oneilltalk

Recommendations here are based on:

• Review of literature on COVID-19 associated diarrhea (presented here in references)
• Basic principles of management of infectious diarrhea

The principles to apply:

1. this illness spreads by the fecal-oral route. The virus was on a surface, was picked up with hands, food, utensils, plasticware, and carried to the mouth and digestive tract. This is quite identical to transmission of many bacterial "gastro" infections.
2. the person with the diarrhea now, must accept that shedding of the virus and carrying it to surfaces in bathrooms, dinnerware, clothing, linen, via hands is possible or probable for more than a month.
3. while slowing the diarrhea (i.e., reducing frequency and amounts passed) would seem desirable for comfort, medications to this purpose (Lo-Motil, Codeine, others) with the goal of slowing transit through the GI tract are probably to be avoided. Giving the virus more time in the small intestine for example, provides more time for invasiveness across the intestinal lining and is counterproductive.
4. the best barrier to invasion of the viral particles is a healthy gut "microbiome," the trillions of 'friendly' bacteria with which the intestine is colonized. These should be increased in number and supported.
5. while it has yet to reach common usage, one additional method of "support" can be the application of photobiomodulation (PBM) to the abdomen, using read and near-infrared light.

The practice:

1. A dedicated set of utensils, dinnerware, clothing, etc. Developing a conscious awareness of touching little or nothing that will be transferred to other spaces and people. Though not focused here on respiratory risks from the virus, droplets and aerosols from speaking, sneezing, coughing, etc., do settle out onto surfaces. Before they have a chance to do that, frequent air exchanges (hourly), creating drafts with several windows opened, can help.
2. All items routinely contacted are either washed frequently, surfaces sprayed with a 1.5 to 2% solution of bleach, or placed in a space or box for sterilization/ decomtamination using UV-C light. This is effective, works fast (15 minutes) and is safe if properly applied. It is the perfect thing for keys, smartphones, masks, walkie-talkies, reading glasses and other items that can not be washed or sprayed with a disinfectant. These UV-C devices are inexpensive. They work by either direct destruction of the virus, or creation of locally increased ozone concentrations that are also viro-toxic. During their application persons should leave the area. 
3. While not using medications that "relieve" diarrhea, maintaining adequate hydration is mentioned as important. Typically small more frequent meals are advised. Each individual will learn what works best. The duration of the diarrhea is thankfully usually less than in some other GI infections. The concern remains that even after the diarrhea terminated, fecal shedding in normal stools is probable as suggested above.
4. Probiotics would seem a logical addition to the treatment plan. While the studies on which strains of "good" bacteria to chose in the case of COVID-19 are still lacking, those used for other infections with "harmful" bacteria can be relied upon. (see images below).
5. In the category of "can't hurt," and will probably help, is application of red (660 nm) and near-infrared (830-850nm) light across the abdomen. This in support of the energetics at play. The virus is robbing energy from gut cells and bacteria. The light can restore that. Applied at a distance of 6 to 8" away, for a 10 minute session once or twice a day initially, then daily to every other day, is suggested. This light can also be placed in a box equipped with UV-C light to sterilize it as needed.

Specific advice on the above pro-biotics:

1. Vitacost Probiotic 15-35 15 Strains - 35 billion CFU† per serving -- 120 Vegetarian Capsules

2. NOW Saccharomyces Boulardii -- 5 billion CFU - 60 Veg Capsules

Trish had ordered and rapidly received some Zinc and Copper for her knee from the same place (VitaCost.com).

A suggestion: somewhere on Bermuda must be a pharmacy that can sell you some pro-biotics and deliver to your hotel. Tell the pharmacist you're looking for: "a pro-biotic with about 35 billion colony forming units (CFU's). Also need some Saccaromyces B., if you have some."

Once you have it in hand, take 2 capsules of the pro-biotic when you get it. Then, 1 capsule of the probiotic twice a day. Take a Sacc.B. once a day as well.

---------

Red light: I'm working on that. I sent one to Trish for her patella, at the Otter Rock address. Should be there soon or mayba already arrived. I'm currently trying to find someone who has one on Bermuda. So I'll get back to you on that.

---------

<<<<  Home