There was a company working on a nasal spray gel that I read about, to trap and block the virus in the upper respiratory tract, a bit like those hayfever sprays (which, to be fair, would probably do a similar job, but I think they were adding an antiviral compound). Not sure how far it got towards approval.
Beyond that, I'd think just strengthening your immune system as much as possible, like Mark says, would be your best bet. Flushing out the lungs with plenty of fresh air will minimise the virus from building up, and vitamin C, vitamin D/sunshine and small quantities of zinc supplements are rarely a bad idea unless specifically contraindicated by medical advice. I've seen comments on using mouthwash two or three times a day as well, which is probably a sensible idea, even if only from an oral hygiene perspective, just so long as it doesn't damage the cells there in the process (something strong like TCP three times daily would probably make things worse, though equally no one would be getting anywhere near someone smelling that strongly of TCP!)
In terms of preventing the virus from 'going vascular' which I think was your question though, that would probably be difficult - the alveoli of the lungs have, by design, a huge surface area, so it's a lot of territory to protect. Far easier to stop the virus further up, in the trachea, nostrils and mouth.
Ironically, masks *do* work, but only proper, close fitting respirators and HEPA style filters, down to sub-micron level filtration, and they are expensive and need frequent replacement. Plus, from experience in around May last year, people in the supermarket will look at you like you are insane, as it gives off quite the 'prepper' vibe. Thankfully it's quite difficult to be recognised whilst wearing one though. Anyway, a cloth/paper rag over the mouth and nose will just keep viruses, bacteria and CO2 in, not out. You don't see a lot of cloth masks in biohazard labs is all I'm saying.
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branchandroot
Re: Red Death scenario
Date: 2021-11-30 12:11 am (UTC)Beyond that, I'd think just strengthening your immune system as much as possible, like Mark says, would be your best bet. Flushing out the lungs with plenty of fresh air will minimise the virus from building up, and vitamin C, vitamin D/sunshine and small quantities of zinc supplements are rarely a bad idea unless specifically contraindicated by medical advice. I've seen comments on using mouthwash two or three times a day as well, which is probably a sensible idea, even if only from an oral hygiene perspective, just so long as it doesn't damage the cells there in the process (something strong like TCP three times daily would probably make things worse, though equally no one would be getting anywhere near someone smelling that strongly of TCP!)
In terms of preventing the virus from 'going vascular' which I think was your question though, that would probably be difficult - the alveoli of the lungs have, by design, a huge surface area, so it's a lot of territory to protect. Far easier to stop the virus further up, in the trachea, nostrils and mouth.
Ironically, masks *do* work, but only proper, close fitting respirators and HEPA style filters, down to sub-micron level filtration, and they are expensive and need frequent replacement. Plus, from experience in around May last year, people in the supermarket will look at you like you are insane, as it gives off quite the 'prepper' vibe. Thankfully it's quite difficult to be recognised whilst wearing one though. Anyway, a cloth/paper rag over the mouth and nose will just keep viruses, bacteria and CO2 in, not out. You don't see a lot of cloth masks in biohazard labs is all I'm saying.
WolfDog