The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, (short for coronavirus disease 2019), continues to spread in Houston and Texas. Coronavirus infection has reached a pandemic level and President Trump has declared a national emergency to fight the outbreak.
The health and safety of our Houston community is our highest priority, and Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center urges all Houstonians to avoid crowding and follow basic rules to limit the spread of the virus. Coronavirus spreads mainly by droplets similar to flu. Keep a safe distance from anyone who is sick and avoid handshakes and hugs. Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth and face and properly wash your hands. Eat healthy and increase your vitamin intake especially vitamin C. Exercise enhances your immune system. It is much safer to avoid the Gym for now. Try to exercise at home or go a brisk walk or run in your neighborhood (weather is great nowadays in Houston).
Cough, sore throat and hoarseness are common acid reflux symptoms. A number of acid reflux patients develop asthma like symptoms from chronic airway micro aspiration. A viral infection like coronavirus exacerbates theses symptoms. Acid reflux patients may be at higher risk of coronavirus infection complications. If you suffer from acid reflux, we recommend a reflux friendly diet, avoid over-eating and eating late at night. We also recommend elevating the head of the bed to minimize the frequency and amount of gastric refluxate reaching the throat, larynx, and lungs.
We pray for a fast resolution of the coronavirus pandemic. During these trying times, we cannot overemphasize the importance of social distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus. It is hard but is it currently our best defense.