Essential Supplies for SARS CoronaVirus, COVID-19, Flu, and Other Infectious Diseases

March 13, 2020
(Last Updated: 01-29-2024)



The information on this page is intended to help you learn about items that you can keep at home that may be able to help you observe and recover from infectious disease. Some items will help you monitor your body with objective readings and others will require you to learn how to better understand how your body responds to their use. As you gain experience and knowledge, you will have a better understanding about which items may better suit you and your loved ones. Remember that statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. I have included affiliate links to Amazon, so that you can order most of the items directly from them and have them shipped directly to your home. There are other items that are best purchased through my Fullscript site, where I can offer better quality products and pricing than what is available on Amazon. Remember that the foundation of your health is your diet and lifestyle. Anytime you suspect that you may become ill or are ill, it is wise to make sure that your diet and lifestyle will support your recovery. Rest, good food, love, and good nutrition will help give you a solid foundation upon which you can recover.

In Good Health,

Dr. Robles


Thermometer



To measure your body temperature for spikes in fever. Research indicates that fever is one of the primary ways that your body fights infection. Follow your doctor’s guidelines on when to seek care. Fever above 107 F is associated with brain damage. Your body will naturally limit fevers to 105 F. They will not tend to go higher than that unless you restrict your body’s ability to radiate heat with jackets, blankets, sweaters, etc.

Pulse Oximeter



Pulse Oximeter

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***It is best to have this on hand if you are sick and are concerned about pneumonia.
This device will help you measure the oxygen saturation of your body. You can use this to determine if you are at risk of pneumonia that may require urgent attention. The vast majority of those impacted by infectious disease, in particular cold viruses like COVID-19 and SARS, will recover without developing additional problems. However, pneumonia is one of the primary concerns. Pneumonia can decrease oxygen saturation of the body, creating a fuel issue. If your oxygen saturation is below 94%, contact your doctor or nurse hotline for advisement. If your oxygen saturation is below 92% and you have difficulty getting a full breath, it is definitely time to go to urgent care, or potentially the emergency department. Monitoring your oxygen saturation regularly when you are feeling sick is a good idea to make sure that it doesn’t progress into a serious condition. Research from 7 Emergency Departments in Canada demonstrates that you can significantly minimize adverse events by using this threshold for getting help at the hospital. It is always best to consult your doctor for their guidelines. This can even be done at a well patient office visit (This is actually the best time). You can write the number they recommend with a marker on your Pulse Oximeter so that you won’t have to remember it.

Nebulizer



Nebulizer

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******It is best to have this on hand if you are sick and are concerned about pneumonia..
This device can be used to help support upper respiratory stress. There are three ways that I use this personally:
  • Nebulizing salt water. I use 1/4 tsp of Premier Pink Salt with 4-6 oz of distilled water. I add 5 ml to the nebulizer cup and store the rest of the salt water for later use. Then I will turn on the nebulizer and read a book or wash dishes.
  • Nebulizing glutathione. I use 1 capsule of TheraNaturals Reduced Glutahtione (Blue labeled bottle) with 5 ml of distilled water. Turn on the nebulizer and relax. Click to Buy
  • Nebulizing food grade hydrogen peroxide.
    Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
    I use 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide for this, DO NOT use the stabilized one you find at most stores. Add 3-5 drops to 5 ml of distilled water. Turn on the nebulizer and relax. Buy Now $12
  • Replacement Nebulizer Masks
    Adult and Kids Masks

How I choose what to nebulize:


  • Salt Water- dry, scratchy throat or airway
  • Glutathione- At the start of any viral or bacterial infection
  • Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide- During any viral or bacterial infection

I will continue to use them as desired, based on my improvement. Personally, I don’t usually get sick unless I am sacrificing sleep, but as I gained experience with using the different solutions I have found what works best for me over time. Practice is how we gain knowledge and experience. It is always recommended to be evaluated by your most trusted doctor for any questions you may have about your specific condition. Any medical decisions you make about your care should be made by someone who is familiar with your health history and has evaluated you personally. If your symptoms persist please make sure to reach out to your doctor for help.



Neti Pot



Neti Pots can be used to help support the body at the onset of upper respiratory stress such as infection. This type of rinse may cause discomfort for some if you have been blowing your nose or if it is chaffed from wiping. My personal preference is for using the nebulizer, however, if you have concerns about being exposed to transmissable illness, using a neti pot or nasal sinus rinse may help. Here are some options to consider:
  • Salt water, Baking soda, & Distilled Water. To make 60 doses I use 1/2 cup of Premier Pink Salt (or Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt) and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Combine the salt and baking soda in a mortar and pestle. Grind the mixture until very fine (the finer the grain, the faster it will dissolve). Use approximately 1/4 tsp per 8 oz of warm distilled water (Make sure to check the temperature so that you do not use a mixture that is too hot or cold for you). If that concentration is too strong dilute with more water, if you find that it is not quite enough adjust with a pinch as you deem fit.
  • Food grade hydrogen peroxide and Distilled Water.
    Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
    I use 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide for this, DO NOT use the stabilized one you find at most stores. Use a 0.5% solution. This can be done be diluting the 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide by 1/6. This can be done by using 1 oz. of the peroxide per 6 oz. of distilled water. If that concentration is too strong dilute with more water, or, if you find that it is not quite enough; adjust in 1/4 ounce increments as you deem fit. Buy Now $12
  • Disposable Neti Pot & Nasal Rinse Option

    Buy Now $13
  • Neti Salt (60 Packets)

    Buy Now $16

How I choose what to use in the Neti Pot or for a Nasal Rinse:

  • Salt Water & Baking Soda Mixture- First suspicion that you may be getting sick and during the first 1-2 days of symptoms.
  • Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide- During any viral or bacterial infection. First day that you know you are sick and 1-2 days after.

I will continue to use them as desired, based on my improvement. Again, personally, I don’t get sick unless I am sacrificing sleep. By gaining experience using any procedure, I have always found what works best for me over time. Practice is how we gain knowledge and experience. It is always recommended to be evaluated by your most trusted doctor for any questions you may have about your specific condition. Any medical decisions you make about your care should be made by someone who is familiar with your health history and has evaluated you personally. If your symptoms persist please reach out to your doctor for help.



Air Purifier



Air purifiers can reduce infectious particles in the air. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly for your health, they can reduce overall particulate matter in your environment. This may reduce cardiovascular disease and hypertension by up to 16% depending upon your air quality. If you exercise at home, an air purifier is essential to create a healthier workout environment. In short, air pollution (increased particulate matter) is a risk factor associated with increased severity and negative outcomes for infections.


Vitamin C



Camu Camu powder is made from the Camu Camu fruit. It is pretty tart in taste, but packed with vitamin C. You can add small amounts to a smoothie or other liquid that can hide its tart flavor. Vitamin C is used by the body to assist the immune system in killing viruses and bacteria as well as supporting the mucosal barrier functions in the body. Although there are not a preponderance of dose specific studies to clearly identify how much is needed, it is clearly needed and used by the body. Increasing natural foods with vitamin C is not only a healthy habit in general, but when trying to keep your body healthy and not get sick. If you don’t have that option, then this powder can really help. I take 500mg equivalent every other day for support or 1000mg per day if I suspect I may be getting under the weather. It is important to start small with Camu Camu powder as it can irritate the mouth (canker sores) and for some may cause slight diarrhea.


Manuka Honey



This can be used with any cough or to support the body with any infection. Honey is one of the most effective forms of therapy for coughs. Its antimicrobial properties are well known and Manuka Honey is more potent and regulated for antimicrobial purposes. Honey water can be used as a way to support the body. Here is what I do: 1 tsp Manuka Honey with 6-8 oz of warm water at 104 F. Sip and heal.

Olive Leaf Extract



This can support the body with upper respiratory symptoms. I use 1-3 Capsules, 2-3 times per day or 10-30 drops of extract (depending on the concentration) in a small amount of water 2-3 times per day with suspected viral infection.

Oregano Oil




This can support the body with upper respiratory symptoms. I use 1 drop of Oregano Oil in a small amount of water, then immediately after drink 6-8 ounces of water. This stuff is potent. The chaser water is to help with the “burning” sensation the oregano oil will leave in your mouth and throat. One drop goes a long way. I use this with viral or bacterial infections to support my body. Additionally, you may use 1/4 tsp of olive oil and 1 drop of the oregano oil to help take it internally or to use externally (i.e. plantar warts, etc). This dilution may still burn the mouth or skin, so be cautious.


Colloidal Silver




Adults: 1/4 teaspoon
Children (less than 78 lbs.): 1/8 teaspoon
Colloidal Silver can be taken for up to 14 days. You may dilute it with water if you prefer.
***This product is not intended for continuous use. Long term use may result in a blue/grey tinting of the area to which it is applied (argyria). This is due to build up of silver in the body.


Mineral Support




A broad based mineral supplement is great to help support the body during infection. The body’s response to infection requires use of many resources. Increasing mineral support during those times can help your body in that fight. I use mineral support with fevers, especially if they are low grade (100-101 F) fevers that go up and down (normal temp), but aren’t going away.

Other Supplements:

Vitamin D




Routine checking of Vitamin D levels is the best way to maintain adequate amounts of Vitamin D. However, taking more or increasing your dosage best used when you are around sick people. Vitamin D works like a hormone to help your body maintain function of its protective barriers. These barriers help to prevent infection in your body.

Calcium




This mineral should be kept in adequate amounts year round. Similar to Vitamin D, increasing your intake in calcium rich foods or using supplements is best when you are around sick people. It is difficult for a virus to take hold in tissues with a rich supply of calcium.


Enemas




Retention Enemas- This type of enema is used to allow for re-absorption of fluids in the large intestine. Depending on the type of fluid used this therapy can be used to help manage many symptoms.
1. Sea Salt Water Enema
2. Organic Coffee Enema
3. Organic Bone Broth Enema


How I choose what to use for a retention enema:

  • Salt Water- This can be useful during certain infections or to aid in balancing the intestinal microflora during certain conditions. It can also serve to help hydrate the body and help with fevers.
  • Organic Coffee- The limited research available for coffee retention enemas indicates that it stimulates emptying of the biliary system (liver and gall bladder) into the small intestine. This type of retention enema is theorized to facilitate the liver to increase biotransformation (detoxification) of toxicants, better stabilize fluctuations in blood sugar, and metabolize hormones, neurotransmitters, and blood. This can be useful during certain infections or to aid in balancing the intestinal microflora during certain conditions. It can also serve to help hydrate the body, reduce pain, and help with fevers. My preferred option for coffee is S.A. Wilson, although Cafe Mam is also a good option.
  • Organic Bone Broth (Organic Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable Stock can also be used)- In instances when keeping food down is not possible, or there are worries of dehydration from vomiting or other conditions where maintaining fluids is difficult, using a Organic Bone Broth Retention Enema may allow for hydration and electrolytes.

How I choose what to add to a retention enema:

  • Diluted Food Grade Essential Oil- Small amounts of the right oil at the right time can really help with healing and supporting the body through many different symptoms.
  • Glutathione- Adding small amounts of this to an enema allows for the body to use the glutathione locally, and may help with absorption into the blood. Glutathione is typically metabolized (broken down) when taken by mouth, therefore bypassing the upper digestive tract may help with absorption. This can be done by nebulizing it or adding it to an enema.
  • Vitamins & Minerals- Small amounts of clean supplements (zero excipients) can be very beneficial for many conditions. Especially conditions that require increased nutrient demand.
  • Probiotics- Small amounts of clean supplements (zero excipients) can help reinoculate the microflora of the large intestine. This can help with digestion, immune health, and energy production.
I strongly suggest finding a knowledgeable holistic doctor to help guide you through how to use retention enemas in a safe and effective way. I have spent many years guiding patients on the use of retention enemas for improving and supporting their health. Despite my guidance, I will still (infrequently) have patients find that they need guidance on proper use of enemas and how they may get more benefits for their health. Consulting with my office is also an option. Practice is how we gain knowledge and experience. It is always recommended to be evaluated by your most trusted doctor for any questions you may have about your specific condition. Any medical decisions you make about your care should be made by someone who is familiar with your health history and has evaluated you personally. If your symptoms persist please make sure to reach out to your doctor for help.


*** Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of what can be used, it is meant to help educate people and empower them to be proactive and understand how to help themselves. Not be scared. These items are probably available from other places. Some links may be affiliate links to Amazon or other suppliers. This allows for price reductions and quicker delivery of most items. The products listed are well reviewed and many are products that I have personally purchased and use currently. That being said, I can not speak to the quality of the product you receive, nor your experience receiving it from the shipper (which in most cases is going to be Amazon or my Fullscript portal).