Following is a Corona Virus update from Dr. Patrick Massey, an MD and practitioner of holistic medicine in the Chicago area. In it he evaluates some of the "cures" for COVID currently circulating on the internet.

Coronavirus Update

The news about COVID 19 is everywhere and repeating it is not my goal. This pandemic is causing a lot of fear and where ever there is fear there will be mis-information. So...

Many of my patients have asked me if there are any alternative therapies are effective against COVID-19. Given the lack of effective medications and therapies in traditional medicine, this is a serious question. The answer is maybe there are some vitamins that may offer some level of protection but beyond that other recommendations about supplements and herbs have no basis for any claims.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to shut down companies which make supplements, vitamins and herbs who are making false claims of their products effectiveness. These products are being hyped as effective to a population where fear is strongest. Now, maybe some of these products cause no real harm but there is no evidence of effectiveness either. Below are some the therapies I have seen hyped as effective against COVID 19.

Silver: a metal that is not just for werewolves. It is used in some industrial systems as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. However, there is no clinical evidence to suggest a medical benefit except in topical wound care. Indeed, long term use is associated with vasculitis, lymphoma, neuropathy and optic neuritis.
Bleach: yes, bleach. Drinking bleach does not kill COVID 19. It certainly can kill you.

Essential oils: I like the smell of many essential oils but there is no evidence that they are effective against either as a preventative or treatment against Covid 19.
Breathing in hot air from a hair dryer: Really hot air kills viruses and bacteria. However, unless you are continuously using a hair dryer as a ventilator, it will not work.

Constantly sipping water: water will not wash the virus into stomach where stomach acid will kill the virus. If it is in your mouth, it is in your sinuses...(see neti pot below)

Neti pot: flushing your sinuses with a neti pot will not prevent or treat COVID 19. If it is in your sinuses, it’s too late.

"Special" COVID 19 protocols: no one can make the claim of successfully treating COVID 19 using teas, bone broth or other products. Some are making a lot of money with claims that their special protocol cures COVID 19...they are bogus.
Herbs and Supplements: there are claims of elderberry, astragalus, echinacea and other products being effective against COVID 19. There is no evidence these claims are true.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: there are a few publications with real but limited benefits in hospitalized patients. No evidence of prevention.

Are there any supplements of vitamins that can help? The answer is a cautious yes. Former CDC Chief Dr. Tom Frieden recently stated that vitamin D may offer some level of prevention. Blood levels or daily intake amounts have not been discussed. I have been a big proponent of taking enough vitamin D to reach a blood level of 70-80 ng/mL. Finding out your level is a simple blood test.

Patrick Massey MD PhD MhD
ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy