The H5N1 (Asian Avian Flu or "Bird Flu") virus owes its lethality
to its ability to instigate pathological immune responses in the host via cytokine
storm. This
leads to
disseminated
intravascular coagulation (DIC) and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells
into the lungs. Thus, any H5N1 protocol must take into consideration, not only
the inhibition of the virus, but also the effects of DIC and alveolar flooding.
Given that there are reports of some patients dying within three hours of initial
symptoms, any medical response must be swift and aggressive.
Traditional models for treatment outside of a hospital setting rely upon antiviral
medications. This is insufficient as there are now strains of the H5N1 that
are resistant to all major antiviral drugs, and furthermore does nothing to
address the issues of DIC and alveolar flooding.
Alternative models concentrate on immune stimulating products. This is a dangerous
idea as it is the strength of the immune response that makes the H5N1 so deadly.
Increasing immune response may prevent an initial infection, but in an infection
that has already taken hold, it will only worsen the outcome.
Preventative
Measures
Studies suggest that Vitamin E and Selenium may decrease the infectivity
and pathogenicity of the H5N1 Avian Influenza(1).
Additionally, air pollutants have shown to increase the risk of contracting
the H5N1 Avian Influenza(2).
Raising glutathione, a primary detoxification pathway for petrochemicals
may be of
benefit. Finally, strengthening capillary walls may be suggested in preparation
for a possible hemorrhagic episode.
Acute Management
Current scientific thought holds that the lethality of the H5N1 Avian Influenza
may be caused by systemic viral dissemination, cytokine storm and/or alveolar
flooding(3).
As such, an intelligent protocol for supporting the body would be to take
these factors into consideration.
The H5N1 Avian Influenza contains the compounds Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase
(also called sialidase). Both of these compounds are required in the infection
cycle of certain virus. The drugs Zanamivir and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are
both Neuraminidase inhibitors. One study suggests that the common Chinese
Herb Astragalus
may also be a Neuraminidase inhibitor(4).
Since another study(5) suggests
that Ca2+ and Mag2+ both speed up the activity of neuraminidase, and that
Ca2+ is
required for its function, making these elements unavailable via chelation
with sodium and potassium citrate may be of use.
Studies also suggest that Lactoferrin(6),
sulfated polysaccharides such as Ceramium Rubrum(7) (Red
Marine Algae) and Elderberries(8) may
be Hemagglutinin inhibitors.
Unfortunately, Elderberry also increases cytokines (see above) especially
Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa)(9) which
is specifically associated with the toxicity of the H5N1 Avian Influenza (10).
For this reason, ingredients that studies suggest normalize TNFa such as
Curcumin and Vitamin E (11),(12) should
be considered.
One outcome of a cytokine storm can be disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC). DIC may be responsible for the massive hemorrhaging seen with the
H5N1 Avian Influenza(13).
Thus, in addition to supporting normal cytokine levels, supporting the body
in normalizing blood coagulation parameters with nutritional
compounds may also be suggested(14),(15),(16).
The drugs Amantadine and Rimantadine work by inhibiting the matrix protein(s).
Studies indicate that Glutathione and Resveratrol may have an effect on matrix
proteins as well(17), (18).
Finally, Lactoferrin may support the body in decreasing infiltration into
the lungs of inflammatory cells(19).
Emergency Solution
While I have already manufactured a product that contains all of the ingredients
listed, the FDA does not allow for commercial sale alternative
products to be made (other than homeopathics) for the bird flu. (While no
claims are made nor can be made for a product with these ingredients,
those interested
in procuring some for research use only can do so by calling
the author at: 808-573-8166.) You can see the other products we make at http://www.remedylink.com.
The following ingredients should be available locally and would be
the basis of a makeshift H5N1 survival pack.
1- Curry powder as a source of turmeric to suppress TNFa
2- Red wine with the alcohol boiled off as a source of resveratrol
3- Kelp as a hemagglutinin inhibitor
4- Astragalus as a neuraminidase inhibitor (available at any Chinese herb
shop)
5- Vitamin E as a blood thinner (available at any health food store)
Conclusions
Reports of people dying from the H5N1 Influenza in as little as three hours
from the first signs of infection suggest the necessity of carrying on one’s
person whatever they consider an adequate defense against this infection.
To recap,
In designing such a defense, the key factors to address regarding
the H5N1 virus would be:
1- Decreasing the risk of initial infection
2- Decreasing the potential virulence of infection
3- Inhibiting Hemagglutinin
4- Inhibiting Neuraminidase
5- Inhibiting Matrix proteins
6- Binding of viral receptor sites
6- Reduction of calcium and magnesium
6- Decreasing general inflammatory cytokines
7- Decreasing TNF-a in particular
8- Supporting normal platelet activity
9- Decreasing free radical activity in the lungs
10- Minimizing hemorrhage
11- Strengthening blood vessels
12- Protecting against the after effect of hemorrhage
13- Replenishing electrolytes lost to diarrhea
14- Inhibiting secondary infections
JWR Adds: I have contacted the inventor personally. He told me that if an easily transmissible strain of Asian Flu does break out, it is likely that he will make his product available as long as supplies last.
