Due to the extensive media attention and coverage, the very name COVID-19 instills fear and panic in most people at present. It is definitely a dire situation and one not to be nonchalant about. We really can make a big difference by taking responsibility for our own hygienic practices in consideration of those at risk. And rest assured, rigorous COVID-19 hygienic practices are in place at Hands On Osteopathy. At the time of writing, the death toll in Australia stood at 19 people, with 4,460 positive cases across the nation. Cases of COVID-19 worldwide now surpass 745,000, with social distancing to be enforced with hefty fines in NSW and other areas of Australia. As of the evening of 31 March 2020, individuals leaving their homes without reasonable excuse and those breaching the two-person limit of social gathering will be fined by police (SMH, 2020). Many understand the implications of the virus, but understand little of its origin or how a virus functions to create contagion. I have heard several myths of how to keep from contracting it and find this very concerning. We are all are hearing a lot about it on television and radio daily, as well as in our social feeds. The sensory overload is beyond overwhelming. I’d like to put to rest these predominantly false myths and stimulate more thorough understanding to reduce some of the nonsense flying about during an already stressful time. It is useful to try to understand viral function to better understand appropriate behaviours for our own protection.
What is a pandemic?
A pandemic is an epidemic (infectious disease outbreak) that spreads on a global scale. This usually occurs when a new infectious disease emerges that can spread rapidly around the world.
What is a virus?
Viruses are microscopic parasites that lack the capacity to thrive outside of a host body. They are much smaller than bacteria and function in an entirely different manner. For instance, the measles virus is eight times smaller than the E. Coli strain of bacteria (and the hepatitis virus is 45 times smaller than that!) Viruses have been highly useful to research, yielding better understanding of mechanics integral to cell function (such as protein synthesis) and the predictable behaviour of viruses such as COVID-19. As we currently see, because of their need for a host body, viruses are reputable for being the cause of contagion. Also standing out in recent memory are the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa in 2014 and the global outbreak of the pandemic Swine Flu (H1N1) in 2009 (Vidyasagar, 2016). Viruses definitely contain nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) which are key building blocks of life, yet they cannot act to produce the information detailed within them – they need the ‘machinery’ housed within a host body/cell to be able to do this. Without it, they lack the equipment AND reading capabilities and are unable to make more copies of themselves. The virus uses the process of TRANSCRIPTION to build proteins from their own DNA/RNA from the host cells’ structure and DNA. A virion is established once the virus has replicated enough of its information to make it capable of infection. The virion has a nucleic acid core surrounded by a case of proteins (capsid). The capsid protects the virus from nucleases (host cell enzymes that can chew up viral nucleic acids) (Vidyasagar, 2016). A virus can basically be personified as a parasitic squatter. He sneaks into an office in your business without your permission; locking the door. Working away to build independence and strength using YOUR resources, he takes what he has of yours with him and takes over the rest of the offices, and eventually the company/business, for himself, for his own survival and success. Without remorse. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that has never been seen before in humans. First detected in Wuhan, China, it has since spread widely in China and developed into a large ongoing outbreak. It is very similar to a type of coronavirus seen in bats. Epidemiological and clinical investigations are ongoing to better understand the functions and severity of the virus (NSW Government, 2020).
How do they function?
The one mission of any virus: to access the inside of a host cell and hijack the various parts of the cell machinery to replicate itself further and further for its own survival. A virus will then stack the order in its own favour by making itself easy to spread, to ensure it is not eliminated (Vidyasagar, 2016).
There are a number of ways a virus gains access:
by hitching a ride in insect saliva to enter the host’s body via an insect bite (replicating inside the insect as well as a host cell to allow for smooth passage. Yellow and Dengue Fever are examples of such viruses.) NOTE: COVID-19 is not spread in this way.
through open wounds (Your skin is a very good protective barrier; viruses CANNOT enter skin when sitting on the surface.)
via respiratory passages. (Droplets that are sneezed or coughed from the host can enter another host through inhalation or surface contact to passageway – hands to mouth/eye/nose. The virus uses droplets as a VEHICLE to ensure its survival and spread to a new host.)
Once it has access, it attaches itself to the surface of a host cell. Recognising a cell surface receptor (a connection site on the outer layer of the cell), it binds like a puzzle piece to another. There are particular receptors for some viruses, while many other common viruses can use the same type between them.
Viruses can then enter the cell in their own ways, depending upon their structure. Some can fuse with the outer layer of the cell and push through, some can be engulfed by the cell and others can create a porous channel and burrow through the membrane into the cell (Vidyasagar, 2016).
COMBATING SPREAD AND INFECTION
Why self-isolation?
The incubation period (time between when a person is exposed to a virus and when symptoms first appear) is typically 5 to 6 days; it has ranged between 2 to 14 days. Additionally, most cases of COVID-19 appear to have spread from symptomatic individuals and a small number of people may have been infectious before their symptoms arose.
To cover this time period, a 2-week period of isolation has been firmly prescribed to those:
who have returned from overseas or been in contact with travelling individuals
experiencing cold/flu like signs and symptoms
who are immunocompromised (poor immune vitality) or elderly (the elderly have reduced immune capacity).
Wiping of surfaces?
Droplets from coughing, sneezing or other individuals’ hands/clothing can survive on surfaces (depending on type) from two hours up to a few days. For this reason, to prevent further transmission, it is recommended to regularly wipe areas with increased traffic with household disinfectant (especially public areas with traffic of new and different individuals continuously – such as a medical centre front desk).
Social distancing? Droplets from another individual (in the form of a sneeze, cough or vapour from breath) are highly unlikely to spread to another individual beyond a distance of two metres. Remaining at home isolated from other individuals eliminates this risk. Coughing/sneezing/clearing throat into the crook of your elbow prevents projectile action of droplets. Walking the prescribed distance from other individuals in public places is a highly effective preventative behaviour (NSW Government, 2020). Can I improve my immunity to prevent contraction of COVID-19? There are several good self-care behaviours that can give optimum immune support. Meditative practice/stress management strategies Stress results in the production of cortisol, which can impact upon the body’s immune response. Lack of sleep can also contribute in the same way, producing the stress response within the body. Ensure that during this time you are getting enough sleep (Viyasagar, 2016). Supplementation Vitamins C and D have each been connected with support of immune cell function within the body. Each can be taken in the form of supplements. Vitamin C is readily available in citrus fruits, such as oranges, and Vitamin D activation and use can be promoted within the bodily cells with regular exposure to the sun (up to 30 minutes with sun protection). Zinc is also an active constituent in immune adaptation and function and can be found in meat, legumes, dairy and eggs (Aranow, 2011; Healthline, 2019). Avoid excessive inflammatory products Increased inflammation in the body has been linked to increased ingestion of pro-inflammatory foods such as excess sugar, processed foods, alcohol and cigarette smoking. Inflammatory mediators can reduce the efficacy of immune cell function and adaptability to infection (Vidyasagar, 2016).
Myth busting!
After completing the online COVID-19 Infection Control Training provided to all healthcare workers, it astounds me that certain myths are still running rife. Enough is enough! ‘The virus can’t survive in temperatures above approximately 26 degrees. Drink lots of hot fluids/eat hot foods and keep yourself very warm to prevent infection.’ FALSE! Normal core body temperature in adults resides between 36.1 to 37.7 degrees Celsius. Core body temperature is at its lowest in the morning and can rise slightly into the afternoon from normal metabolic processes. Elderly individuals will have a lower core body temperature of around 36 degrees Celsius. It is obvious already that the above is totally incorrect. Droplet transmission from hands to mouth/face/nose/wounds or from inhalation/transmission to the mouth from an infected individual to a healthy individual is how the virus spreads. Temperature cannot protect you. Your own body becomes feverish/pyretic in an effort to eliminate the virus. And this produces feelings of being ill. ‘COVID-19 can be spread to our food, such as meat, and we can ingest it and become infected.’ FALSE! Ensuring bought fruits and vegetables are washed before use eliminates any potential of this—and we should all be doing this anyway as per normal hygiene practice. Strong acids and digestive enzymes do not allow for transmission. Cooking and preparation of food would not allow this either. INHALATION of droplets via the respiratory tracts/openings is the mode by which the virus is transmitted. It is advised to: keeps hands sanitised, not touch face/mouth or eyes without sanitised hands, social distancing and isolation as rigorously as possible, cough/sneezing or clear throat into crook of your arm or tissue – throw tissue away immediately if used. ‘Mosquitos spread COVID-19.’ FALSE! COVID-19 is yet to be detected/contracted from mosquitos. It is a type of coronavirus similar to a bat virus that spreads via droplets as aforementioned. I hope this sheds some light on the current issue of which we are all now a part. Look after each other. Consider those less fortunate than yourself, those who are older or immunocompromised. Remain isolated as much as possible. Practice good sanitisation of your hands and surfaces around your home and workplace. If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 or are concerned you may be unwell and that it might be related to the virus, please do not hesitate to contact me. Mobile: 0421 170 791 Instagram direct message: @handsonosteopathy Facebook: /handsonosteopathywang Email: info@handsonosteopathy.com We also take online bookings on our website. Contact your regular medical professional or hospital if you feel you may have signs or symptoms. Direction to stay at home or arrive for assessment will be provided. COVID-19 needs to remain away from our hospitals to protect the elderly and those immunocompromised. Many of us who may contract COVID-19 will fully recover after having only endured mild symptoms. Take care of yourselves, Lenore Dyson
References Aranow, C. Vitamin D and the Immune System. Journal of Investigative Medicine. (2011) (59 (6): 881-886) Healthline, 10 Best Foods High in Zinc (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-foods-high-in-zinc) (A: 2020) NSW Government Health, COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#8-1) (A: 2020) The Sydney Morning Herald (https://www.smh.com.au/national/coronavirus-updates-live-global-covid-19-cases-surpass-737-000-nsw-begins-enforcement-of-scott-morrison-s-social-gathering-restrictions-20200330-p54fg5.html) (2020) (A: 2020) Vidyasagar, A. What are viruses? (https://www.livescience.com/53272-what-is-a-virus.html) (2016) (Live Science Contributor) (A: 2020)
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