The main thing is not to panic!

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Beijing, 04/09/2020 (The People Online) – How to protect yourself from the coronavirus? Do we still need to wear masks? What are the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments suitable for patients with COVID-19? Liu Qingquan, deputy head of the National Expert Group on TCM Medical Treatment and dean of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, answered these questions in an exclusive interview with People Online, who has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 for two months.

– Tell us about your experience in treating patients with COVID-19. What traditional Chinese medicine methods are being used to treat patients?

– In the course of treatment, it has been proved that in 80% of cases the disease develops in a mild and moderate way, and many of these cases are asymptomatic. Asymptomatic infected people are currently being monitored. In its most severe form, the disease occurs in 20% of patients.

For the treatment of asymptomatic infections and patients with a mild form of the disease, isolation is first of all necessary. Preventing the transition of the disease is essential. This allows resources to be directed to deal with the most critical cases.

Traditional Chinese medicine methods have been shown to be effective in treating patients with a mild form of the disease and asymptomatic infections.

Using the diagnostic methods of traditional Chinese medicine, we discovered that the new coronavirus belongs to a group of diseases such as the “humidity syndrome”. For patients with mild to moderate forms of the disease, we can use three main methods: the first is “remove pathogenic moisture,” the second is “detoxify,” the third is “remove heat and stimulate blood circulation.”

According to traditional Chinese medicine, this disease is concentrated in the lungs, spleen and stomach. Therefore, we use drugs to increase the dispersal function of the lungs, to strengthen the spleen and stomach.

At our Jiangxia Temporary Hospital, deployed in Wuhan, Hubei Province, this treatment option has been used in more than 500 patients.

In addition, we also use traditional Chinese medicine methods such as qigong and taichi among others, which contribute to the recovery of patients.

To date, of the patients we have treated, positive results have been revealed after several analyzes; Secondly, there have been no cases of deterioration of health; and third, among all the doctors, nurses and other employees of our temporary hospital, not a single case of infection has been detected.

– How to protect yourself from COVID-19?

– First, you must have a proper regular diet. Fatty and sweet, raw and cold foods should be discarded. Try to eat easily digestible and high calorie foods.

Second, moderate rest is necessary. Third, practice gymnastics for general well-being. I would like to remind you once again of the importance of self-isolation, refusal to attend mass events, wash your hands, and wear face masks. Today, the best medicine we have in China is self-isolation at home.

– Do we still need to wear masks?

– In China, we say that we should wear masks.

During an epidemic, you need to wear a mask so that the infected do not infect others. Wearing a mask will also help healthy people protect themselves from the virus. Pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus is today an unknown disease. The virus is very cunning, and we still don’t know much about it. Therefore, as prevention you must use a mask.

– What is the reason for the large number of people infected with COVID-19 in some European countries?

– All this is due to cultural differences. In Europe, it is believed that only sick people should wear face masks and that healthy people do not have to. Another reason is incomplete, low-quality self-isolation.

– What else would you advise us?

– Keep calm. During the epidemic, the appearance of panic in society is characteristic. However, this is not necessary. We must understand that the majority of patients suffer from the disease in mild or moderate form, and the proportion of patients with severe disease does not exceed 20%.

The main thing is not to panic. The epidemic will certainly end. Excessive psychological pressure can only harm our health.

Recall that Wednesday, April 8, 2020, ended the 76-day blockade of transportation to Wuhan, the epicenter of the COVID-19 epidemic in mainland China, a metropolis with a population of more than 11 million people.

According to the latest official data, during the time that the coronavirus spread through Wuhan, approximately 94% of infected people recovered. The total number of infected was more than 50,000, and the official death rate from the disease exceeded 5% (2,572 people died). Currently, 445 patients are being treated in city hospitals.

(Web editor: 吴思萱, 赵健)

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