Influenza Outbreak with Pandemic Implications

Mexico is frightened, and angry … Mexico City with its 20 million inhabitants, appears to be ground zero for potentially the next influenza pandemic!  This new influenza (also called swine flu) is a genetic mix of pig, bird, and human viruses, and this hybrid has epidemiologists deeply concerned (I’d say!!).  The anger is based in the fact that the government viewed the growing flu caseload as normal, at a time of year when flu outbreaks should be decreasing, not increasing.  President Felipe Calderon said that the Ministry of Health only discovered the nature of the virus late Thursday (23 April 2009).  The World Health Organization (WHO) are set to meet today (Saturday, 25 April 2009) to consider whether an international public health emergency should be declared, which would include travel advisories, trade restrictions, and border closures.  A decision has not yet been made. 

 According to Mexico’s Secretary of Health, Jose Angel Cordova, 68 people (20 confirmed and 48 in the process of being confirmed) have died and 1004 (1034 in total) more cases have been indentified nationwide, of which 24 new suspected cases were reported on Saturday (25 April) alone.  The deaths have occurred in at least four different regions throughout Mexico (in 6-14 of the 32 states), with victims who were NOT vulnerable infants and the elderly, but healthy adults between 20-40, and that is particularly worrisome!  At least 20 people have been identified with the same strain of influenza in California and Texas (bordering states to Mexico), and now also Kansas, Ohio, and New York in the USA, but thankfully so far no deaths have been reported.  No direct contact has been found between the San Diego and San Antonio cases, which suggest that the virus was spread through undiagnosed individuals.  Airports around the world are screening passengers from Mexico for symptoms and are ready to quarantine passengers if necessary.

 Humans have no natural defenses against this hybrid virus or any virus that includes animal genes, and therefore there is no vaccine available.  Current human flu vaccines are not expected to offer any degree of protection against this new strain of swine flu.  This bugger has the potential to spread like wildfire, because it becomes airborne when an infected person sneezes or coughs, and is also spread via touch.  The incubation period for the virus appears to be 5 days.

 The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) in the USA has created a “seed stock” of the new virus, but producing a vaccine from the seed stock could take months.  Canadian officials are also studying samples sent from Mexico.  According to the CDC, two flu drugs appear to be effective against the new hybrid if taken early, namely Tamiflu (made by Roche) and Relenza.  According to the Health Ministry, Mexico has enough Tamiflu to treat 1 million people … in  a country with more than 100 million inhabitants.

 Symptoms of the new influenza are similar to regular flu symptoms, which are fever (in excess of 39 degrees Celsius), aching bones and muscles, headache, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and mucous flow.  Vomiting and diarrhea can also be experienced (as was the case with some of the victims in the USA).

 In Mexico City all public gatherings have been cancelled until further notice: all schools and universities cancelled classes on Friday, 24 April, museums closed their doors, the all-important sold-out soccer matches will be played in empty stadiums this weekend, and health officials and soldiers were handing out free surgical masks to all who were using the metro train system.  Many pharmacies also ran out of surgical masks on Friday.  However, the risk-taking impulse-driven teenagers and young adults were still frequenting favorite nightclubs, although many were dancing with surgical masks covering their mouth and nose.  Schools, universities, museums and all public gatherings have been cancelled for 10 days (double incubation period), until 6 May 2009.

 So, what can we do to protect ourselves in these scary times?  Being as healthy as possible is of course the first line of defense.  Below is a list of foods that are said to contain substances that are natural antivirals, immune boosters or they decrease cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.  Tamiflu and Relenza are not only expensive, but is also in short supply, and in times of a pandemic we will need to rely on what mother nature has to offer:  (Much of this information was copied from the website http://www.bird-flu-influenza.com/relenza-tamiflu-alternatives-folk-medicines-antivirals.htm)

 Alternative medications that are most likely to help us during a severe pandemic:

 PROBIOTICS:  The first line of defense to a healthy immune system is a healthy gut.  Seventy percent of the immune system resides in the gut.  Probiotics help with the breakdown of food; the absorption of nutrients from the food we eat; the reduction of food allergies, constipation,diarrhea, and toxic buildup in the intestines. The rise in food allergies among children and especially adults may be linked to something called “leaky gut”.  Researchers theorize that due to a lack in probiotic organisms, food is not properly digested and then those partially digested food compounds are leaked from the GI tract to the bloodstream where they may be seen as foreign bodies, putting the immune system on red alert, and causing allergic reactions.  Taking antibiotics exacerbates this problem.  As the name indicates, anti-, as in against biotics, will kill the bad bacteria along with the good.  Research supports the idea that probiotics reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold.  Probiotic supplements should be taken after a meal (not on an empty stomach) to ensure that the flora (probiotic organisms) are able to survive the stomach acids and reach the intestines. 

 APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:  Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps to detox the body due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, thus assisting in the function of the liver, kidneys, and bladder.  In the intestinal tract, it maintains a healthy environment for the intestinal flora (probiotic organisms) to flourish and remain healthy, while at the same time inhibiting the growth of unfriendly and possibly harmful bacteria.  It also promotes digestion, and the assimilation and elimination processes.  ACV assists in the breakdown of minerals, protein, and fats, as well as mucous and phlegm, and thins the blood which prevents high blood pressure.  Due to its detoxification properties, ACV strengthens the immune system and may provide relief from viral, bacterial and fungal infections, and the causes of boils, blisters, and acne.  It also alleviates respiratory infections and the symptoms of pollen, food, and pet allergies.  ACV reportedly relieves sinus infections, sore throats, Candida, acid reflux, arthritis, gout, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, gallstones, kidney stones, nose bleeds, era discharge, and acne.  The potassium in ACV also is helpful in easing the symptoms of common colds and allergies. Potassium is essential to healthy bones and teeth and it’s good for the prevention of hair loss. Externally ACV can be used to as a skin remedy to sooth sunburn and insect bites, as a hot compress to soothe inflammation and pain in aching joints, or as a rinse to treat dandruff and make the hair shine.

 Vitamin C:   Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children ½) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)

 Vitamin E:  Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 10929076) Experiments involved using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.

 Garlic (allicin):   Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially 2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657).  Garlic is one of the best-known and widely used herbal medicines. Garlic is a strong weapon against infection and a natural antibiotic. It has been found to reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure and is sometimes used to treat yeast infections.  Studies have found that garlic has antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal properties.  Safety tip: If you're on anticoagulant drugs or are scheduled for surgery, talk to your doctor before consuming large amounts of garlic.

 Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative):  Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals such as Tamiflu ( Pubmed PMID 16137775 )

 St Johns Wort (Hypericum):   Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St John’s Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513, 11518071, 11362353, 7857513)

 Apple Juice:   Antiviral. Fresh apple juice including the pulp and skin has greater antiviral activity than heated commercial apple juice. More research is needed. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown (Pubmed PMID 32832, 12452634)  Recommended product: Freshly squeezed apple juice or apples or normal 100% apple juice from the supermarket (organic unfiltered preferred)

 Resveratrol:  Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red grapes.  Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more stable than wine and is available in liquid form for absorption in the mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)

 Scuttellaria (Skullcap):   Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 Bird Flu virus to reproduce, may be inhibited.

 Cats Claw (Uncaria tomentosa):   Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was noted.  (www.uspharmacist.com id 844)  (Pubmed 10962207) Active constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells (cancers, foetuses, growing children)

 Curcumin (Tumeric Spice):  Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this is not proven (www.pdrhealth.com). Must be taken with food or gastritis or peptic ulcers may occur. Pregnant women and feeding mothers should avoid this. The medicinal properties of curcurnin cannot be utilised when used alone due to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall. When combined with Piperine found in black pepper the absorption is increased with no adverse effects.(www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/pip_0322)  Obtainable from health stores in tablets, liquid, capsules already combined with piperine. Dosage is 500mg to 4000mg daily.   Curcumin is being studied as a treatment for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

OTHER RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS

Zinc:  Zinc is a mineral that is needed for a healthy immune system and is often sold as an over-the-counter natural treatment for the common cold. One meta-analysis that compared several studies on zinc found that taking zinc within 24 hours after the start of a cold may help to reduce symptoms, however other studies show little or no benefit. Zinc sold in a nasal gel form has been shown by several studies to cause a loss of the sense of smell in some patients and should be used with caution. Zinc is often sold as ingreident in lozenges that may help to sooth a sore throat.

BETA-CAROTENE:  Beta carotene is a safe, non-toxic precursor to vitamin A. It supports the body’s defense system, increases visual acuity, and promotes anti-inflammation. Beta carotene’s antioxidant properties may help prevent tissue and DNA damage. It is virtually nontoxic; the body converts beta carotene to vitamin A as needed.  Beta carotene is one of the major dietary antioxidants, offering the body optimal nutritional support through free radical scavenger activity and provitamin A activity.

·                     Vision and eye health.

·                     Reproduction and fertility.

·                     Helps protect the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts by reducing susceptibility to infection.

·                     Necessary for growth and repair of body tissues.

·                     Current medical research shows food rich in Beta Carotene help reduce the risk of certain serious lung and oral problems.

·                     Promotes bone growth and tooth development.

·                     Helps maintain healthy skin and hair.

As a powerful antioxidant, Beta Carotene destroys free radicals including singlet oxygen – an oxygen that is missing an electron and is very damaging to human tissue if not quickly scavenged.

 Vitamin B-Complex:  The B vitamins work together, so it’s best to take a B-complex supplement that mixes them in proper proportions along with folic acid. The B’s have a generally energizing effect and help build up the immune system. All vitamin B complex group (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine et al.) are water soluble, and are linked together in several chemical ways. They are formed from either bacteria, yeast's, fungi, or moulds.  They are responsible for providing energy to the body during the conversion of glucose, from carbohydrates. They are also critically required for the metabolism of both fats and proteins, as well as the health and maintenance of the body's nervous system. 

 GINGER:  Ginger's warm, spicy kick makes it a favorite culinary spice throughout the world. Long appreciated as an aid to digestion, numerous studies have shown that it is effective against nausea. Ginger has also been shown to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, so consuming it while you're sick may help knock out whatever is ailing you. Add minced fresh ginger root to soup, or blend it into a Vitamin C-rich fruit smoothie. Feeling too low-energy to cook? Try prepared ginger teabags, or nibble on a piece of crystallized ginger. Safety tip: If you are on anticoagulant drugs or are scheduled for surgery, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian before consuming large amounts of ginger.

 CHILE PEPPERS: Ever get that teary-eyed, runny-nosed, throat-clearing sensation after eating hot peppers? Next time you're miserably congested and scratchy-throated, put those peppers to work! Try a little cayenne in soup, or add hot sauce to stir-fried veggies served over soothing rice. Chiles appear to have anti-inflammatory properties, too, so they may give you a little respite if you're feeling achy.

 MINT:  Mint is a natural source of menthol, so a steaming cup of mint tea can actually help open clogged nasal passages and soothe sore throats, at least temporarily. Drinking it throughout the day may even help offset the need for dehydrating decongestants. If you're running a fever, menthol's cooling sensation may help you feel a little more comfortable. Mint is also a great stomach soother. If you get tired of tea, try adding chopped mint leaves to fruit salad.

 CHAMOMILE:  Feeling crummy can make it hard to sleep just when you need rest the most. Some medications can make you jumpy, others might be upsetting your stomach. Enter chamomile. This little floral herb soothes the stomach, and relaxes both mind and body. Because it has mild muscle-relaxing properties, it may help alleviate aches and pains, too. Try a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime, and get the healing rest you need.

 THYME: This herb may also be used as an antiseptic agent when crushed and applied to clean cuts and abrasions. As a tea, it calms the stomach and can reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Thyme may also be used as a treatment for colds.

 SAGE:  This pungent herb is used as a remedy for colds, sore throat and other respiratory ailments, as well as urinary tract problems. It has been used to control some symptoms of diabetes

. CINNAMON: This spice is used to control the level of blood sugar for diabetics. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections and yeast infections.

 GOLDEN SEAL:  This is a powerful detoxifier and is used to relieve sore throat, gum inflammation and yeast infections.

 OREGANO:  Used to relieve various respiratory problems, oregano may also relieve digestive upset and yeast infections.

 Amino Acids:  Building blocks of the body. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, they form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses; they are part of the enzyme & hormonal system; they build nucleoproteins (RNA & DNA); they carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity. When protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 known amino acids

 The following substances may be best to avoid during a H5N1 pandemic (Avian Influenza Bird Flu)

Elderberry juice (Sambucal):  Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu but may not be desirable for the H5N1 Bird Flu virus. Increases in these cytokines may trigger a lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002 Nov;4:944-6) - Not Recommended

 Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina):   Increases production of cytokine TNF-a (Pubmed PMID 11731916) - Not Recommended

 Honey:   Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 (Pubmed PMID 12824009) - Not Recommended

 Chocolate:   Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 (Pubmed PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928) - Not Recommended

 Echinacea:   Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. Although it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may increase the chance of cytokine storms for H5N1 (Pubmed PMID 15556647, 9568541)  - Not Recommended

 Kimchi:  Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 (Pubmed PMID 15630182) - Not Recommended

 Dairy products & Bananas:   These foods increase mucous production. - Not Recommended

 Sugar and processed foods impact the immune system:  Studies have shown that through a complex system of chemical processes sugar and processed foods depress the immune system. There exists a direct link between the amount of these foods that you consume and your health.  Read ingredient labels and watch out for:  corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup or “HFCS,” brown rice syrup, fructose, sucrose, barleymalt and the obvious, sugar. - Not Recommended

The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) diet is seriously lacking in fiber and healthy liquids while it is abundant with sugar, caffeine, excessive amounts of salt, fried greasy foods, fatty foods, processed foods, alcohol, preservatives, additives, and chemicals.  All of these work to clog the mucous linings of your intestines, building up and preventing them from removing water and receiving B-vitamins produced by healthy intestinal bacteria. As well as adding pounds onto the scale when you weigh yourself. - Not Recommended

 HEART HEALTH & THE FLU

You're more likely to have a heart attack on a Monday, or up to three days after you've been diagnosed with the flu or a respiratory tract infection. The risk of dying from a heart attack increases by a third during outbreaks of the flu and related respiratory diseases, found researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The study authors estimate that 90,000 coronary deaths could be prevented a year in the United States if more heart patients simply got a flu shot.

SOURCES

http://www.bird-flu-influenza.com/relenza-tamiflu-alternatives-folk-medicines-antivirals.htm

http://herbsspices.about.com/od/herbsspiceshealth/tp/HerbsSpicesforWinterWoes.htm

http://www.essortment.com/all/herbsforhealth_rgxe.htm

http://nutrition.about.com/od/dietsformedicaldisorders/f/flunutrients.htm

http://www.pureinsideout.com/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.html

http://www.netfit.co.uk/vit3.htm

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/5-ways-to-protect-your-kids-and-yourself-from-the-flu-306773/

http://chetday.com/coloncleansingnecessary.htm

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100233156&GT1=31036