The coronavirus (COVID-19) originally detected in China several weeks ago has now been classified as a pandemic, meaning it is spreading rapidly on every continent. What we should all be reminded of, besides taking precautions, is not to create an unnecessary pandemic of fear. In this posting, I’d like to address those precautions (I’m sure many of you have already educated yourselves), review changes we are taking at the massage studio but also address the benefits of massage on the immune system.

About the Virus

With COVID-19, the first known advanced cases were reported in mainland China on December 31, 2019, and by January 7 the virus had already been identified. Within ten days the genome was mapped. It is a new coronavirus from group 2B (the same family as the SARS). Genetic analyses have confirmed COVID-19’s recent natural origin between late November and early December and that, although viruses live by mutating, its rate of mutation may not be very high.  However, its transmission rate and means of spreading (coughing, sneezing, touching surfaces and then your face or mouth) are similar to the common flu.

A test for the detection of the virus has been available since January 13th. We are seeing good results with the strong control measures in China and the number of new cases is actually decreasing.  The virus causes no symptoms or is mild in 81% of cases. 14% result in severe pneumonia and in 5% of cases, it can become critical or fatal. Very detailed epidemiological studies are being conducted in most countries of initial infection, and while still early, many health experts believe fatalities could be lower than originally believed. The newest data reflects the number of confirmed cases and the resulting deaths, but most infections are cured and the proportions are improving. The vast majority of fatalities are in the elderly or very young children under 3.

People under 20 make up only 20% of cases, and mortality under 40 is less than 0.2%. Symptoms in children are often so mild that the virus can go undetected. However, transmission is still possible and universal precautions should be maintained by everyone.

Symptoms

The CDC states the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

—Fever
—Cough
—Shortness of breath

Symptoms of sore throat, headaches, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or irritated eyes could be flu, cold or allergy-related, but are NOT associated with COVID-19. 

Prevention

The washing of one’s hands regularly with soap and water is still the best prevention for exposure. While many consider this basic daily hygiene, HOW you wash is very important: scrubbing under your nails, washing all exposed areas including forearms and elbows, and taking your time to thoroughly wash.

The virus can be effectively inactivated from surfaces with a solution of ethanol (60% alcohol or greater), hydrogen peroxide (0.5% hydrogen peroxide) or sodium hypochlorite (0.1% bleach), in just one minute.

Avoid large groups and public areas unnecessarily.

Strong Immunity Starts with Health

Once exposed, your best line of defense is your body’s own immune system, which can vary greatly depending on age, genetics and other factors. Making good health-oriented lifestyle choices can strengthen your body’s ability to fight the pathogen in the early stages of exposure:

—Avoid or moderate alcohol and tobacco
—Eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in saturated fats
—Exercise regularly
—Learn techniques to manage stress levels

Massage and the Immune System

Researchers recently completed a comprehensive study at Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, the first study to be conclusive (and backing up previous smalller studies) in the connection between massage and the body’s immune system. Mark Rapaport, M.D., chairman of the department stated “People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn’t been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now.” The study concludes that vigorous massage (beyond light touch) significantly changes the numbers in lymphocytes and white blood cells, decreases Arginine Vasopressin (AVP), decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol and a notable decrease in most cytokines produced by stimulated white blood cells. This points to building a heightened neuroendocrine functionality, and thus a stronger immunity toward disease.

The truth is, most of us have already or will be exposed to COVID-19.

HOWEVER, it’s important to note that should you currently exhibit any symptoms listed above (or recently have), you should avoid contact with others, stay home, self-isolate and seek medical attention. This is especially true of the elderly, young children under 3 or anyone with a comprised immune system.

Actions We Are Taking at RCMT:

We are currently taking additional preventative measures to disinfect surfaces such as the table, face cradle, doorknobs, pump bottles, surfaces and drawer handles. Hand sanitizer is available in both rooms and staff has been encouraged to use it more frequently. Normal laundering of sheets is considered proper protocol for fabrics.

Cancellations/reschedules are encouraged for anyone with symptoms or who have been exposed at home or work to people with symptoms.

Again, most of us have already or will be exposed to COVID-19 and our immune system will function as it does to arrest most pathogens. Be smart, but don’t contribute to unnecessary fear and panic.

The Bright Side

The process by which we develop new vaccines has been dramatically groundbreaking. Already there are more than eight projects underway seeking a vaccine against the new coronavirus. The University of Queensland, in Australia, has announced it is already working on a prototype using the technique called “molecular clamp”, a novel technology. This is just one example that could allow vaccine production in record time. Prototypes may soon be tested on humans.

Rod Cain is owner/operator of
Rod Cain Massage Burlington Vermont