Currently, few topics outdo viruses in terms of instilling fear and panic in the general population.

While there certainly can be a health risk with viruses, when you understand them and take measures to protect yourself, then the virus “monster” doesn’t appear as scary.

Tiny germs

Viruses are tiny germs that are totally dependent on you for survival and reproduction.

Scientists estimate that viruses have been around for about 50,000 – 100,000 years, so they’re certainly nothing new! 

Viruses are responsible for many well-known illnesses including colds, influenza, chickenpox, shingles, measles, mumps, and now coronavirus.

Noteworthy numbers

While the news headlines surrounding viruses can be alarming, it’s important to look at the numbers:

• Currently, there have been 113,702 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 4,012 deaths.
• With a world population of 7.8 billion people, you stand a .001 percent chance of getting coronavirus, and a .00005 percent chance of dying from it.
• Regarding influenza: The CDC combines influenza and pneumonia statistics, so the flu death numbers you see in the news are grossly inflated. 
• Based on the most recent CDC data (from 2017), there were approximately 3,619 deaths due to flu and 52,053 from pneumonia.
• So, with a US population of 330 million, you have a .001 percent chance of dying from the flu.
• You stand a six-times greater chance (.0065) of being struck by lightning.

Smart virus-prevention measures

When it comes to fighting viruses, prevention is always best!

Your first line of defense is a strong-functioning immune system.  Your immune system is the #1 determining factor as to whether you contract a virus, and if you do, how quickly you will recover. 

To encourage strong immune function, probiotics (Super Shield) are a must. Seventy percent of your immune system resides in the gut microbiome, so it’s crucial to replenish your friendly flora.

Vitamin D also supports the immune system.  Studies have shown that low Vitamin D levels are associated with increases in colds and flu.   

Here are 10 other smart virus-fighting measures you can take:

1. Have a wholesome diet of nutritious foods and avoid sugars and refined carbohydrates.
2. Wash your hands often! Be sure to wash when you come home from going out in public.  Ordinary soap and water are all you need.
3. Skip hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers trap harmful bacteria in the skin of your hands.
4. Reduce stress. Stress causes harmful changes to your gut and can impact your immune function, making it far more likely that you will get sick.
5. If you feel sick, stay home and rest!
6. A facemask only prevents you from spreading your germs to others—it does nothing to protect you from getting someone’s else’s germs.
7. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
8. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to prevent the spread of germs.
9. Consider taking a daily multi-vitamin formula (Super Core) to ensure all your nutritional needs are met, especially Vitamin C.
10. Keep your distance from people who have cold or flu symptoms.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia