As COVID-19 cases in the U.S. rise exponentially and medical workers scramble to contain the virus, researchers are trying to develop a vaccine.

There is no specific medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19. Many doctors are recommending people self-treat and if their condition worsens, they should seek medical help.

So what could be an effective treatment in helping people fight COVID-19?

Vitamin C, according to Dr. Richard Cheng, a U.S. doctor currently treating COVID-19 patients in Shanghai, China. 

Vitamin C won't cure you of COVID-19 but the doctor says it can help boost your immune system and fight off infections.

But before you run to the grocery store and stock up on oranges, Dr. Cheng warns that fruits have a lot of sugar and eating too much can cause blood sugar to rise and lead to weight gain. 

Dr. Cheng recommends buying vitamin C in powder form and drinking it throughout the day mixed with water.

Although packets of immune boosting solutions such as Airborne and Emergen-C are not his first choice of products, Cheng says it can help in a pinch.

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