中文

COVID-19 Q&As


Clinic updates on COVID-19 and Recommendations from Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Martin Kwok, ND, Dr. TCM.

‍Updated April 17, 2020

‍In this trying time of global COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to let you know that we will still be here to support you should you have health questions or require health care services.
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‍WILL THE CLINIC BE OPEN DURING REGULAR HOURS?
Yes. Our clinic will remain open during regular office hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday to Saturdays. Only patients requiring essential visits or treatments will be allowed to visit the clinic, and only one patient for consultation/treatment will be allowed in the clinic at any time. All other non-essential services will be provided via telephone or telemedicine.

IF I COME DOWN WITH COLD- OR FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS, SHOULD I COME IN FOR TREATMENT?
We have always advised our patients to never take a cold or flu lightly, and treat it as soon as possible to prevent progression of the illnesses and development of potential complications. However, in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are pre-screening all appointments and making sure that you are suitable to come in for assessment/treatment. During this special period, we’ll only be providing phone consultation or telemedicine for patients who have a fever, recent cough, or flu-like symptoms; we can then ship the recommended treatment to your house.

IF I HAVE A FEVER, CAN I TAKE OTC MEDICATION TO BRING IT DOWN?
‍‍Please consult your family doctor or personal health care practitioner before you take any OTC medication to suppress a fever, because a fever is an important part of your overall immune response. In addition, there are currently some concerns about the use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, aka. Advil) in COVID-19 associated fevers; it may aggravate the condition. So, in the meantime, if you have to take OTC fever medication, Tylenol (acetaminophen) would be a safer option until we have more research data saying otherwise.

IF I HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH PEOPLE LATER DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
First, do not panic and start self-isolation for at least 14 days; do not self-diagnose. If you were eventually confirmed to have COVID-19 by proper testing, the current government recommendation is still to self-isolate if your symptoms are mild. For most healthy people your immune system should be able to fight it off in about 2-3 weeks’ time. Even though there is no approved treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 at this point, we believe much can still be done to support our own immune system in fighting off this infection. Throughout human history, we have faced viral epidemics or pandemics from time to time. There is a wealth of cumulative medical knowledge in how to support your body in fighting off and recovering from these infections. The recent Chinese data and experiences have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very helpful as part of the overall treatment for COVID-19 patients. We believe, besides early isolation (which prevents disease spread), pro-active early intervention is also the key in preventing/minimizing the progression of disease. By taking care of yourselves early on, you will also minimize the chance that you would require hospital care, thus lessening the burden on the health care system.

IN THE MEANTIME, WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY RISK OF CONTRACTING COVID-19 AND SUPPORT MY OWN IMMUNE SYSTEM?
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Here are a few recommendations:

  1. Hand Washing (most important): Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after going to public places (office/mall/grocery stores, etc). This prevents unintentionally spreading germs to others and catching germs from public surfaces. Also, remember to wash your hands before eating, before picking up a baby, after going to the washroom, after blowing your nose, after getting off from public transportation, and right after returning home.
  2. Avoid Face Touching: Try to avoid and minimize touching your face/mouth, rubbing your eyes, rubbing your nose, etc. This can be hard because it is an unintentional habit for most people, but try your best.
  3. Avoid Crowded Places: Avoid going to crowded places or limit the time to as short as possible. E.g. grocery shopping.
  4. Social Distancing: Whenever possible, try to connect with friends and colleagues via phone, online apps, or other means that do not require face-to-face meeting. If you have to attend meetings or public events, try to keep at least 6 feet away from other people in any gathering or meeting.
  5. Wear a Mask: If you have to go out and cannot avoid close contact with others (e.g. grocery stores, etc), you should wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
  6. Sleep Well: Try to get enough sleep and good quality sleep (namely going to bed before midnight).
  7. Reduce Stress: This could be hard in this difficult time, but do your best.
  8. Exercise: Maintain a regular exercise routine per usual, but do not overexert yourself. Overexertion may suppress the immune system.
  9. Healthy Eating: Keep a healthy diet. Avoid deep fried foods, too much sweets, and limit alcohol consumption.
  10. Proper Supplementation: Medical research has shown that Vit. A, Vit. D3, Zinc, Selenium, etc., have immune-supportive benefits. Please discuss your regimen with your doctor or health care practitioner.