Flu Vaccines, Covid Long-Haulers, and Air Purifiers
Preservative Free Flu vaccines are available at Helios
Regular dose is -$30
High Dose (Age 65 and over) - $78
*Influenzium Homeopathic Remedy- $10
*(Ask at the Apothecary)
POST COVID19 SYNDROME: THE LONG-HAULERS
An important number of COVID19 patients are struggling to recover weeks and months after falling ill. Studies are starting to document the complexity and prevalence of COVID19 post-viral syndrome. Those who have put are referred to as long-haulers.
-Italian study showed of hospitalized COVID19 patients 87% had persistent symptoms 60 days after falling ill.
-German study found 78% of COVID19 patients had lingering heart symptoms 2-3 months post-infection.
-CDC published a report documenting 35% of COVID19 patients still had symptoms 3 weeks after diagnosis. Compare this to 10% after influenza.
-US study published in August found that 70% of patients had lingering symptoms fo shortness of breath and 13.5% still needed oxygen 4 weeks after discharge.
-CT scans of COVID19 patients show continued signs of lung damage 12 weeks after hospitalization.
While the lungs are the focus of the infection, long-haulers report a bewildering number of symptoms. Many of these symptoms prevent patients from returning to work and their lives fully. A Facebook support group for long-haulers has over 100,000 followers.
Exhaustion and crippling fatigue in a study from Rome plagued 52% of COVID19 patients 2 months after leaving the hospital. A Chinese study found that number to be 13% after 3 months. In the first SARS outbreak, 22 survivors were found to have long-term fatigue 13-36 months after infection. A separate SARS study found 40% had chronic fatigue.
Not all long-haulers are older as the average age is 44 years. Women are also disproportionally affected. This could be in part due to women’s higher sensitivity to low oxygen levels. Women also have higher rates of autoimmunity such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroid, and the like.
While we still have much to learn about COVID19 post-viral syndrome, conservative estimates of chronic problems following COVID19 could be in the hundreds of thousands of patients in the U.S. Long-term studies are underway to learn more about the nature and potential treatment for long-haulers. We do understand that much of the problem stems from damage to the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and immune dysregulation. It is also likely that latent viral infections “pig pile” on top of an already struggling immune system. Underlying chronic diseases are also made worse and critical nutrient levels fall in the wake of the inflammation wrought by the virus.
Integrated Medicine is uniquely positioned to help long-haulers’ address the complexity of their symptoms. At Helios, we have had been treating post-viral syndromes for decades including reactivation of Epstein Barr virus, mononucleosis, West Nile virus, postherpetic neuralgia, Bell’s palsy, Guillaume Barre, and influenza. We are poised with an array of functional medicine testing to assess inflammation, hormones, GI function, cardiac inflammation, brain function, and nutritional status. We also offer Ph.D. level Oriental Medicine. This gives us the means to personalize each treatment using combinations of medicines, nutrients, herbs, or intravenous nutrient therapy.
-Pierre Brunschwig, MD
Chinese Medicine and the Treatment of Long-Term COVID-19 Sufferers
As the pandemic continues to linger on we are witnessing many people with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis experience debilitating symptoms for weeks and sometimes even months. The most common symptoms are: fatigue, shortness of breath, gastro-intestinal distress and cardiac abnormalities. It is well documented in several studies that patients whom receive a combination of traditional allopathic medicine with acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine have a reduction in the length and severity of symptoms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine as a holistic system is capable of treating both underlying cause, such as a weakened immune system, as well as the current expression of symptoms. Patented herbal medicines can be effectively used to heal tissues of the heart and lungs damaged by the virus. Moreover, there are powerful herbal remedies used to strengthen the body’s immunity and overall vitality. Many of the herbs I prescribe to strengthen the cardiovascular systems of our high-altitude athletes are on the documented list to help deliver more oxygen throughout the body to effectively combat common side-effects of long-term COVID-19 sufferers.
Lastly, it is imperative that the diet of these “long-haulers” is designed to allow the greatest opportunity for recovery. Food and its method of preparation can be supremely beneficial when basic principles are utilized. For example, when the body is fighting any sort of virus or pathogen food must be prepared so as little energy as possible goes into breaking down the food (think soups and stews) with maximum nutritional load. The anti-viral and strengthening properties of garlic, ginger and honey with bone broths rich in minerals and vitamins provide the ammunition to defend and heal the body.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine offer a crucial, though often overlooked, roll in both prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The best medicine is that which keeps you well. Our minds need to firmly set on maximizing our immune strength, boosting our nutrition and digestion, and getting good quality sleep. For those that have lingering symptoms after recovery, carefully consider including Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture to expedite healing.
-Margaret Hampton DACM
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Austin Air Purifiers
For removing forest fire smoke and virus from the air.
Use what Helios uses!
It has definitely been a smoky fall here in Colorado. With wildfires and airborne viruses as concerns for all of us, we have had a lot of questions regarding air purifiers. Helios is an authorized Austin Air sales site. We are able to order Air purifiers for you at a savings of $50 off MSRP. Currently, we are able to order three different full-sized (23”x14.5”x14.5”) Austin Air Purifiers depending on your needs. This size will filter a room or home up to 1,500 square feet. Each air purifier comes with one filter that lasts 5 years with normal use and comes in a color choice of black or sandstone. We are also able to supply replacement filters, please email the apothecary for pricing. See below for the purifiers offered.
* Please note that currently fulfillment of air purifier orders is taking about 4 to 5 weeks. All orders require payment at the time of order. Prices listed are prior to applicable sales tax.
For more information visit, www.austinair.com
The Austin Air Allergy Machine® was developed specifically for people with asthma and allergies. Its unique design increases airflow, filtering allergens from the air immediately. The HEPA and HEGA filtration used in this unit is also highly effective at removing viruses and bacteria when they are airborne. This unit is also best for clearing smoke from the air.
Helios Exclusive Price $585
The Austin Air HealthMate® was designed to address your everyday air quality concerns. It removes a wide range of airborne particles, including viruses that are 0.1 microns and larger, bacteria, chemicals, gases and odors. The Austin Air HealthMate will significantly improve the quality of air in your home.
Helios Exclusive Price $545
The Austin Air Bedroom Machine® is designed to give you the ultimate protection against allergens, viruses, bacteria, chemicals and VOC’s. The results of two separate clinical trials show this unit to be highly effective at removing dangerous airborne pollutants from the home. Keep the air in your bedroom free from pollution and get the good night’s sleep you deserve.
Helios Exclusive Price $795