COVID Protocol

Navigating COVID as a Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner: My Personal Action Plan

I recently got hit hard by another COVID mutation and felt I would be doing you all, my members, a disservice if I didn’t share an action plan for tackling this virus head-on. As a functional medicine nurse practitioner, my approach goes beyond symptom management—I focus on addressing root causes, supporting immune function, and optimizing recovery. Below is my personal COVID treatment protocol, integrating evidence-based functional medicine strategies.

First Steps: Identifying the Virus & Early Intervention

The moment I noticed symptoms—fatigue, fever, congestion—I said "Oh no feels like COVID". Early treatment is crucial for implementing effective treatment.

My Functional Medicine COVID Protocol

(In order of priority; not all required.)

Antiviral & Immune-Supportive Therapies:

• Quercetin: 250-500 mg twice daily (staggered apart from ivermectin to avoid interaction) to support immune function and reduce inflammation.

• Nigella sativa (Black Seed Oil): 400-500 mg twice daily, known for its antiviral properties.

• Ivermectin: 0.4-0.6 mg/kg once daily for at least 5 days or until symptoms resolved. Best taken with food. *I took 12 mg up to three times daily and will continue for prophylaxis. 

Mouth & Nasal Hygiene:

• Antimicrobial mouthwash (containing chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, or povidone-iodine) 3x daily to reduce viral load. **I used saline rinses**

• Nasal Spray with 1% Povidone-Iodine: 2-3x daily to minimize viral replication in nasal passages. *I used XLEAR or Bee Propolis* 

Anti-Inflammatory & Supportive Therapies:

• Curcumin (Turmeric): 500 mg twice daily with black pepper for better absorption.

• Melatonin: 5-10 mg before bedtime to reduce inflammation and support deep sleep.

• Zinc: 75-100 mg daily. 

• Vitamin C: 500-1000 mg twice daily for immune support.

• Vitamin D3: High-dose calcifediol to enhance immune function.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 4 g daily for reducing inflammation.

• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): 600-1200 mg twice daily to support lung function and detoxification.

Metabolic & Cardiovascular Support:

• Aspirin: 325 mg daily (if not contraindicated) to reduce clotting risks.

• Probenecid: 1000 mg twice daily for 5 days to enhance viral clearance (last resort).

• Metformin: Gradual dosing up to 500 mg twice daily for metabolic support (last resort).

Gut & Microbiome Health:

• Kefir and Bifidobacterium Probiotics: Supporting the gut-immune connection and reducing inflammation.

• B Complex Vitamins: Essential for energy and immune support.

Nicotine Patch Therapy for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome:

Also added wearing a nicotine patch and do believe it sped up my recovery! Here is an article you may find of interest: Read more about nicotine patch therapy here.

"Several investigators have demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 related spike glycoprotein (SGP) attaches not only to ACE-2 receptors but also shows DNA sections highly affine to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Treating several individuals suffering from post-COVID-19 syndrome with a nicotine patch application, we witnessed improvements ranging from immediate and substantial to complete remission in a matter of days."

 Reach out on the portal if you have more questions! 

Monitoring & Emergency Considerations:

• Pulse Oximeter: Checking oxygen levels regularly to detect silent hypoxia.

• Prednisolone (if needed for respiratory distress): 60 mg daily for 5 days if oxygen levels drop.

• Antibiotics (if secondary bacterial infection develops): Options include doxycycline, azithromycin, or amoxicillin/clavulanate.

Adjustments for High-Risk Patients

For those at higher risk (advanced age, comorbidities, metabolic syndrome, etc.), I recommend combining HCQ with ivermectin, considering nattokinase or mild anticoagulants, and monitoring symptoms closely.

Key Takeaways

COVID is unpredictable, but having a functional medicine-based action plan can make all the difference. By addressing viral replication, inflammation, immune resilience, and gut health, you set yourself up for a faster and smoother recovery.

I encourage my members to be proactive—have a protocol in place, stock essential supplements, and reach out for guidance at the first sign of symptoms. If you would like to discuss more prophylactic treatment options please message me on the patient portal. If you need a prescription on hand for some of these, please reach out under your patient portal.

Full treatment protocol available here.

Your health is in your hands—empower yourself with knowledge and a personalized plan!