Mailbag: 5 Tips to Dodge the Fall COVID Spike

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 26, 2025

“COVID is spreading through my family like wildfire. We’re thinking it’s the latest variant. Are there any new recommendations for protecting yourself against it? My spouse and I have tested negative so far, but we want do everything we can to dodge it this time around.”

–Dodging Variants

Hi Dodging,

The “Nimbus” variant (NB.1.8.1) has become one of the most common strains of COVID-19 in the United States this summer. People are reporting a very sore throat with this one.

Overall, cases are low compared to past spikes, but we’re seeing a rise in some regions where soaring temps have had us huddled inside to stay cool. And with kids preparing to go back to school, it’s a safe bet that we’ll see numbers go up again in the fall.

When my patients have asked me about how to avoid COVID-19 as the season changes, I’ve been honest—there’s nothing new to report. For now, the recommendations remain the same, regardless of the variant that’s circulating.

But that isn’t bad news because we already KNOW how to reduce our risk of getting sick.

As we head into the fall, we’ll spend a lot more time indoors. It’s essential that we protect ourselves—and other—from getting sick again. After all, there’s plenty of evidence that repeat COVID-19 infections raise complication risks.

So, let’s do a quick refresher. And then stick around after because I do have one more trick that I encourage my patients to include in their “anti-COVID” bag of tricks.

The way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with all of the COVID variants (or ANY virus) remains the same:

Keep those hands clean. Yes, it’s the oldest advice in the book, but here’s why it still matters: We unconsciously touch our faces dozens of times each day without realizing it. Every single touch is a potential highway for germs to reach your mouth, nose, and eyes—basically rolling out the red carpet for infections.

Choose smaller gatherings. Think of it as simple math – fewer people around you means fewer chances for viral exposure. When you have the choice, opt for intimate get-togethers instead of packed events.

Don’t skip the mask. I know, I know – it’s been a hot topic. But here’s the deal: masks have been protecting healthcare workers for decades, long before anyone politicized them. Research consistently shows they reduce viral transmission. As a bonus, they might even lower the viral load you’re exposed to, which could mean a milder illness if you do catch something. When numbers spike, mask up.

Support your body’s defenses. Think of your immune system like a well-tuned machine–it needs the right fuel to perform. Load up on nutrient-dense whole foods, especially colorful vegetables, quality fats, and lean proteins. Skip the inflammation-triggering processed stuff, excess sugar, and cheap oils. Don’t forget the basics: solid sleep and regular exercise.

And now for that new bit of advice. Research shows nasal irrigation can significantly reduce the severity of viral infections, reducing hospitalization risk.

Nasal irrigation is simply rinsing out your nose with a salt solution. I like to dissolve one quarter teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm distilled water.

Then, using a neti pot or bottle (available online at Amazon or Walmart), I direct the salt-water solution up one nostril, allowing it to exit through the other. If you need help visualizing it, check YouTube for some demonstration videos.

I suggest trying nasal irrigation in the shower. It can feel a bit strange your first time—but I promise it’s painless.

P.S. Cold, flu, and COVID symptoms overlap, making it difficult to tell them apart (even for experts). But some tell-tale signs are more common in each type of infection. You just need to know what to look for.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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