed it desperately!

But yes, many of the sanitizers currently being produced do have a foul scent. They smell like vodka, tequila, or rum, have a watery or thin consistency, and are extremely drying to your hands. Don’t be alarmed though, as smell or consistency doesn’t necessarily change the effectiveness of a sanitizer. Once again, just be sure to check the FDA’s recall list before purchasing sanitizer.

Thank you for choosing Peoples Rx for your wellness and compounding needs. We appreciate you and are here to help!

Jenni Kroplin has been in pharmacy compounding, marketing, and education for 6 years, and is the Educational Outreach Director for Peoples Rx. She is passionate about educating and advocating for compounding, and actively participates in continuing education courses with PCCA for the latest innovations and updates in compounding.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Staying home during a global pandemic is a great time to work on boosting your immune system, if you weren’t already! While having a strong immune system is indeed important during something like the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s actually significant all the time. At any age, year-round, no matter your health status.

How To Boost Your Immune System Now

Of course there are tons of supplements and vitamins out there that can help with immunity (we’ll touch on that below), but there are other ways to work on your immune system that involve the things you already do every day to be and stay healthy.

Get up and exercise
Getting a daily dose of exercise is obviously good for your overall health, but did you know it can better your immune system too? The lymphatic system, an off-shoot of your veins, is the highway for your immune cells. The best way to get blood and lymph pumping is to exercise. This helps get immune cells where they need to go and helps relieve stagnation in inflamed tissue. In early stages of infection, any movement actually stimulates the immune system.

And we don’t mean you have to train for a marathon or become a powerlifter, either. If your gym is closed or you’re not the gym type, just focus on moving your body and raising your heart rate. Take a brisk neighborhood walk with the family and/or dog, have a living room dance party, search Youtube for bodyweight workout plans, do yoga! Set up a home “gym” with canned food, milk jugs filled with water, and that jump rope you once upon a time stashed in the junk closet.

Focus on nutrition
Ah yes, eating “clean.” The thing so many of us strive to do day in and day out. What many people don’t realize is how important diet is to the immune system. Poor nutrition creates inflammation that weakens the immune system, congests the liver, and potentially feeds pathogens. Gluten, dairy, and sugar are the opposite of superfoods. Gluten and dairy are two of the most common inflammatory foods, creating mucous, inflammation, and tissue damage when ingested.

Get some sleep
We all know that the standard eight hours every night is best, but it’s especially necessary to build and keep a strong immune system. When you get into a deep sleep, your body secretes growth hormone, something that helped you grow from childhood. As an adult, growth hormone repairs tissue. You cannot properly heal from injury or inflammation if you don’t sleep.

Quit those bad habits
We know a lot of people have traded smoking for vaping in the last few years, but it’s not any better for our overall health. And even though you often hear that a little nightly red wine is good for heart health, it’s important to remember that any alcohol isn’t great for the body. Alcohol, in any way, shape, or form is toxic to the liver, digestive system, pancreas, and kidneys. These are also main immune and detox organs that need support during infections.

When supplements can help
As hard as we work to be as healthy as possible, sometimes you need a little supplementation help, and that’s ok! Three basic supplements for the immune system are Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc. Upper respiratory viral infections have a classic history with Vitamin C. Even 2,000-5,000 mg per day has been shown to shorten the duration of upper respiratory infections. Vitamin D is an immune supporter, and even people with adequate sun exposure can have low-levels of vitamin D. 2,000-5,000 IUs is a helpful, non-toxic dose to support your body during infections. Zinc is an immune activator that also inhibits the spread of bacteria and viruses. Peoples Rx has a wide array of these basic supplements, as well as specialized formulas for your specific needs.
 
While doing all of these simultaneously are the best case scenario for your body and immune system, know that every little bit helps. Just like maintaining a healthy weight, cutting out a specific food group or habit, and sticking to an exercise routine, building a strong immune system is an ongoing, lifelong journey!

If you feel like you could use some immune support, our practitioners at Peoples Wellness Center and other Peoples Rx locations are currently scheduling virtual, discounted mini-consults focusing on the immune system. Schedule your telehealth appointment today by calling 512-219-8600.
 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Our doors may be closed to foot traffic, but as you know, we are OPEN for service! When placing your curbside pickup or mail-out order with us over the phone, don’t forget to shop our supplement and grocery departments.

Many of the brands in our stores are local and/or small businesses, so knock out two birds with one stone: stocking your pantry with fun, healthier options and supporting small biz!
 

Add delicious groceries to your pickup order

Honey Mama’s honey cocoa bars
Olipop sparkling tonic
Healing Home Foods raw crackers & graham bites
Kate’s Real Food organic energy bars
Blue Mountain Organics organic, sprouted, raw nuts
Bubba’s Fine Foods banana chips
Nate’s Raw Harvest mixed nuts
Rockit Snacks pumpkin seeds
Soozy’s Grain-Free donuts (South Lamar only)
Sambazon acai bites (South Lamar only)
 

Support small and local brands

Harper & Soul nut blends
Culina coconut yogurt
Credo Foods plant-based dips
Fuel Your Soul energy bites
Oye kombucha
Transform Fitness protein bites
Upriver Cacao nitro cacao drinks
Kosmic Kombucha (including the yummy Peoples Wellpower flavor!)
Element Kombucha
Ladybird Provisions butter coffee bombs
Snack Jack plant-based jackfruit jerky
Siete grain-free tortilla chips
Farmhouse Culture kraut chips
 

Don’t forget your immune support!

Biogenesis CompliVir, Immune Balancing Complex, Monolaurin, Pulmonary Factors
BioStar Botanical Berricade
Designs for Health Immunitone Plus
New Chapter Fermented Zinc Complex
NuMedica Immune Support Program, ImmunoMed 3-6
Peoples Rx (Neurogistics) Immune Support 2
Pure Encapsulations Cat’s Claw
Xymogen OliveDefense, XcellentA 3000
Elderberry capsules, liquid, lozenges
Colloidal Silver gel, liquid, spray
Vitamin A, C, D, select zinc options
ClearLungs
Deep Lung Liquid
 

Cleaning and household products

Aunt Fannie’s cleaning vinegar and microcosmic probiotic hand soap
Handzies Wipes soap and water handwipes
Pranarom hand purifier
Stream2Sea hand sanitizer
 

May promos

Acure 15% off all facial care
CV Sciences 15% off select CBD gummies and lotions
Designs For Health 15% off Twice Daily Multi
Gaia Herbs 30% off select products like adrenals, Ashwagandha, Calm ASAP, hemp, sleep, & more
HempFusion 25% off all CBD products
Himalaya Herbs 20% off select products like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, StressCare, and more
MyChelle 25% off all products
New Chapter 20% off select products like multivitamins, hair/skin/nails, Wholemega, elderberry, & more
Nordic Naturals 20% off select omega products
Probulin 25% off Women’s Health Probiotic

 
 
These aren’t comprehensive lists, so ask for suggestions if you aren’t quite finding what you’re looking for. To place your order, call your nearest Peoples location and speak to a Wellness employee. See you curbside!

North Lamar 512-459-9090
South Lamar 512-444-8866
Westlake 512-327-8877
Lakeline 512-219-9499

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

During these trying times, we’ve found that one of the best ways to keep our spirits high (which helps keep our immunity up too!) is to keep recognizing and celebrating all the silver linings. So when we find ourselves starting down the path of lamenting for the days we had more genuine, face-to-face customer interactions and even more hugs, we shift our thoughts to the excellent service we’re still able to offer through our new curbside service and mail-out orders, and to how we can improve and offer even more for you every day. Here are some ways we’re keeping ourselves going, and we hope this helps to keep you going too!
 

Generosity Makes a Difference

You, dear customers have been brightening our world in many ways, which we are ever so grateful for. As if your friendly smiles and your patronage were not enough, we’ve had some customers donate face masks and Clorox wipes to help keep our employees safe, and some very loyal compounding customers at our North location even dropped by some Starbucks gift cards! We want you to know, these gestures mean a lot to us!

We’ve also had some awesome vendors step up and take care of us, too! Topi-Click fed our pharmacy staff lunch at all stores, and brands like CV Sciences, WAAYB, Gaia Herbs, Probulin, and Hemp Fusion have brought us samples to support our employees both physically and mentally right now, which we’re all so appreciative of!

Of course, it certainly didn’t hurt when Petals, Ink. delivered free flowers to our South store, just because. Thank you, Petals, Ink, for brightening our day! And when *2* new babies were just born into the Peoples family in the last month (welcome baby Daisy and baby Tristan!), you just can’t help but be joyful.
 

Giving is Receiving

What touches our hearts on a daily basis, is seeing our own Peoples people stepping up to take care of each other. Employees at all locations have been doing nice things for each other for no reason other than to show they care. We’ve had staff making face masks, bringing snacks, and even providing entire meals for each other. They’ve worked together to have store-wide meals to share too, and just check in on one another in general. It’s through acts like these, by taking the time to care for themselves and each other, that our staff is able to give their absolute best to our customers.

As a company, Peoples has proudly found ways to give back more as well. In recognizing that many local eateries are now struggling to keep their doors open, we’ve started providing weekly lunches for employees from nearby local restaurants. There’s been so much love pouring into our stores as a local brand, we want to spread the love around, from one local to another! We’re also thrilled that we’ve been able to secure the ingredients to compound our own hand sanitizer, which we will be donating to a couple of local fire stations.
 

New & Fun Ways to Spend Time

If you’ve got more time than usual and are looking for ways to spend it usefully, try out these ideas!

• Keep laughter in your life by discovering a new feel-good sitcom, checking out a new podcast, or watching John Krasinski’s Some Good News.

• Find a new way to exercise! Try out a Sweatfest dance party, get to know Austin native Yoga with Adriene, or support a local yoga studio who has moved to livestreaming classes like Black Swan, Practice Yoga, or Sukha Yoga. The YMCA, Todd Pilates, and Camp Gladiator are also offering workout-from-home options!

• Try out new recipes from The Good Food Fighter to get out of your normal kitchen routine.

• Send a note, call, or set up a Zoom chat to catch up with people who have touched your life but you haven’t been in touch with in a while.

• Start a gratitude journal! Take a few minutes each day to write down three quick things you’re thankful for to keep your focus on positivity.

• Learn a new crafty hobby while supporting a small local business!

• Quiet and calm the mind. Check out apps like Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, or Simple Habit for mindfulness and guided meditation.

 
We may not know what tomorrow holds, but as long as we are able to safely stay open, we’ll be here providing the knowledge and care we love to give. Together we’ll all get through this, and we’ll be even better for it on the other side!
 
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

As you may have heard, hydroxychloroquine has been in the news as a possible treatment for COVID-19. This is a medication that is prescribed for malaria as well as the chronic autoimmune diseases lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

On March 28, 2020 the FDA approved an emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine to be used for adolescent and adult hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
*This measure was based on small studies from China and France.

The rationale for using this medication for COVID-19 is that the medication can stop the virus from invading cells, and that it can dial back an overactive immune system. However, large scale placebo-controlled studies are required to clarify the specific mechanisms, viability, and optimal treatment protocols. Hydroxychloroquine is not appropriate for use in patients with abnormal heart rhythms, certain eye diseases, and liver or kidney problems.

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy put in place medication limitations for these medications requiring a written diagnosis from the prescriber consistent with the evidence for use, limits new prescriptions to a 14-day supply, and prohibits refills without a new prescription order.
The American Medical Association, American Pharmacist Association, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists caution against stockpiling these medications or depleting supplies with excessive, anticipatory orders because this can limit supplies for those patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

 
The Good News

While hydroxychloroquine is on backorder from major wholesalers right now, Peoples Rx has a limited supply of the commercially available product as well as a supply of hydroxychloroquine USP powder to compound prescriptions for those who require treatment, especially those who need it for their chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases.

Should the hydroxychloroquine chemical for compounding become unavailable for those patients with autoimmune issues, Peoples Rx compounds an alternative therapy of low dose naltrexone, or LDN. Studies show that LDN can be an effective off-label therapy for fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, and other autoimmune issues. LDN is typically dosed at less than 5mg/day and is available as a prescription compound in a capsule, suspension, or topical formulation. In addition, LDN is well tolerated and affordable.

Feel free to reach out to our pharmacists with any questions about these treatments and availability. Thank you for sticking with the Peoples Rx team while we navigate these dynamic times.
 
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

COVID-19 has arrived in Austin and we are officially under a shelter-in-place order from the City.

Like we previously said, don’t panic. Don’t hoard. Look out for friends, family, neighbors, and strangers. Don’t spread unconfirmed, mis-information. Try to help others stay calm.

Avoid taking more than what is suggested on the label of anti-inflammatory supplements (stick to taking them as directed on labels), and avoid taking supplements or herbal formulas with antiviral** properties before you are actually ill. Basic health support (sleep, exercise, proper hand washing, healthy diet, low sugar, and anything you can do to keep anxiety low) is very important. Keep taking your basic supplements like Vitamin C, Zinc, Astragalus, and Mushrooms, which have immune-boosting properties. If you ended up with a lifetime supply of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, face masks, or herbs with antiviral properties, be willing to share.
 
Get your information from trusted sources.
Since a great way to calm the sense of anxiety is to have a plan, we wanted to share some trusted resources with you. Twitter feeds and Facebook posts are not the best way to get factual information, and it is proven that going down the Facebook rabbit hole increases anxiety and stress hormones (not to mention the EMF radiation you are getting from your phone). Put the phone down. Go for a walk in this beautiful spring weather!
 
Try to limit your coronavirus information updates to these reliable sources:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and their reports updated daily

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and their updates on testing in the U.S.

Texas Health and Human Services

City of Austin
 
Testing updates
The U.S. in general, and Texas in particular, are still lagging behind in the availability of test kits and streamlined testing procedures. This situation is improving.

That said, testing is now available and being done by doctor offices, clinics, hospitals, as well as the Public Health Department. Clinics are probably more nimble than the Health Department. Samples MUST be taken by a doctor or clinic staff and tests must be ordered by a doctor.

The news outlets have reported several “drive through” testing centers that recently opened. These exist, but they are test sites for pre-screened patients to receive testing without entering the facility where they could potentially spread the virus. There is no “self-service” or “on-demand” testing available at this time.
 
In order to be tested at one of these sites you must:

• Open a patient portal account with the facility running the test site.
• Take the free, online questionnaire to see if you might qualify for testing.
• Visit with a staff clinicians via telehealth screening (Examples include Baylor Scott & White or Ascension).

 
Testing criteria
You must meet certain screening criteria to be tested. The screening criteria are slightly different depending on the lab running the test. It is still much more likely that respiratory illness symptoms are due to other infectious agents rather than COVID-19. Most guidelines also require that you are tested for other things (like the flu, pneumonia, and other common illnesses) before you are tested for COVID-19.

Most hospitals and clinics will be following the CDC recommendations for who to test.

• Hospitalized patients who have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 in order to inform decisions related to infection control.
• Other symptomatic individuals such as older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions and/or an immunocompromised state that may put them at higher risk for poor outcomes (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, receiving immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease).
• Any persons including healthcare personnel, who within 14 days of symptom onset had close contact with a suspect or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient, or who have a history of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of their symptom onset.

In addition to the above criteria, Austin Public Health is limiting testing to individuals who have symptoms as well as strong reason to suspect exposure.
 
If you feel sick
The general symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and/or difficulty breathing/sense of constriction or tightness in chest.

If you have symptoms and have reason to suspect you could have been exposed:

CALL your primary care doctor if you have one.

If you do not have a doctor or insurance:

• CALL an urgent care, walk-in clinic, or emergency room, and inquire about testing. You can also call the Ascension Texas hotline at 1-833-919-1680 to talk to a triage nurse.
• CALL 2-1-1 for information on low-cost or no-cost providers
• CALL CommUnityCare at 512-978-9015. They can provide over the phone triage and help point you in the right direction.

STAY HOME

• Have food and medicine delivered to your door
• Take antiviral cold/flu supplements
• If you indeed have the flu, pneumonia, or COVID-19 strongly consider taking
  NAC and/or Mucinex to help keep the phlegm thin

**Antiviral supplements are herbs and nutrients that support the part of our immune systems that fight viruses. These supplements do not kill viruses directly.

 
Becky Andrews, ND*, L.Ac. received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture at Bastyr University. She specializes in complex, chronic and “difficult” cases, especially relating to digestive health, fatigue, mood and detoxification. She works extensively with MTHFr and genetic challenges. In addition to seeing patients in Austin, she is faculty at AOMA School of Integrative Medicine.
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
Consult your healthcare practitioner before changing your medicine regimen in any way.
 
 

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.