Recovery "by Kazakh": How Kazakhstanis treated for Covid during pandemic

At the moment, more than 11 million Kazakhstanis have been vaccinated against COVID-19, some of whom have already been re-vaccinated. But despite this, over the past week, the country has seen an increase in cases of coronavirus infection. Protecting yourself from this disease in various ways and measures again becomes relevant.

In this regard, the correspondent of the El.kz recalls the most ridiculous methods of popular treatment of coronavirus.

Lake "Kobeituz" is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Akmola region. It has gained popularity due to its specific pink color and salt contained under water. But what does the lake have to do with it?

During the pandemic, ads for the sale of salt from Kobeituz began to appear on the expanses of Kaznet. Advertisers assured potential buyers that this salt cures any illnesses, including coronavirus.

This myth did not last long. Law enforcement officers brought the unfortunate sellers of the medicine to administrative responsibility.

Another ineffective method of combating coronavirus infection was the "know-how" from the field of "eat it and you will not get sick." In Kazakhstan, at that time, against the background of the pandemic, there was a demand for horseradish, which was "announced" as a new miracle cure for coronavirus. Horseradish is an antibacterial natural product. But, according to doctors, it should not be abused, as you risk internal organ burns.

With the strong demand for the vegetable, some unscrupulous sellers inflated prices several times. So in the market they asked one thousand tenge and above for 100 gram.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the price of ginger increased. This was due to the usefulness of this product and its antibacterial properties. The crown of everything was the mutton fat. Since time immemorial, the Kazakhs believed that during a period of serious illness, mutton fat helps. Experts advised to observe the measure, because animal fat is heavy cholesterol. It is this type that is difficult to digest by our cells and clogs the vessels.

Do not forget about fermented milk products: shubat and kumys. Due to its healing properties, shubat is useful for asthma, tuberculosis, liver inflammation and ulcers. Camel and mare's milk during souring breaks down in the stomach into casein protein, which is similar in chemical composition to insulin. It is worth noting that these products are by no means a cure for coronavirus.

And in the end - inhalation steam therapy. The effectiveness of this method of "treatment" is not scientifically proven.

"A hot bath with soda can cause mucous burns. There are a number of contraindications to thermal inhalations, such as hyperthermia - high body temperature, hypertension - high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases or renal disorders, "the department of medical care organization of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan said.

According to specialists of the department, all of the above listed methods of folk treatment do not work on coronavirus and do not have a scientific justification.

All these means (with the exception of mutton fat) with moderate use strengthens the body. Some of them also have contraindications, for example, they can cause allergies or some spicy foods (horseradish, garlic, ginger) can cause indigestion with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, cholecystitis).

In Kazakhstan, the treatment of coronavirus infection is carried out exclusively in accordance with clinical protocols," experts said.

More detailed information regarding the functioning of the human immune system and its reaction to the course of the disease and prevention by "folk remedies" was given by the Chief Freelance Allergist-Immunologist of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan Elena Kovzel.

The expert argues that it is possible to reduce the severity of the course of the disease or to prevent its occurrence by various methods, but only those that have an evidence base and a standard level of reliability of evidence for the effectiveness of the method used.

"Important is the good function of the immune system, which requires a full sleep, proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, the use of foods rich in vitamins, the prevention of any infections, including SARS. But maintaining good immune system function may not be enough to prevent disease, given the high contagiousness and virulence of the virus," the immunologist noted.

The expert also stressed the importance of vaccination and revaccination, which can also prevent or reduce the severity of the disease.

"Vaccines form an immune memory for virus antigens. In the future, if a person encounters a virus, he already has memory cells that quickly recognize the foreign virus in the body and activate the immune system faster to fight the virus. In this regard, the disease will be more easily, there will be less chance of a severe course of the disease and adverse consequences, "the doctor concluded.