Treating COVID-19 At-Home

My mom recently survived the inflammatory phase of COVID-19, and it was quite scary/isolating. I am writing this post to discuss what protocol we used, and what I wish we would have known beforehand. I do not claim to provide medical advice and am simply recounting our experience and the advice we were given by medical professionals. 

After a hospital visit, we followed up with both of our doctors, and were instructed to use the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) COVID-19 Management Protocol, which has protocols for all phases (pre-exposure/incubation, symptomatic, early/late pulmonary/inflammatory, and long-haul symptoms).

In addition, there are specific protocols for whether you are hospitalized with or without supplemental oxygen. My mom’s symptoms included but were not limited to: silent hypoxia (decrease in oxygen), muscle/back pain, nausea. Our goal was keeping her oxygen in the 90’s at-home, and out of the hospital - This is what we did for it (Pleasepleaseplease chat with your healthcare provider before you consider taking any actions):

• Ivermectin - This medicine must be prescribed, and most doctors require a positive test before they prescribe it. It’s actually an anti-parasitic that seems to stop the cytokine storm. The dosing is weight-dependent. She was provided with 12 pills in total, which we split up over four days, 3x4. We noticed the biggest change in my mom after day 3.

• Vitamin D3 - 10k IU a day. Take with Vitamin K2, or a fat (like fish oil) for better absorption. Vitamin D helps fight infections in general, and lessens the impact of the disease. The better your levels of Vitamin D, the less likely you are to have intense symptoms per a few different studies.

• Vitamin C - 1,000 mg a day. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting. 

• Slow-release Melatonin - 2 mg a day. Melatonin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating and metabolic effects. Ironically, bats have exceptionally high levels of melatonin, which may be what protects them against symptomatic disease.

• Zinc - 50mg. - Zinc is essential for innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, Zinc inhibits RNA dependent RNA polymerase in vitro against the virus. 

• Complex B Vitamins - There is research to support help fight the virus, according to EVMS. 

• Z-Pack - This antibiotic was prescribed in the ER for the pneumonia. We aren’t sure how helpful it was, and the EVMS protocol would agree with that assumption. 

• Probiotics - To help with restoring her gut flora after the antibiotic. Our gut is our biggest immune defense, and the more diverse our gut flora, the better (especially for C19).

• Aspirin - 325 mg. This doesn’t just affect the lungs, it also affects the blood. Meaning, blood clots. Low-dose aspirin has helped keep patients off ventilators according to one study per EVMS. *This was only used temporarily, until the doctor gave her the a-ok to titrate off, one every other day, and then switch to a fish oil which is a natural blood thinner. 

• Albuterol Inhaler - For when her oxygen would lower. This is a broncho-dilator. Not recommended to use more than every four hours. Must be prescribed. 

• Phenergan Suppositories - Nausea was my mom’s least favorite symptom. This is the only thing that worked. Zofran didn’t do anything for her. Every six hours. Must be prescribed. 

• Ginger Tablet Chews - For nausea. Every six hours.

• Nebulizer - This provided a little more umph than the inhaler. We noticed her oxygen would stay higher for longer after using the nebulizer. Not more than every four hours. Albuterol must also be prescribed. 

• Oxygen Concentrator - For when albuterol treatment doesn’t quite work. Be careful not to oversaturate (give too much oxygen). This can cause further issues. We were fortunate that our family members purchased one we were able to use, and that our doctor walked us through this. 

• Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup - 1-3x a day. Dilates the bronchioles and promotes sinus, throat, and lung health.

• Peppermint Oil - For fevers, and muscle pain relief. 

• CBD Balm - For random aches and pains throughout the body. The back pain was one of my least favorite symptoms. 

Here are some additional recommendations… 

• Checking her oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter every 1-2 hours, including at night. Silent hypoxia (a decrease in oxygen) is a real danger. My mom wouldn’t have symptoms when her oxygen would lower into the 80’s. This is why I had to constantly check her. If it was low, I would administer the recommended treatment.

• Walking 10-20 minutes per day. Walking not only helps increase your oxygen level, it helps prevent blood clots and gets your lympathic system moving (detoxing).

• Daily epsom salt foot baths - To help reduce pain, get in some magnesium, and help the body detox. 

• Sleeping on stomach and sides (prone position) - Hospitals have seen a difference in oxygen levels for patients who sleep on their stomach/sides rather than on their backs. I had to sleep next to my mom to ensure she was consistently staying on her stomach or side. 

• No wire bras - Wearing wires place undue pressure on the ribs that are likely already tight from the trauma the body is experiencing. 

• Apple cider vinegar diluted in water - This helps with the overproduction of acid that can happen when you’re not hungry due to chronic nausea. 

• Osteopathic manipulation - Our osteopath saw her twice which was extremely helpful. 
  Following cravings - Her nausea was pretty bad, so I followed whatever craving she had in order to find or create a nutrient-dense healthy version. 

• Caregivers - This was extremely isolating for me. Although we had a ton of emotional support, I really needed physical reinforcements or a team, which wasn’t possible. Ask for help in whatever way you can get it, such as for cooked food to be dropped off/delivered. The less you have to do, the more time you have to take care of yourself or your loved one. I personally had to remind myself to eat, and take deep breaths. Remember, this is temporary and your loved one is so lucky and grateful to have you taking care of them during this trying time. 

I was taken aback by the outpouring of support we received from both near and far. I am grateful to each and every one of you who prayed, checked in, sent metta/light/love, dropped off food, sent thoughtful notes/cards, and offered space or an ear.

A special mention of my cousins who waited on us hand and foot. Thanks to my friends in healthcare who provided their own perspectives and recommendations, especially Dr. Faraj @restorationhealthcare who checked in with us every night. I don’t know how we could’ve gotten through this without each and every one of you, and it won’t be easily forgotten.  

Shoutout to our healthcare workers, our heroes. Please be safe to not further inundate hospitals. Sending you all love and health.