COVID is back (did it ever leave?) Here's how to protect yourselves.

A recent Harvard University study found that acupuncture tames cytokine storms.

We’re all sick of COVID, but COVID is not sick of us, unfortunately. Thus far, this surge is affecting 44 states and is highest in the West.

I’ll be masking in the office again, for the safety of my elderly and immunocompromised patients. I can’t force you to mask, but if you’d consider doing so, I’m sure other patients would be grateful.

According the the Washington Post, “The CDC no longer tracks comprehensive COVID hospitalization data, which served as a good barometer for the virus’s severity…The death toll of the ongoing summer uptick is not clear, because fatality data takes several weeks to become accurate.”

So, what can we do? (Everyone is different and has different health concerns. These are general tips and are not intended to diagnose.)

• Receive acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture aids our immune system. And a recent study on mice at Harvard found that acupuncture successfully tames cytokine storms, which can lead to often-fatal sepsis.

• Mask in public and enclosed spaces

• Air filtration

• Breathing exercises like this one recommended by respiratory therapists which I demonstrate in a video I made in the early pandemic. Forgive the sweater. I’m not insane. It may be in the 100’s now, but it was winter when I shot this!

• Herbal formulas can be effective for prevention and treatment. Which strategy I prescribe depends an individual’s medical history, current symptoms, other medications etc, so these can not be prescribed without a in-clinic or virtual consultation. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can text me or email me at drmonroe@melissamariemonroe.com

• Eastern and Western docs both agree that vitamin D and zinc supplementation can be helpful for most people. If you aren’t sure you are a candidate for supplementation, check with your provider.

• Adequate hydration

• A balanced diet, including a variety of plants.

• New vaccines are available for those open to vaccines. This is not the place to debate vaccines, though. They are available if you want them.

• Paxlovid seems to be helpful with the two current strains.

Current guidelines suggest isolating until you are symptom and fever-free for 24 hours. Is this enough? Who knows? We seem to be on our own now. I do think the socially responsible thing to do is to isolate (except if you are seeking medical attention) until you are symptom-free. At the very least, avoid contact with the elderly and immunocompromised.

I’ll be OOT July 25-August 2, but otherwise, if you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can text or email me at drmonroe@melissamariemonroe.com.

To your health,

Melissa