Ever since the coronavirus was identified by Chinese officials in early January, news reports have alerted us to its escalation on an almost hourly basis. With over 4,000 cases in China, 106 of which have proved fatal, new outbreaks of the virus have since been confirmed in Australia, Canada, France and Germany. A respiratory infection similar to SARS, the nature of the coronavirus means it has the potential to spread far and wide, and quickly.
If the virus is actually as contagious as is being currently asserted, modern air travel and the purported time of incubation and asymptomatic status (about two weeks) really means it can spread anywhere on the planet, says cardiologist and vitamin C expert Dr Thomas E. Levy. As with nearly all other contagious viruses, spread is most commonly due to airborne virus in microdroplets from sneezing, coughing and the exhalation of infected individuals.
A sensible first step? A strong immune system is really the only significant protection for an individual, says Dr Levy. And a great deal of immune system strength comes from the vitamin C content in the immune cells. When the levels of vitamin C in the body are low, the immune system can never function at full capacity, he adds. (To boost your natural defences try a daily dose of oral supplementation, anywhere up to 2000mg.)
Understandably, the possibility of a pandemic is enough to cause serious panic. While avoiding exposure to anyone likely affected is an obvious precaution, there are practical ways you can protect yourself and allay your worries. Here are Vogues tips to help you keep calm and carry on.
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Washing your hands frequently isnt just good daily etiquette, its the first line of defence when it comes to warding off the spread of infection. For the most effective results apply warm water to your hands before lathering up with your chosen soap Floriss Luxury Hand Washes make the job more enjoyable. Scrub vigorously for at least 20 seconds to kill any germs, making sure you reach every part including the backs of your hands and under your fingernails, then rinse well and dry. If the occasion means its impossible to get to running water, then a hand sanitiser will suffice; just ensure it contains at least 60 per cent alcohol, which is enough to get to work eliminating almost all classes of germ immediately. When it comes to mixing form and function, Byredos Rinse-Free Hand Wash, (25) does a sterling job: combining Scandi-chic packaging with breezy florals and soft musks, it makes pulling it out of your handbag every hour a pleasure, rather than a chore.
While you might be more familiar with the power of LED therapy when it comes to treating myriad skin ailments (everything from increasing collagen and bounce in the skin to fading acne scars), its also an effective tool in combatting feelings of stress and anxiety. Near-Infrared has a balancing effect on cortisol, which is commonly referred to as the stress hormone, while happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine are triggered by the lights, explains The Light Salon co-founder Laura Ferguson. Add to that the sensation of warmth that gently spreads over your skin for the duration of the treatment, and chances are youll re-emerge much more zen than you went in. Plus, of course, glowing, healthy skin is always a welcome bonus. For a quick but effective blast of bliss without even having to remove your make-up, book in for The Pick-Me-Up (35 for 15mins) at The Light Salon.
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Meditation can play a key role in providing a sense of clarity and perspective during times of intense worry, something youll already know if youre one of the 40 million global users of the Headspace app. On a physical level, things like meditation, sound healing, reiki healing and breathwork kick in your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation, and tone down your fight or flight response, explains Yulia Kovaleva, Founder of Re:Mind Studio. To engage with this ancient relaxation technique, regardless of your experience or skill, Yulia suggests the simple step of connecting with your breath. Breathe in, collecting all the tension and tight feelings around your chest, and then exhale. Imagine it moving down through your body, down to your belly, into your pelvis and all the way down into your feet and leaving your body, releasing it into the ground. Best of all, the practice can be done anywhere and anytime, even (and perhaps aptly) on the Central line at 8am.
Not just a way to perk up your evening bath, aromatherapy has a proven impact on issues including depression and insomnia. As we breathe the essential oil, some constituents are absorbed through the nose via the olfactory bulb which communicates with the limbic system, says Annee de Mamiel, aromatherapist and skin practitioner. The limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance. Harness the potency by sprinkling a few drops of an inhalation blend inside a tissue; de Mamiels Altitude Oil (30) was created to help protect the immune system and contains linalool-rich lavender to relax the mind, and antiviral eucalyptus, pine and lemon myrtle to fight bacteria and viral pathogens.
Even if not directly affected by trauma, often the thought of perceived risk is enough to make us feel anxious. To set your mind at ease, enlist the help of an herbal tincture to soothe frayed nerves, re-establish a sense of equilibrium and sharpen brain function. Lauded in Ayurvedic medicine, studies have shown that ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb (meaning it can help your body handle stress better) that can have a significant effect on fighting symptoms of anxiety by modulating cortisol. Try adding a teaspoon to your morning smoothie, or mixing with warm milk and honey before bed.
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5 Ways To Avoid Freaking Out About The Coronavirus - British Vogue
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