COVID-19 Update: Episode 1 part 1

COVID-19 Update Episode 1 - Optimal Immunity & COVID-19 part 1

Dr. Dicken Weatherby & Beth Ellen DiLuglio

This 2-part audio presentation was recorded on April 6th, 2020 to present some of the latest research around COVID-19. In part 1 we covered the following topics:

1. Who is most at risk for COVID-19?
2. What are some of the early warning signs?
3. What's the connection between the loss of taste and smell experienced by many sufferers and zinc deficiency?
4. What role does zinc play in the immune system and conversely, what role does zinc deficiency play in sub-optimal immune system function?
5. How do we test for zinc deficiency?
6. A review of some of the testing for SARS CoV2 Virus - antigen, stool antibody and serum antibody testing

Research Studies and Links

• Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors have been shown to be the entry point into human cells for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 - CLICK HERE for content
• February 21, 2020 JAMA: Presumed Asymptomatic Carrier Transmission of COVID-19 Patient1 China - CLICK HERE for content
• March 20, 2020 Nature: Covert coronavirus infections could be seeding new outbreaks - CLICK HERE for content
• The body requires zinc to develop and activate T-lymphocytes - CLICK HERE for content
• CDC Micronutrient Malnutrition - CLICK HERE for content
• Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity - CLICK HERE for content
• Hair zinc levels may be used to assess chronic zinc deficiency - CLICK HERE for content

• CDC Testing Article
• Healthline Coronavirus Diagnosis
  • Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP on March 26, 2020 New — Written by Leilani Fraley, RN, MSN (doesn’t include Gastro sx)
  • Diagnostic Solutions Lab Test - Swab nose or throat to detect virus itself– restricted in USA to those with symptoms and doctor’s note, hospitals, public institutions
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing = primary diagnostic testing
  • May be inconclusive if positive for only 1 of the 2 genes tested
• Stool
  • COVID-19 found in sputum and feces samples after pharyngeal specimens were no longer positive - CLICK HERE for content
  • Licensed healthcare practitioners have access to PCR stool testing though not “diagnostic”