COVID-19 Health Tips

At Precision Analytical, the health and safety of our customers and employees are our top priorities amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please read our full statement on how we continue to operate safely and effectively during this time and how we are working hard to carry on business as usual to provide the best customer service and test accuracy you deserve while minimizing the potential spread of the coronavirus. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this pandemic.

We hope the information listed here will help you make the best choices for your health. We continue to update our website and social media channels with current information as local and national guidelines evolve and any impact they have on our day-to-day operations.

How is it spread?

COVID-19 is spread via respiratory droplets just like a cold or the flu. When an infected person coughs or sneezes OR if you touch a surface containing their respiratory droplets, you can become infected yourself through inhalation of the droplets.

How contagious is it?

It seems very contagious. Prevention and avoidance of those who are ill is key, BUT the fatality rate is quite low (3-4%), and most people experience mild symptoms with a full recovery! There is no need to panic, just be careful.

What are the symptoms?

• The main symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath
• It is very similar to the flu or pneumonia
• Symptoms range from mild to very severe
• Children and women on estrogen replacement *seem* to have milder symptoms compared to adults (read this interesting article for more information)

Who is considered “most at risk?”

• People over 60
• Adults and children with weakened immune systems from certain medications (e.g. chemo or suppressive drugs), autoimmune, diabetes, heart disease, and lung/respiratory diseases

How can I prevent it?

The best prevention medicine is cleanliness.

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get your whole hands, even your thumbs, the back of your hands, and in between your fingers. If you use hand sanitizer, it must contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective
• Wipe down commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, handles, phones, water bottles, watches, pens, mugs, etc.)
• Cover your nose/mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and properly discard it
• Do not touch your face, mouth, or eyes unless your hands are clean, especially if you have been in public
• Avoid people and large gatherings
• Support your immune system: get good sleep, avoid or minimize alcohol, reduce sugar intake, reduce stress, and hydrate with water

Right now, face masks are NOT recommended unless you have been told to wear one by your doctor.

Supplements to consider temporarily:

• Vitamin D: 2000-5000IU/day
• Zinc: 10-20mg/day
• Vitamin C: 250mg(ish) done 2-4 times per day (best absorbed broken up through the day)
• N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC): 600-1200mg/day (or glutathione: 100-200mg/day)
• Astragalus (herb): 1500-2000mg/day – good for the lungs if you’re having symptoms

What do I do if I get sick?

Whether you think you have COVID-19 or any other illness, please stay home! Do not go in to work, school, church, the store, or anywhere else. Just rest!

Call your doctor before going in to to see them; they may have special instructions on how to come to the clinic or walk-in center. Follow their medical advice; you may be advised to stay home in quarantine for a period of time. Remember, you are probably contagious so be aware of your family members, friends, and community.