Schedule an Appointment

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Patients

by Dr. Jennifer Bennett

With all the concerns coming out about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to make sure you have the information to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Symptoms to watch for 2-14 days after exposure:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Shortness of breath

We offer phone visits for our patients who are concerned that they may be showing signs of infection.  This can be done from the comfort of your home.

Tests are limited to critical patients, so please do not expect to be tested at the ER or at your medical clinic. Please do let your medical provider know if you have symptoms and have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

If you have any questions or think you have symptoms, please call the WA State Department of Health, who has designated a special line for COVID-19 concerns at 1-800-525-0127, press #. They will advise you the next step. Remember, unless you think you are critically ill, it is best to avoid the ER as you have a risk of exposure in that setting.

What you need to know:

  1. It is highly contagious.  This virus is spread through respiratory droplets (sneezing and coughing, an infected person touching their mouth/nose/eyes and then touching a surface). It is spread by close contact (within 6 feet).
  2. Masks aren’t necessarily protective. Unfortunately most of the standard masks do not have a fine enough filter to protect those wearing them from the virus. Do not count on standard masks to protect you. This virus can live on surfaces, but we do no know how long it can survive. It is believed from a few hours – 14 days.
  3. This is a noval “new” virus. People over the age of 50 are at higher risk, as well as those on immunosuppresant medications such as Enbrel or Humira. Because we haven’t had exposure to this virus before as children, as adults our immune systems do not have antibodies to protect us. Most likely many people will contract this virus here in Washington and beyond. But at this point those over 50 are at most risk of death from COVID-19.
  4. Protect yourself by protecting your personal terrain. Because the respiratory system is most at risk in this illness, keep your lungs protected.

Everyday Protection Checklist

  • Wash your hands often. Lather your hands with liquid soap and rinse with warm water.  To be effective, wash for 30 seconds making sure to get under your fingernails. It may be a good time to cut your nails short (and your kid’s nails too). If you don’t have access to water, use an alcohol based hand disinfectant (>60% alcohol) or colloidal silver spray or gel.
  • Don’t shake hands or give hugs.
  • Clean surfaces. A simple disinfectant to kill the virus. Colloidal silver spray works as well.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. Use a tissue or cloth.
  • Cover your cough
  • If you have a cold or flu, stay home. If you start to have any severe respiratory symptoms, or your symptoms are not improving, call for help.

Support Your Immune System

  • Get adequate sleep. While you sleep your immune system is active.  Your goal should be 7-9 hours of sleep every night in a dark, quiet room.  Drink water throughout the day & avoid drinking lots of water right before bed.
  • Avoid sugar, fast food and smoking. Choose fresh foods without additives or preservatives like vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and whole grains.  These foods nourish and enhance your immunity by containing compounds that reduce inflammation and help nutrients pass in and out of cells.  Avoid sugars and refined foods that lower white blood cell response to infection.
  • Drink water. Keep your body hydrated by 8- 10 glasses of drinking water a day.  Sugar decreases your immune response to viruses, so choose water over sweetened beverages like juice or soda.
  • Stress reduction. Relax. Stress is directly associated with decreasing immune response by decreasing your IGA mucosal immune response, so identify stressors and limit them in your daily life.
  • Movement. Daily movement, stretching, and exercise increases lymphatic flow, which circulates immune cells throughout your body.  Try to do at least 30-60 minutes of movement everyday.

Natural Support:

  • Vitamin D3. It is best to get your vitamin D levels tested to find out what dose is right for you.
  • Garlic. Try eating 1-2 cloves a day if you tolerate it with your meals as a potent anti-viral food.  Please eat more if loved ones allow.
  • Antiviral herbs. Lemon balm, licorice, thyme, and ginger as all antiviral herbs that can be helpful for the respiratory tract which can easily be made into tea and sipped on throughout the day. Stronger herbs such as andrographis or echinacea can be prescribed by your doctor if you would like additional protection.

Remember, there is a lot of information coming out about the corona virus. Make sure you are receiving it from a credible source (CDC, WHO, your medical professional, or the Washington State Department of Health).

To achieve and maintain your highest health potential, it is important to address factors that are unique to you.  In addition to these COVID-19 prevention guidelines, an individualized diet, herbal medicine, and constitutional homeopathic medicines may be appropriate for you.  As we work together, we emphasize restoration of health, prevention of disease, and achievement of high-level wellness.  By approaching COVID-19 prevention in a holistic way, you not only enhance your body’s immune system, you enhance your overall well-being. Please call us for a appointment at 206-588-1227.

Looking for more information on autoimmune diseases? Get our FREE ebook The 5 Foundations of Autoimmune Diseases, register for one of our FREE online webinars, or check out our blog for additional articles.

Want More Information?

Get our FREE ebook The 5 Foundations of Autoimmune Diseases, register for one of our FREE online webinars, or check out our blog for additional articles.

* indicates required





  • "Always amazing visits! I feel so cared for and know that my health is of first concern when I am here."

    - SR

  • "I highly recommend Aria Integrative Medicine if you have autoimmune issues or other health issues you are trying to get to the bottom of."

    - Alicia P.

  • "I’ve made best progress ever on reducing my symptoms. Thank you!"

    - JH

  • "My care at Aria is always extremely thorough and helpful. It’s great to feel like I’m in good hands!"

    - Beverly L.