Editor’s note, April 9: This article is an opinion piece. Just like all opinion pieces, the opinions expressed within should be taken as such. It bears repeating that all personal medical decisions should be made with your primary care physician and not based on an opinion article.

By Mara Williams, ANP-BC

Orcas Island

Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, Ph.D., an internationally renowned physician, spoke at a virtual integrative medicine conference that I attended. He shared the latest information on COVID-19. He discussed pharmaceutical and integrative ways to treat the virus.

Seventy-five percent of those affected are male. Other risk factors are obesity, Diabetes and underlying respiratory disease. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) occurs in 30 percent of those who contract the virus. Incubation is 4-7 days, with a few cases at 12 days. A new antibody test is recently available that is more accurate. The virus can last on smooth, shiny surfaces for up to 72 hours. Soap and water work better than alcohol based sanitizers.

Symptoms are fever, followed by a dry, hacking cough, and fatigue.

To prevent catching the virus, wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Avoid touching your face. Avoid close contact. Wear a mask in public.

If you have high blood pressure and are taking an ACE Inhibitors like Lisinopril, ask your provider to switch you to an ARB Inhibitor, like Losartan. The ACE Inhibitors allow the virus to move into the lungs. Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, (aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen) as they will allow the virus to get into the lungs. Do not take extra selenium besides what is found in a multivitamin/mineral as it speeds entry into the lungs. Finally, colloidal silver is not as effective as it usually is with viral illnesses.

Fortunately, the FDA has approved Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and Azithromycin for use with COVID-19. It has been shown to be 100 percent effective. Another medication used as an anti-parasite drug also works. It is called Alinia.

For those that prefer an integrative approach, Andrographis and Vitamin C, in combination, are as effective as the two medications above. Dr. Klinghardt recommends using a tincture and a dose of two dropperfuls of Andrographis four times daily with Vitamin C at 2000 mg each time.

Also, it is important to use Liposomal Vitamin C as it is equal to the Intravenous route. Thus, 1000 mg liposomal C is equal to 1000 mg IV C. The amount of Vitamin C to take is based upon your weight. So, take 100-200 mg C/kg/body weight (a KG = 2.2 lb.). Quercetin is a strong anti-inflammatory that is helpful as well. Nettle is full of Quercetin, so in the islands, it is young, fresh and potent now. Propolis tincture to swish and swallow is helpful multiple times a day.

To prevent getting this flu virus, take a minimum of 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily with food. Add 5000-10000 IU Vitamin D3 daily with food. Vitamin D3 is excellent for the immune system. Optimum levels are between 60-80.

Editor’s note: Hydroxychloroquine, a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for malaria, has not been medically proven to cure or prevent COVID-19.