THERE is still no cure, or vaccine for that matter, for the coronavirus a.k.a. COVID-19 and the world is still in the midst of a pandemic, with some countries particularly in Europe, and the United States of America experiencing a “second wave” as the infection seems to be rising without letup in these places.
The opposite seems to be happening on the other side of the world, particularly here in Asia as the number of infections and COVID-19 positive is going on a steady decline. In fact, some countries have already declared that they have beaten the virus if not kept it at bay i.e. Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, and even China where it all started. Things are slowly returning to normal.
Here in the Philippines, particularly in “I Am Iloilo City”, the situation seems to be slowly improving. COVID-19 positive cases are declining, likewise for mortality while recovery is high and business is slowly opening. The outlook is optimistic that we can beat the virus.
Most natives have accepted the fact that religiously following the simple medical protocols is our best defense in keeping the virus at bay. Although there are still some idiots who just don’t get it, as best shown by Leni Robredo blatantly violating quarantine and medical protocols i.e. social distancing and no hand shaking or touching the face. She is supposed to be the vice president of the country and she can’t even follow the simple protocols.
Of course, for Leni Robredo the photo-op is of utmost importance. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 must take a backseat.
The fact remains that as of this time there is still no cure or vaccine for COVID-19. There are, however, some promising vaccine developments that have reach the final stage and shows a 90 to 95 percent effectiveness. But they are still on the final stages of trials and not yet available for mass production, which hopefully will be soon.
There are also valid questions raised on the side effects and safety of these vaccines and ulterior motives that might be inserted once the vaccines are available commercially for mass distribution.
Alongside the development of these vaccines, research is also being done on the natural defense, immunity, and therapy against COVID-19. Previously we talked about cannabis oil and virgin coconut oil as natural anti-viral therapy against COVID-19 and which has shown very promising results and the natural immunity of people with the blood Type O.
Let’s take a look at another natural defense against COVID-19 which again has shown very promising results.
Excerpts from an article on the Nov . 21, 2020 issue of https://newseu.cgtn.com/news;
Vitamin D can help fight COVID-19, Belgian researchers say
Researchers in Belgium have discovered a “clear link” between low levels of vitamin D and the severity of COVID-19 cases.
Studies consistently show that at least 40 percent of the Belgian population has inadequate levels of vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin.” But scientist from AZ Delta hospital in West Flanders, who analyzed blood samples from 186 people during the first wave of the pandemic, found that severely ill COVID-19 patients admitted for care showed much higher rates of vitamin D deficiency.
“Up to 75 percent of COVID-19 patients were vitamin D deficient on admission. That’s a lot,” said Dieter de Smet, director of the AZ Delta laboratory. “We also saw that the more severe the COVID-19 pneumonia was, the more pronounced vitamin D deficiency was.”
People get vitamin D when their skin is exposed to the sun or by eating oily fish. It plays a key role in fortifying the immune system and preventing it from overreacting. Some health experts in Europe, including in Belgium and the UK, recommend the entire population be on vitamin D supplements.
Health experts say people with little access to natural sunlight such as the elderly in care homes or people who work in offices should take vitamin D supplements. But if levels are normal, there’s no evidence popping extra pills will do any good.
In the Philippines we are blessed with an abundance of sunlight which we take for granted. In the meantime that there is no vaccine yet, we go outdoors and “catch the sun” at least for five minutes for our daily dose of Vitamin D.
And we segue to our title Catching the Sun, the third album by the American jazz group Spyro Gyra, released in 1980. According to an AllMusic review by Ron Wyn:
Catching the Sun is one among many similar-sounding but highly popular albums by premier fusion ensemble Spyro Gyra. The group’s songs usually contained catchy melodies, prominent backbeats, and some room for improvisational expression; although it was limited and required quick bursts rather than expansive statements. They were and still are near the top in the light jazz and fusion field./PN
