Prevention is always better than cure (especially if there isn’t one!)
Right now we face a serious global health concern that has caused widespread worry, especially across parts of Asia. The Coronavirus—first identified in Wuhan—has spread rapidly and prompted heightened caution worldwide.
Data suggests the virus has a greater impact on people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions. Because there is no definitive cure at present, the best strategy is to strengthen and protect our immune systems and take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of infection. Below I share the practical steps my family is taking; I hope they help you stay safe and healthy.
Lifestyle & General Hygiene
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Washing hands – We’ve significantly increased hand-washing at home. With young children, germs travel easily, so washing hands immediately after arriving home or after outings is essential.
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Hand sanitizers – I prefer making a simple spray rather than relying on many commercial sanitizers. I carry this homemade spray with us and have small bottles for the kids’ school bags. Ingredients we use:
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2 oz glass spray bottle
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Essential oils: for example, 10–12 drops of an immune-support blend plus 2 drops tea tree oil, or 10 drops of an On Guard-style blend with 2–3 drops lemon and 2 drops melaleuca (tea tree).
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2 teaspoons witch hazel
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Clean water to top up the bottle
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Optional: 10 ml mini bottles for individual use
Mix the ingredients and spray as needed. Keep this simple solution as a convenient option when hand-washing isn’t immediately available.
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Sleep – Aim for 7–9 hours per night. Adequate sleep is vital for immune function and overall health.
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Reduce stress – Chronic stress weakens immunity. Prioritize stress-reduction practices that work for you, whether short breaks, deep breathing, or light exercise.
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Avoid crowded places – We’re avoiding busy play gyms, crowded attractions, and nonessential travel until the situation improves.
Vitamins
Whole foods should be the foundation of nutrition, but targeted supplements can help when extra support is needed. The supplements we use focus on immune and gut health—remember that a large portion of the immune system is linked to the gut.
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Vitamins
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin D3
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Fish oil or algae-based omega-3s
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Minerals
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Zinc
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Selenium
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Gut support
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Probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome
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Children’s probiotics formulated for kids can be helpful when appropriate
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Food
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Drink bone broth – Rich in nutrients and beneficial for gut health. A simple homemade bone broth is a comforting, nutrient-dense option.
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Eat garlic – Garlic has long been used for its antimicrobial properties. For best effect, consume it raw or minimally cooked. Options include swallowing small pieces, placing minced garlic in a veggie capsule, adding raw garlic to dips like tzatziki or hummus, or adding garlic at the end of cooking so it retains more of its active compounds.
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Choose high vitamin C foods – Citrus fruits, chili peppers, papaya, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are good sources.
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Include nutrient-dense foods – Small amounts of liver, oysters, or sardines provide concentrated nutrients and support overall health.
Herbs
While herbs aren’t my primary expertise, we include well-known immune-supportive options such as turmeric, elderberry, and echinacea as part of our approach.