Therapeutic Intervention for Prevention of Coronavirus Associated Symptoms: An Overview

: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of nutrition in maintaining overall health and supporting the immune system's response to viral infections. This review paper provides an overview of the role of diet in controlling COVID-19 associated symptoms and promoting recovery. Through a comprehensive examination of scientific literature and dietary guidelines, this paper explores the potential impact of various nutrients, dietary patterns, and supplementation strategies on mitigating symptoms, enhancing immune function, and improving clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, practical recommendations for implementing a therapeutic diet to support COVID-19 management are discussed, with a focus on personalized nutrition approaches tailored to individual needs and preferences.


Introduction:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the viral epidemic as a public health emergency of global concern since December 2019, when Covid-19 first appeared on the Hunan seafood market in Wuhan, South China, and quickly spread to other parts of the world (Tewari et al., 2020).The numerous organ systems affected and widely varying severity of the disease's clinical manifestations have been brought to light by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic (Mehta et al., 2021).Comprehending the range of symptoms linked to COVID-19 is essential for prompt diagnosis, suitable handling, and initiation of prophylactic actions (Rahman et al., 2021).

Different symptoms associated with coronavirus symptoms: Respiratory Symptoms:
Respiratory symptoms are hallmark features of COVID-19 and include cough, dyspnea, and sore throat.Severe cases may progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on imaging.Respiratory symptoms are often accompanied by fever and fatigue, reflecting the systemic nature of the disease (Madabhavi et al., 2020).

Neurological Symptoms:
A number of neurological symptoms, including headache, anosmia (loss of smell), ageusia (loss of taste), confusion, and stroke, can also be brought on by COVID-

Multi-Organ Dysfunction:
Severe COVID-19 can lead to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), characterized by simultaneous dysfunction of multiple organ systems including the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, and coagulation system.MODS is associated with high mortality rates and often requires intensive care management.The pathogenesis of MODS in COVID-19 is complex and involves dysregulated immune responses, cytokine storm, endothelial dysfunction, and microvascular thrombosis (Wu et al., 2020).

Supplementation Strategies:
In cases where dietary intake may be insufficient to meet nutritional needs, targeted supplementation may be warranted to support immune function and mitigate symptoms in COVID-19 patients.For example, vitamin D supplementation has been proposed as a potential strategy to reduce the risk of respiratory infections and alleviate symptoms associated with COVID-19.Similarly, probiotics and prebiotics may help modulate the gut microbiota and enhance immune responses, although further research is needed to elucidate their specific effects in the context of COVID-19 (Moscatelli et al., 2021).

Practical Recommendations:
Incorporating a therapeutic into COVID-19 management requires a personalized approach that considers individual dietary preferences, cultural factors, and medical history.Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing dietary guidance and support to patients, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-rich foods, hydration, and adequate calorie intake.Additionally, promoting food safety practices and encouraging mindful eating behaviours can further support overall health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic (Ilich, 2020).

Figure: 1
Figure: 1 graphical representation of coronavirus associated symptoms

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Gastrointestinal
19's impact on the central nervous system.Neurological symptoms can arise from immune-mediated processes, systemic inflammation, or direct viral invasion of the central nervous system.Research and clinical interest in COVID-19's long-term neurological effects are still being pursued (Wang et al., 2020).Cardiovascular involvement is common in severe cases of COVID-19 and may manifest as myocarditis, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, or heart failure.Elevated levels of cardiac biomarkers such as troponin and NT-proBNP are associated with increased mortality risk.The mechanisms underlying cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 include direct viral myocardial injury, systemic inflammation, and thrombotic events (Zheng et al., 2020).
symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are reported in a subset of COVID-19 patients.SARS-CoV-2 can infect gastrointestinal epithelial cells via the ACE2 receptor, leading to viral replication and local inflammation.Gastrointestinal symptoms may precede respiratory symptoms or occur concurrently, highlighting the importance of considering COVID-19 in patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal illness (Kariyawasam et al., 2021).

Table : 1 Nutritional recommendation according to the type of respiratory support in patients with COVID-19 (Barazzoni et al., 2020; Weber et al., 2020).
In conclusion, the role of diet in controlling COVID-19 associated symptoms extends beyond mere sustenance to encompass immune modulation, inflammation reduction, and symptom management.By incorporating nutrient-rich foods, adopting healthy dietary patterns, and considering targeted supplementation strategies, individuals can support their immune system's response to viral infections and optimize clinical outcomes.Moving forward, further research is needed to elucidate the specific effects of dietary interventions on COVID-19 pathogenesis and to develop evidence-based guidelines for dietary management in affected individuals.