The wisest recommendation for avoiding MERS is by avoiding contact with sick camels, which is relatively easy in most parts of the world, but MERS is no laughing matter. Roughly 40% of infected individuals die, and if the coronavirus continues to evolve and adapt to humans, it could be a new global pandemic. Many of the cases in humans have spread within a healthcare setting, like a hospital, but the "outbreak" sizes have been relatively small, averaging roughly 3 people, so the risk of an explosive outbreak is low. The prescribed treatment for MERS is rather intensive, and not proven to work in all cases, which is why many people have turned to natural remedies to prevent or combat this infection. While the seriousness of this virus cannot be overstated, and medical attention is highly recommended, some natural remedies may be beneficial to complement prescribed medications. Now, let’s take a closer look at the home remedies for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
Home Remedies for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
Astragalus: This might not be the most commonly used herb, but it is a powerful one, with direct connections to boosting immune system strength. Astragalus is also easily accessible in the Middle East, which is where the majority of MERS cases, including the major Saudi Arabia outbreak in 2012, have occurred.
Chinese Skullcap: This herb has been used for hundreds of years due to its diverse effects against bacterial and viral infections throughout the body. It is known to inhibit the replication of pathogens, which can stop the spread of the infection, while also helping the immune system stay strong, rather than turning on itself in a "cytokine storm", which is often observed in MERS cases.
Zinc: One of the most important things for fighting any infection is boosting the immune system, and zinc is a key component of the human immune system, primarily in its production of white blood cells. Foods high in zinc can be consumed to protect against viral infections, such as wheat germ, spinach, cashews, red meat, and mushrooms.
Vitamin C: The most famous immune system booster is obviously vitamin C, which can be found in high concentrations in a wide range of readily accessible fruits and vegetables. Much like zinc, vitamin C is known to boost the production of white blood cells to fight off MERS, and also has antioxidant potential to reduce oxidative stress, which is increased by the infection.