Coronavirus: My plan to combat Covid19 until I’m vaccinated

Dec 13, 2020 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

Kaieteur News – It has been a tough year for us all and as we near the end of the year, we still have a way to go before the pandemic is controlled. While the developed world is initiating vaccine use, we are still a far way out from getting access to this lifesaving intervention. Given the current data, I suspect that Guyana will begin to have substantial access to vaccines till the second half of 2021. So I do see us having to figure out a way to continue to live with the virus into most of 2021. Based on this, and after reviewing the latest evidence, I have derived a plan that I will use to combat this virus until I get vaccinated. It is only prudent that I share this so that others can be informed of how simple changes can make such a big impact in our fight against COVID-19.
Ivermectin all the way!
Ivermectin is not patented; it is cheap and therefore is not as profitable as many other medications that are recently invented and still has a patent. The reality is that drugs are cheap and have lost their patent, are not promoted since they can be made by any pharmaceutical company and will therefore have reduced profit margins. I am a firm believer in Ivermectin and its effectiveness against COVID-19. It has been around for decades and has proven anti-viral properties. Studies are showing its effectiveness against the COVID-19 infection and what’s even more encouraging, are studies coming out from Argentina and India of its benefit in preventing the disease. Health workers using this medication have not had the disease and a few had the mild form while those that didn’t had higher infection rates. This drug is one of the safest around and is usually mass distributed to help combat filariasis countrywide. I will be using my first prophylactic (prevention) dose when I finish this article and I will follow up with monthly repeats to protect myself from the virus.

VITAMINS C AND D WITH ZINC
These essential nutrients are proven to be vital in helping our body to fight off infections. Studies have shown higher COVID-19 infections and death rates in patients with low vitamin D levels. Vitamin C and Zinc have been shown to decrease severity and duration in viral illnesses similar to the COVID-19 infection. There is no harm in getting my daily vitamins and zinc so I will ensure my diet contains these essential nutrients. Eating fish, healthy meat, eggs and dairy should help with my Vitamin D and Zinc while using citrus fruits daily will give me my Vitamin C. I will ensure I expose myself daily to sunlight which is a good back up plan to acquire Vitamin D.

WEARING MY MASK AND MAINTAINING GOOD HYGIENE
Being a health worker, I am now used to having my mask on, keeping my hands clean and not touching my face. The science is clear that these preventative measures work and I’ll keep on doing them as best as I can. We are all humans and we have our moments of weakness but the more often we practice these measures, the more likely we will be protected in the event that we are exposed to the virus

TRYING TO REGAIN SOME NORMALCY
It has been difficult to be at home and avoid friends and family. Interaction is part of our human needs and it’s definitely needed to help with mental stability. It would be impossible to isolate myself until the pandemic is over. My next best option is to have risk averse interactions with friends and colleagues who are responsible in a controlled environment. When I have to interact, being in an open space with free flowing air is the best environment. Social distancing will be practiced and I’ll ensure the space is not crowded and I’m with persons who are smart and responsible with their behaviour.
This is my plan to live with the virus until I get vaccinated. It may not be fool proof but it’s the best that I can come up with based on evidence I gathered from research and what seems to have worked thus far. The cure is nearer than before; use proper evidence to formulate a plan that will keep you safe against this virus until you get vaccinated.

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