In an effort to discover an effective treatment for the novel coronavirus, doctors and scientists are testing existing antivirals, antimalarials, monoclonal antibodies, and other medications against COVID-19. So what are these treatment options? Are they currently available to all infected patients? Are there any prophylactic treatments available? How can one keep their immune system strong? Dr Clark Driggers MD looked into the current research.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Infusions
Influenza viruses and coronaviruses are potentially lethal pathogens known to produce lung injury and death from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Vitamin C is significant to the human body and plays a role in reducing inflammatory response and preventing the common cold. In addition, a few studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency is related to the increased risk and severity of influenza infections.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, has antioxidant properties. When sepsis happens, the cytokine surge caused by sepsis is activated, and neutrophils in the lungs accumulate in the lungs, destroying alveolar capillaries. Early clinical studies have shown that vitamin C can effectively prevent this process. In addition, vitamin C can help to eliminate alveolar fluid by preventing the activation and accumulation of neutrophils, and reducing alveolar epithelial water channel damage. At the same time, vitamin C can prevent the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, which is a biological event of vascular injury caused by neutrophil activation.
Clinical trials taking place now involve a 24gm daily dose of IV vitamin C to treat patients with COVID-19 infections. This study is currently being conducted in China.
Vitamin C being used by any patient should be USP grade, corn-free (Derived from Tapioca), non-GMO, and preservative-free.
Hydroxychloroquine
A new study released in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents has found early evidence that the combination of hydroxychloroquine, a popular anti-malaria drug known under the trade name Plaqenuil, and antibiotic azithromycin (aka Zithromax or Azithrocin) could be effective in treating the COVID-19 coronavirus and reducing the duration of the virus in patients.
The researchers performed a study on 30 confirmed COVID-19 patients, treating each with either hydroxychloroquine on its own, a combination of the medicine with the antibiotic, as well as a control group that received neither. The study was conducted after reports from the treatment of Chinese patients indicated that this particular combo had efficacy in shortening the duration of infection in patients.
The results showed that while hydroxycholoroquine was effective on its own as a treatment, when combined with azithromycin it was even more effective, and by a significant margin.
These results represent a limited study with a small number of patients, but they are promising, especially when combined with earlier reports from patients in China with the same treatment options. Researchers globally are testing a number of potential treatments, including a range of drugs used previously in the efforts to combat Ebola, SARS, HIV and other global outbreaks.
Supplements & Vitamins to Support Immune System
Glutathione
Glutathione is one of the body’s most important and potent antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that reduce oxidative stress by combating free radicals in the body. While most antioxidants are found in the foods you eat, glutathione is produced by your body. It is primarily made up of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. There are a number of reasons why your body’s glutathione level may become depleted, including poor diet, chronic disease, infection, and constant stress. Glutathione is also known to decrease with age Maintaining adequate levels of this antioxidant is incredibly important.
Zinc
Zinc is a nutrient that plays many vital roles in your body. Because your body doesn’t naturally produce zinc, you must obtain it through food or supplements. Zinc can inhibit rhinovirus replication and has activity against other respiratory viruses and is a potential treatment for the common cold. The exact mechanism of zinc’s activity on viruses remains uncertain. Zinc may also reduce the severity of cold symptoms by acting as an astringent on the trigeminal nerve.
The Drigger’s Method
Dr. Clark Driggers MD, located in Atlanta GA, has spent over 20 years researching and developing protocols for regenerative health and wellness. A board-certified physician, Dr. Drigger’s protocol is an approach for eliminating unwanted inflammation and optimizing one’s immune health. The Drigger’s Method is focused on providing the body with the nutritional resources required for immune regulation, gut health, hormone regulation, and tissue healing while removing inflammatory stimuli.
Dr. Driggers, in conjunction with Pavilion Compounding Pharmacy, is available for consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Drigger’s Method focuses on overall wellness to keep you and your family healthy, it is also up to date with the latest and most effective treatment for Coronavirus.
If you would like a consult to see if the Drigger’s Method is right for you during this pandemic, please reach out to Dr. Drigger’s team at, MD@thedriggersmethod.com
Be Well!
References:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04264533
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10488881
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5295174/