Vitamins on Virus Infections

RATIONALE FOR MAINTAINING PEAK IMMUNITY

Methods and Supplements that may (potentially) Limit Exposure and Possibly Reduce Severity of Virus infections (flu, covid, etc) 

On a priority 1-10 scale: This article is now a 10.

Why is this topic important today?

Answer: Everyone could benefit from utilizing this information. Even vaccinated people since the reality is the Covid-19 vaccines do not prevent one from getting the virus, they just attack the virus after it enters into the body and limits time for excessive replicative growth of virus and more severe symptoms. These nutritional aspects would complement and add further support.

Question:  How might vitamins and other supplements impact viral diseases? 

 Here is information sheet (which says for health professionals, but everyone should read) from the NIH about possible actions for vitamins on viral loads such as Covid-19 <VERY IMPORTANT MUST READ from Government, in fact this is the best ever Government analysis for vitamins on disease. Plus, the latest from outside the USA on vitamin actions against COVID-19 here.

WHY DID THE CDC NOT MAKE A GREATER EFFORT TO PROMOTE THIS VITAL INFORMATION OTHER THAN ON THEIR WEBSITE TO INCREASE AWARENESS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO HELP SURVIVE COVID-19?

Next is presented some of the Science that supports what the NIH says about vitamins and other nutrients on Sars-Cov-2 virus from their website.

NOTE: This next sentence is included for almost if not all of the nutrients mentioned:"Currently, data are insufficient to support a recommendation for or against the use of (nutrient or vitamin) supplementation to prevent or treat COVID-19."  This is due to the fact that covid-19 is a rather new disease and studies take time to complete, but past studies against similar viruses do provide valuable insights. Notice the mention of ongoing studies. Not all the nutrients mentioned should be used for Scars-Cov-2. They are mentioned by the CDC since they have general immunity actions, but are more geared for bacterial infections or common cold viruses. Some of the nutrients stimulate immune actions from anti-oxidants that can be counter-productive for immune generated free radical virus destroyers.

The immune system is an important part of prevention or mitigation of viral infections. Some vitamin and herbal supplements have functions in building up immune system. ref ref  ref  ref Diet and lifestyle play a major role. The concept in play here is to build up a peak activity level of immune cell potential to prevent or reduce any viral loads attacking the body. Remember, a ratio between the different immune blood cells needs to be respected. Doctors measure this ratio to see how the immune system is operating. It is not higher numbers that is the goal, but rather the quick response and action potential of immune cells that is important.  Here is the typical establishment view that vitamins might help according to how they function, but there is little if any scientific proof: article from Harvard Medical 

IT IS VITAL TO SLOWLY BUILD UP LEVELS OF EFFECTIVE NUTRIENTS as starting to take nutrients at first sign of disease is often too late. These nutrients help to prevent and slow virus penetration and attachment before viral replication starts in cells. Here are some common sense proactive tips. ref First thing is to protect against exposure and begin building up the immune system. A peak immune system does not mean higher numbers, but more of a readiness to take action. ref Once an outbreak occurs in your area, put in place the following:

• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with hot water and soap, plus work at not touching face with hands. Viruses enter mainly through mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Avoid crowds, keep distance between, and limit touching surfaces that people regularly touch: Door knobs, gas station pump nozzles, shopping cart handles, drinking fountain buttons, sink faucet handles, money, ATM keypads, etc. Use back of hand or knuckles when possible and back through swinging doors. Ideally carry a couple of paper towels folded up to use over hands when you have to touch something common, then discard the towel. While science has shown a low rate of infection from these sources, better to be safe than...
• If exposed to unsanitary situations or places, use sani-wipes or similar to clean hands and surfaces, like after children play on park equipment, etc.
• Wear sunglasses or other type to help prevent touching eyes and to protect them from people who cough or sneeze in your direction. Separate and remain a safe distance, at least over 6 feet. Of course all coughs and sneezes are not virus related, but when situations warrant, precaution rules. Viruses can remain suspended in the air for far too many minutes and on some surfaces for over a day. 
• Shop early (best) or late to avoid crowds if you can. 
• When eating take out, change food to your own dishes and discard wrappers and containers in bags the food came in. Then wash hands before eating.  If you can, order food you don't have to eat with your hands, although probably a low method of exposure. (Precautions depend upon your age and health factors.)
• Limit sugar foods and increase vegetables and fruits. (body fluid pH regulation)
• Get enough rest and sleep to help handle and limit stress
• Exercise to increase lung strength but not in excess since that lowers immunity for short periods. (After Olympic events, athletes have a lowered immune system for about 24 hours)
• Take a moderate dose (5-20 billion) probiotic bacteria with strain codes listed after scientific names to aid intestinal health as well as a prebiotic fiber blend to feed your native bacteria. (pH of digestive system) ref ref
• Moderately low vitamins: Vitamin C (250 mg article (High dose vitamins antioxidant overkill destroys immune system ability to kill attacking viruses) ref ref ref article
• Quercetin, from a vitamin C family member Rutin, is used for it's ability to increase zinc uptake by cells. This is the same action performed by the drug hydrochloroquine, just with less side effects.  See zinc actions below. ref ref
• Some Zinc at 15-30 mg. with 1 mg copper. Zinc is an immune stimulator, but opposite at higher dosages. ref  A Zinc lozenge might help protect mouth as a virus entrance when in crowds or at increased exposure areas, but not needed at home unless someone there is ill. Limit combined dosages to under 40 mg. per day. Chelated Zinc in cell culture test tubes is very effective at stopping virus production. ref

• Vitamin K2 is measuring low in Covid-19 cases. (NIH missed this vital nutrient in "vitamins on Covid-19" data sheet above) Vitamin K2 has vital roles to play against the covid viruses as an antioxidant and in protecting tissue integrity, especially blood vessel walls. ref ref
• Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2 have a vital symbiotic relationship against Covid-19. ref ref

• Magnesium to balance calcium. Magnesium is utilized in multiple enzymatic functions, like to activate Vitamins D into its hormone form. ref
• Vitamin D helps macrophages in the blood produce immune peptides called LL-37. ref These not only fight pathogenic viruses and bacteria, they work to limit viral attachment to cell membranes. ref Vitamin D levels should be built up over time from summer sunshine exposure or modest supplements, 400-1000 IU to maintain levels over winter. ref Taking vitamin D at first sign of cold or flu is rarely effective. But during a major disease outbreak, a precautionary reality is to increase D loads 50% until crisis over (1000 - 2000 IU), or at least for a few months, then back off some since at 3 months a peak is reached. ref  Caution: Super high dosages in this study not recommended. ref
• A low dose B complex vitamin or a Multiple Vitamin that contains some of the other nutrients mentioned as well. Keep Folic Acid at or below 200 mcg.

• Covid-19 has been discovered to attack the energy functions of mitochondrial. Older people (over 50) might benefit from supplemental CoQ10 as increased levels could offer protection by building energy for cells to strengthen lung functions. ref ref ref
• Elderberry extract might have value. Scientists have discovered an element elderberry contains which helps stop viruses from attaching onto cells. Plus it also wakes up immune cell cyctokines to be more aggressive in attacking pathogenic microbes, such as viruses. Research shows it worked in past, but has yet to be tested against covid-19 strain.
• Oil of Oregano and Olive Leaf Extracts also may have antiviral properties. Of course, these and other nutrients are only part of the approach. They can be rotated and not all used at same time.
• Grape Seed Extract is helpful for virus control as well as for other functions such as skin and blood vessel integrity. It protects elastin and collagen fibers. ref
• If you become ill, stop taking your regular multiple-vitamins. Chances are they contain higher dosages of many antioxidant vitamins. This antioxidant activity stops the free radicals produced by the immune system blood cells that kill viruses. Vitamin C, zinc, and some others mentioned here are OK separately.
• Stay hydrated (mainly water) to help flow of secretions out of the body.
• Selenium has immune action. BUT, it looks like levels have to be known before supplementing. Best to make sure the diet is adequate in selenium content foods and supplements are used under medical care. Selenium appears to have opposing actions at different amounts. ref  

• Regarding facial mask: ref  Social distancing and avoiding people who are exhibiting flu symptoms are 10 times better than relying on a face mask to prevent virus spread. Probably a good idea when indoors with people you do not know. Thus, masks may make people feel like they are protected, but science is lacking on complete effectiveness. Plus, wearing masks for longer periods reduces the oxygen intake and lowers oxygen content of blood cells. Low oxygen levels in lung cells could over time lead to epithelial tissue damage. Stopping or limiting your own cough or sneeze may be the real influence. But, then it is in the cloth, with a little spread around any mask gaps or through the material. If you are ill, do not go out into public. But remember there are a few days before symptoms manifest. Mask info. Wash masks often and replace when necessary. Go maskless as much as possible when outdoors or in safe conditions. Children need frequent outdoor maskless breaks if required to wear masks in school rooms.
• REMEMBER: All people, regardless of vaccination status, can be infected with enough of the virus to contaminate others. The vaccination is more of a treatment to prevent serious disease conditions and death. Side effects from CDC from Covid vaccines. ref ref It does not completely stop viruses from entering the body, but should slow them down. It initiates immune response antibodies to attack and kill the viruses before they can enter cells and duplicate enough to cause major symptoms.
• Since viruses might remain in nasal tissues for a couple of days, a nasal wash might be prudent to use daily to help flush out (use only distilled or sterile water). Adding a little OTC antiviral could also help. Check with Pharmacists at drugstores for help. Studies underway adding small amount of baby shampoo to help overcome enveloped covid-19 virus cap. ref
• Some mouthwash use might help as well. ref 
• Older individuals exhibit lower melatonin levels, and might benefit from supplements of melatonin to protect mitochondria functions by antioxidant actions. ref  Melatonin is a hormone and care needs to be exercised. 
• Some of the other supplements with values include mushroom extracts, beta glucans (ref), IP6 (ref), and Broccoli SGS (ref), a major detox element. Eating garlic and onions would help. Soup broths as well as bone broths are good for digestion and mineral balance. Maintaining hydration is important so drink some water early in day. Get a little sunshine each day (vitamin D). Relax and lower stress levels. Don't watch the NEWS. Read a book. Think positive happy thoughts. The Brain has a major impact on the strength of the immune system.
• Another important concept concerns the ability of healthy cell membranes to hinder virus entrance into cells. ref ref Cell membranes are made up of fatty acids and phospholipids. The healthier the membranes the better. ref  Healthy dietary fats versus unhealthy ones. From Aids research, egg yolk lecithin worked quite well. All lecithin sources have phospholipids. ref  Smart Viruses are developing avenues to get around this membrane influence. Some viruses are using another door into cells through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ref Still some membrane influence from ER structure membranes.   

Obviously, not all of these recommendations need to be taken at same time. Many act on the same immune areas. Taking some on a rotation program actually increases effectiveness since it limits the body developing setpoint adaptations that lower immune benefits. 

Of INTEREST: It is reported that one of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 disease is a loss of taste and small. These are classic signs of a zinc deficiency or zinc balance disruption. article SARS-CoV-2 viruses use zinc as part of their structure. ref Over time, the genetic code of many viruses have adapted to manipulate zinc balance so more is available for virus growth. article

Everything about viral attachments and more> ref

**Inflammation is one of the processes the immune system uses for healing. Unfortunately, inflammation can also be a factor in overwhelming body homeostasis leading to compromised immune states. ref ref  ref

Be sure to notice that selenium is needed in a very narrow range of amounts in the last reference for proper immune system function. Both not enough or too much are negative for immune controls. It depends on the soil level of selenium in each area.

NOTE: There are many different kinds of viruses and they do not all process the same body pathways making it difficult to recommend one protocol for all types. The new SARS CoV-2 virus uses zinc as it's preferred metal ion to anchor the protein cap over the RNA coding material, the blueprint to make new viruses. Thus binding up zinc in cells helps slow down viral production. refThe bound form of zinc also helps stop the viruses, too.

With the current coronavirus crisis, here is a simple explanation about the strategy on lungs for proper immune functioning. ref

FYI:The above actions and nutrients will not prevent this disease if you are exposed to it. The goal or design is to give the body a chance to hopefully reduce the degree or severity of symptoms and allow a better fighting chance for survival. It is not necessary or advised to take all of these nutrients at same time. Many have similar functions. A rotational plan can pay dividends since body setpoints could be avoided. Setpoints may be reached if a nutrient is taken for too long of a time and the desired body reaction is either muted or changed as adaptations develop. At first a feather tickles, then it soon becomes an irritant, or how someone at sea level travels to high mountain elevations and lacks enough oxygen until the body acclimates over a period of time.

If you only want to do one thing to increase your odds of surviving Covid-19, Take Zinc at about 25 mg and Quercetin at about 500 mg. Quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore to get zinc into cells in the proper format so it can fight against virus duplication. Zinc also has anti-viral immune activity in the blood stream. Look at the date of this admission of hospital use. ref

Here is the what this reference found: "Conclusion. This study provides the first in vivo evidence that zinc sulphate may play a role in therapeutic management for COVID-19." (with a zinc iononphore)    Even though the inorganic zinc sulphate is effective, a higher quality zinc form as zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, or zinc glycinate or the zinc amino acid chelate, or OptiZinc would be preferred.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: This new Covid-19 finding from Loma Linda Medical changes some directions. Microvessel blood clots are showing up in the small blood vessels around many different organs. Which organ exhibits the greatest damage determines what disease name is added in with Covid-19. Clots and viral infections overwhelm body defences. ref

Here is the offical Phizer website for all things Covid-19 vaccine, including side effects. You may want to read this.

Questions for future?

Do spike proteins built from vaccines migrate away from muscle injection site?

If so, (this is so) could they participate in microvessel damage?

Would this explain why a few young men exhibited myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation around heart) right after vaccination? ref

Or is this just an allergic reaction to the vaccine?

Covid-19 disease often exhibits blood clots and / or cardiovascular damage. Is this damage a factor of spike proteins as the Salk Institute found?

Spike Proteins generated from vaccine may last in body for up to three weeks, a typical length of time for similar proteins. Clearance depends upon body conditions. One Scientist Doctor says spike proteins from vaccines do not get out of the cell they are built in except in pieces. This is completely different than what other Scientists are saying as well as what the Drug company says about using GMO mRNA so the spike proteins after they attach to ACE2 receptors will not be able to get into cells.

Spike proteins from mRNA vaccines are almost identical to ones on virus. They are genetically modified with the addition of two extra amino acids that stop the ability of the spike proteins to allow the virus (usually attached) to enter cells after the spike proteins attach to ACE2 receptors on cell wall. If, as one Doctor says, the spike proteins are destroyed by proteasomes before leaving the cell they are build in, why would the drug company go to all this GMO effort to make sure the spike proteins stay attached to ACE2 outside of cells??? and why would a prominent Doctor go to such a length to counter the durg companies own narrative?

If the spike proteins did get out of the arm muscles intact, enter into circulation and attach to an ACE2 receptor at the cell wall, they would then just stay on cell wall until enzymes in the blood can digest and eliminate them. This brings up many questions about observed actions. Could the thorny barbs while attached on the smooth wall veins rupture some red blood cells passing through? Is this one way some of the observations about cardiovascular damage and blood clots happen? Or is the fact that the ACE2 is destroyed after spike attachment and virus enters cell the heart damaging mechanism?

Why are Scientists and Doctors giving conflicting messages about what vaccine spike proteins do and where they go?

Because spike proteins would at most only last three weeks, any possible damage while they were there could be very limited to small areas of the body. These effects may not be noticable in the vast majority of people. But certain organs or other smaller structures so damaged could yield observable actions at a later date. It might be difficult to work backwards to such a cause later. 

THIS IS WHY BUILDING HEALTH AND MAINTAINING PEAK IMMUNITY SHOULD BE A TOP PRIORITY, just in case...     At the very least, everyone should be on zinc (15-30mg.) and a zinc ionophore, like quercetin (500mg), plus some vitamin C (250-500 mg.) with vitamin D (500-1000 IUs.)

Here is vital info for latest strain, Omicron BA.1, which already has mutated into 2 and 3. These strains are finding ways to avoid both the vaccine immune system and natural immunity form past covid-19 infections.

Peak Immunity to Help Limit COVID-19

TOP HEALTH PRIORITY: Actions and nutrients that might help you survive Covid-19 

With the arrival of new variant or mutant strains of the COVID-19 causing virus SARS-CoV-2, maintaining peak immunity should be everyone's top priority. article ref ref Viral drugs have not yet been discovered to kill viruses. The vaccines work by stimulating the immune response antibodies made by B cells to attack and kill the spike proteins on the viruses as the viruses try to gain access and get into body cells where viruses duplicate. T-cells remember antigens and respond by telling B cells to make antibodies and when viruses enter cells to begin duplication, the T-cells attack the viruses and also destroy infected cells. There are a number of ways vitamins and other supplements might help this immune process to further limit or slow down Covid-19 symptoms. ref ref ref Check out this one on Vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium. ref

After vaccination, the vaccine generated immune response, B and T cells, works to stop viruses before they get inside body cells and helps maintain lower numbers of viruses than are able to cause severe symptoms, but this still allows for the nose and throat to accept viruses. The question is if these are enough at this point to spread the viruses to others if coughing, sneezing, or (breathing?) them out. It appears they are enough sometimes. The new Delta variant was evaluated and this senario could be a reality. This unfortunately would end the possibility of herd immunity since all people could still spread the virus.

• For a virus to cause disease symptoms, it first has to significantly grow in numbers by hijacking cells in the body for this purpose.
• Preventing viruses from attaching to or entering through cell membranes represents one way drugs and food nutrients help control this build up of more viruses. (Aids research helped here)
• Another way is to kick start immune cells to become more aggressive in attacking viruses. This is what the Covid-19 vaccines do. ref 
• Mainstream medicine has been mainly hapless to address any treatment protocols for Covid-19, except expensive drugs given far to late, after oxygen started.
• The time to attack covid-19 is at the early stages, first 6 days. 
• Here is the official view about vitamins and herbals on Covid-19 from the NIH. Some really good reports on studies with nutrients and Covid-19. Worth the read. This article lists studies about the following nutrients.

Peak Immunity: The idea here is not just to increase if low the number of immune white blood cells like macrophages, T-cells and B-cells, it is more to increase the potential activity level of these cells. This means their level of readiness to attack viruses and bacteria and other invaders in the blood. The five Immune White Blood Cells have a balance point or ideal ratio between them that needs to be respected. Doctors measure these levels to determine how the immune system is functioning and to see if the immune system is currently responding to a body crisis, such as inflammation. Inflammatory processes are directly linked to immune activity.** T-cells and B-cells work together against bacteria and viruses. But first, other helper immune cells in the blood immediately attack the invading pathogens. The T & B cells represent the big guns of the immune system and work against the pathogens after they have overwhelmed the first line of defense, the macrophages. T-cells attack and kill viruses and bacteria inside cells while the B-cells build up antibodies against them and work in blood stream to kill viruses, plus store memories to prevent future attacks. ref ref

Here is another reason to maintain a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. From years of HIV research, it was discovered that healthy cell membranes made up of good fats are better able to stand up against virus attempts to attach and enter. ref ref  Another avenue for drugs is to attach to viruses in the blood to prevent viruses from attaching to receptors that later facilitate their entry into cells. ref ref

The IMMUNE SYSTEM: How to Limit Exposure and Possibly Reduce Severity of Virus Infections

Question:  How could vitamins and other supplements impact viral diseases?  Here is info sheet from the NIH about vitamins and Covid-19 <VERY IMPORTANT MUST READ.

FYI: More or less one of the official views on alternative and OTC Covid-19 myths and treatments  Check out some of the references below that now reveal some of the mentioned myths are not really false.

IT IS VITAL TO SLOWLY BUILD UP LEVELS OF EFFECTIVE NUTRIENTS as starting to take nutrients at first sign of disease is often too late. These nutrients help to prevent and slow virus penetration and attachment before viral replication starts in cells. Here are some common sense proactive tips. ref First thing is to protect against exposure and begin building up the immune system. ref Once an outbreak occurs in your area, put in place the necessary related actions following:

• Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with hot water and soap, plus work at not touching face with hands. Viruses enter mainly through mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Avoid crowds, keep distance between, and limit touching surfaces that people regularly touch: Door knobs, gas station pump nozzles, shopping cart handles, drinking fountain buttons, sink faucet handles, money, ATM keypads, etc. Use back of hand or knuckles when possible and back through swinging doors. Ideally carry a couple of paper towels folded up to use over hands when you have to touch something common, then discard the towel. 
• If exposed to unsanitary situations or places, use sani-wipes or similar to clean hands and surfaces, like after children play on park equipment, etc.
• Wear sunglasses or other type to help prevent touching eyes and to protect them from people who cough or sneeze in your direction. Separate and remain at a safe distance, at least over 8 feet. Of course all coughs and sneezes are not virus related, but when situations warrant, precaution rules. Viruses can remain suspended in the air for far too many minutes and on some surfaces for over a day. 
• Shop early (best) or late to avoid crowds if you can. 
• When eating take out, change food to your own dishes and discard wrappers and containers in bags the food came in. Then wash hands before eating.  If you can, order food you don't have to eat with your hands, although probably a low method of exposure. (Precautions depend upon your age and health factors.)
• Limit sugar foods and increase vegetables and fruits. (body fluid pH regulation)
• Get enough rest and sleep.
• Exercise to increase lung strength but not in excess since that lowers immunity for short periods. 
• Take a moderate dose (5-20 billion) probiotic bacteria with strain codes listed after scientific names to aid intestinal health as well as a prebiotic fiber blend to feed your native bacteria. (pH of digestive system) ref
• Moderately low vitamins: Vitamin C (250 mg article (High dose vitamins antioxidant overkill destroys immune system ability to kill attacking viruses) article
• Quercetin, from the vitamin C family member Rutin, is used for it's ability to increase zinc uptake by cells, a process known as a zinc ionophore. This is the same action performed by the drug hydrochloroquine *(see below), just with almost no side effects.  See zinc actions below. Can rotate quercetin with green tea extract caps (ECGC) which have same ionophore function.
• Zinc at 15-30 mg. with 1 mg copper. Zinc is an immune stimulator, but has opposite actions at much higher dosages. ref  A Zinc lozenge might help protect mouth as a virus entrance when in crowds or at increased exposure areas, but not needed at home unless someone there is ill. Limit combined dosages to under 40mg. Chelated Zinc in cell culture test tubes is very effective at stopping virus production. But, Covid virus incorporates free zinc into it's cap structure. article 
• Vitamin K2 is measuring low in Covid-19 cases. Vitamin K2 has vital roles to play against the covid viruses as an antioxidant and in protecting tissue integrity, especially blood vessel walls. ref ref
• A low dose B complex vitamin or a Multiple Vitamin that contains some of the other nutrients mentioned as well. Keep Folic Acid at or below 200 mcg.
• Magnesium to balance calcium. Magnesium is needed also to activate Vitamins D into its hormone active form.

• Vitamin D helps macrophages in the blood produce immune peptides called LL-37. These not only fight pathogenic viruses and bacteria, they work to limit viral attachment to cell membranes. Vitamin D levels need to be built up over time from summer sunshine exposure or modest supplements, 400-1000 IU to maintain levels over winter. Taking vitamin D at first sign of cold or flu is rarely effective as this is not how vitamin D works. Still questions remain. ref ref ref
• Older people (over 50) might benefit from supplemental CoQ10 as increased levels could offer protection by building energy for cells to strengthen lung functions. ref ref ref ref Selenium at only 50 mcg (rotated on and off) ref
• Elderberry extract has value. Scientists have discovered an element elderberry contains which helps stop viruses from attaching onto cells. Plus it also wakes up immune cell cyctokines to be more aggressive in attacking pathogenic microbes, such as viruses. (herbals should be rotated on and off to keep the body's response from getting to a set point of less desirable or reduced actions)
• Oil of Oregano and Olive Leaf Extracts also may have antiviral properties. Of course, these and other nutrients are only part of the approach. They can be rotated and not all used at same time.
• Grape Seed Extract is helpful for virus control as well as for other functions such as skin and blood vessel integrity. It protects elastin and collagen fibers. ref
• If you become ill, stop taking your regular multiple-vitamins. Chances are they contain higher dosages of many antioxidant vitamins. This antioxidant activity stops the free radicals produced by the immune system blood cells that kill viruses. Vitamin C, zinc, and some others mentioned here are OK separately.
• Stay hydrated (mainly water) to help flow of secretions out of the body. article
• Regarding facial mask: ref  Social distancing and avoiding people who are exhibiting flu symptoms are 10 times better than relying on a face mask to prevent virus spread. Probably a good idea when indoors with people you do not know. Thus, masks may make people feel like they are protected, but science is lacking on complete effectiveness. Stopping or limiting your own cough or sneeze may be the real influence. But, then it is in the cloth, with a little spread around any mask gaps or through the material. If you are ill, do not go out into public. But remember there are a few days before symptoms manifest. Mask info. Wash masks often and replace when necessary. Go maskless as much as possible when outdoors or in safe conditions. Children need frequent outdoor maskless breaks if required to wear masks in school rooms.
• REMEMBER: All people, regardless of vaccination status, can be infected with enough of the virus to contaminate others. The vaccination is more of a treatment to prevent serious disease conditions and death. It does not stop viruses from entering the body. It just initiates immune response antibodies to attack and kill the viruses before they can enter cells and duplicate enough to cause major symptoms.
• Since viruses might remain in nasal tissues for a couple of days, a nasal wash might be prudent to use daily to help flush out (use only distilled or sterile water). Adding a little OTC antiviral could also help. Check with Pharmacists at drugstores for help. Studies underway adding small amount of baby shampoo to help overcome enveloped covid-19 virus cap. ref
• Some mouthwash use might help as well. ref 
• Older individuals exhibit lower melatonin levels, and might benefit from supplements of melatonin to protect mitochondria functions by antioxidant actions. ref

NOTE: Fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K, if consumed daily at higher amounts, can build up to detrimental action levels since they get stored in fat. These levels could be less then the amounts considered toxic. One prudent approach is to consume daily for about 2 weeks, then alternate every other day or even every third day if using higher amounts. Then, about every three months, consume daily for another two weeks and repeat alternations. Vitamin D needed more in fall and winter than in spring or summer. Obviously, tests that measure blood levels give guidance.

Some of the other supplements with values include mushroom extracts, beta glucans (ref ref), IP6 (ref), and Broccoli SGS (ref), a major detox element. Eating garlic and onions could help. Soup broth as well as bone broth are good for digestion and mineral balance. Maintaining hydration is important so drink some water early in day. Get a little sunshine each day (vitamin D). Relax and lower stress levels. Don't watch TV NEWS. Read a book. Think positive happy thoughts. The Brain and positive thoughts have a major impact on the strength of the immune system.

Of INTEREST: It is reported that one of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 disease is a loss of taste and small. These are classic signs of a zinc deficiency or zinc balance disruption. ref SARS-CoV-2 viruses use zinc as part of their structure. Over time, the genetic code of many viruses have adapted to manipulate zinc balance so more is available for virus growth. article

Everything about viral attachments and more> ref

**Inflammation is one of the processes the immune system uses for healing. Unfortunately, inflammation can also be a factor in overwhelming body homeostasis leading to compromised immune states. ref ref  ref

Be sure to notice that selenium is needed in a very narrow range of amounts in the last reference for proper immune system function. Both not enough or too much are negative for immune controls. It depends on the soil level of selenium in each area.

NOTE: There are many different kinds of viruses and they do not all process the same body pathways making it difficult to recommend one protocol for all types. The new SARS CoV-2 virus uses zinc as it's preferred metal ion to anchor the protein cap over the RNA coding material, the blueprint to make new viruses. Thus binding up zinc in cells helps slow down viral production. refThe bound form of zinc also helps stop the viruses, too.

With the current coronavirus crisis, here is a simple explanation about the strategy on lungs for proper immune functioning. ref

The above actions and nutrients will not prevent this disease if you are exposed to it. The goal or design is to give the body a chance to hopefully reduce the degree or severity of symptoms and allow the body a better fighting chance for survival. 

Interesting Update:  Yes, the NIH did announce that it suspended grants that might have included funds directed to the Wuhan Lab working on bat virus research recently. article The COVID-19 virus might have been accidentally released from this lab in China. It then could have been picked up and passed on from pets to bats and ended up in humans. A committee from the World Health Organization is investigating this possibility in China right now.  Food for thought.

*hydrochloroquine Most of the studies that found no benefit were conducted on hospitalized patients. But, when acting as a zinc ionophore, hydrocholoroquine presents greatest value before and at first sign of Covid-19 infection rather than later when people go into hospital and already have developed a high virus load.

STUDY last year July 2020 to test these 4 nutrients on covid disease: Zinc, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Vitamin C.  No results posted yet.

WHY take these precautions? Some Symptom reviews

When symptoms of covid-19 are analzyed, there are many different body areas attacked. One, thick blood has been found on autopsy indicating that blood clots are one factor, especially around the lungs. Supplements to control and maintain blood clotting mechanisms are important, like vitamin K2 which has often found deficient in covid-19 cases. Vitamin K2 is also involved with mGLA, matric GLA proteins, in blood vessel walls, to stop vascular calcification. This is a blood vessel integrity factor. OPC from grape seeds is one as well. Since the covid spike proteins attack to and bind up ACE2 receptors on blood vessel cells, this impacts the ability of the body to control blood pressure and is why people with hypertension are prime suspects for covid severe complications.

Inflammation of tissues around the heart is another factor. Many supplements work to control inflammation, such as curcumin and fish oils. 

Zinc helps stop virus duplication as well as works to maintain immune system. But it needs help to get into cells before the virus does. Ionophores help zinc do this such as quercetin and green tea extract. Plus, an added bonus is that quercetin has both anti-inflammatory and thrombin-inhibitory actions. This helps control clotting mechanisms.

Since covid viruses have to attach to cells walls, data gained from the aids virus research to maintain healthy membranes which offer greater resistance to virus attachments, helps, such as EYL, egg yolk lecithin. Good essential oils are vital as well. OPC's from grape seeds prevent the breakdown of elastin and collagen fibers in vessel walls could be beneficial. Vitamin C helps build collagen.

To be continued.

Coronavirus and Zinc

Zinc and Immunity

Zinc is known by many Consumers to have immune properties. ref ref There are zinc lozenges that might help fight off the cold causing virus, the rhinovirus. Zinc is also given out in Africa by clinicians who only see children once a month to help prevent bacterial diarrhea from unsanitary living conditions. Zinc is also known to help wounds heal faster, such as after surgery. The web is awash with many other positive uses for zinc. ref ref Plus, now there are even new articles that say zinc will inhibit the growth of the coronavirus. Thus, many nutritionists and vitamin companies are recommending it. Is Zinc a miracle worker, or is there more to the story? ref

FYI: Zinc is a water soluble mineral and needs help getting past the cell fat membranes and into cells. There are zinc protein carriers to facilitate this transferinto cells as well as ionophores in foods and supplements such as quercetin, ref, and in drugs such as the anitmalaria drug hydrochloroquine. Both zinc and an ionophore are necessary since it is not yet known how to increase zinc protein carriers. ref

There is more to the story indeed. Yes, zinc in test tube research stops cornoavirus plus other viruses. And live studies show positive effects on some types of virus caused diseases. But, there is another fact that only scientific researchers must be aware for zinc. This aspect is nowhere to be found in the media or in virus website recommendations. One of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 disease is a loss of taste and smell. These are classic signs of a zinc deficiency or zinc balance disruption. SARS-CoV-2 viruses use up zinc to form part of their structure. Over time, the genetic code of many viruses have adapted to manipulate zinc balance so more is available for virus growth and less for boosting immune system elements to stop viruses. 

Zinc is the dominate metal ion out of a few possible choices that viruses use to attach to their protein structure during viral replication in cells. Scientists are looking into ways to inhibit this process by using elements that bind up zinc so it is no longer available for this building virus activity. 

QUESTIONS: How do zinc supplements at different amounts influence immunity versus viral replication? Do zinc supplements even have any effect on the free zinc levels inside cells since the controlling mechanism is tightly requlated to only allow small amounts inside cells? article Of note: in test tube studies, zinc is most effective at early stage of virus attack.

Zinc occurs in two forms in the body. Some Zinc is chelated or combined with a protein and the rest is unbound as free ions. It appears that the free form is the active form. Inside cells, the level of free zinc is highly regulated to just tiny amounts for a very sound reason. While zinc helps build over 300 enzymes to make different protein structures for vital cell functions, there is another use that deserves attention. Since zinc helps build proteins, this function may be hijacked by viruses to HELP build more viruses, and zinc is the preferred metal ion placed by this new coronavirus in it's cap over the protein RNA material. ref

The bound form of zinc may play an opposite role to the free zinc form and these actions are probably balancing. ref ref  The free zinc works as a signal messenger for the immune system. Both low amounts as well an excess of free zinc can exhibit adverse effects on cells. This appears very complicated, but this is similar to the way a few other nutrients also function. Vitamins like folic acid and vitamin B6 can also function in opposite directions at different amounts, plus also at different stages of body or disease processes.

Vitamin D first dissolves bones to release calcium to balance levels in the blood. At the same time, vitamin D also directs bone building cells to get to work replacing the bone that were just dissolved. Funny how nature works sometimes. BUT, the proper use of vitamin supplements has to account for these many different actions to maintain balance. The bottom line is this: Zinc is vital within a given range of dosages. Both too little and too much are detrimental. And perhaps the greatest need is to help the body control zinc forms. Certain drugs work in this area but there are also supplements and foods that contain nutrients using thses same actions. Quercetin is one. These nutrients have elements that can bind up zinc for future use.

How Zinc Unwittingly Helps Viruses Grow

This reference is easy to read and follow. It shows how viruses can hijack body functions for their own selfish reasons. It deals with a very complex process of regulation. Zinc plays roles in many different body areas and immune processes. One significant action is to build IT-2 that increases T-cell immune cell numbers if low.

Supplement zinc at only about 15-20 mg. Maybe up to 30 mg. for certain groups, like seniors and vegetarians. A small subset of Seniors will need slightly more , 40-50 mg., since digestive or compromised digestional disturbances hinder uptake. Three months tends to max tissue saturation. Government max amount is 40mg. The body begins to decrease zinc absorption percentage with continued supplements. The diet also supplies some if not most. Check out list of food sources for zinc amounts to see how many of the foods are in your diet, or if you consume whole grains and beans that have phytates which hinder absorption. ref Then, supplement wisely if and when needed.

It is not yet known how to properly maintain the unbound levels of zinc in cells. Body wisdom should and has to suffice. Studies have shown that if zinc is low, supplements help correct. What is not well known, if levels are already sufficient, what does extra do to zinc functions. Too much is also not desirable but generally this is found with 75+ mg. Maybe subtle effects over 50 mg. Other minerals might be impacted such as copper and also some minerals like iron and calcium could limit zinc absorption too. Best to take zinc (with a little copper) separately.

Check back for more information. This information should give some clarity to evaluate when reading scientific studies or nutritional recommendations.

Zinc and Cell Membranes

The other area of zinc influence is at the cell membrane area. Zinc helps form barriers in cell membranes to attempt to limit virus penetartion into the cell. This area will get more information soon. Where zinc interacts inside cells. ref  Next is copy from the summary of last referenced study.  

"Since Zn (zinc) and Zn ionophores interact with both the autophagy machinery and the replicative apparatus in SARS-CoV, such interactions likely involve ER stress and UPR induction.

UPR = unfolded protein response    

Autophagy = body cleaning out damaged cells

ER stress = Endoplasmic reticulum stress. -  Cell life and death decisions

ER disturbances can lead to conserved cell stress response, the unfolded protein response, which first tries to mitigate damage in cell, but if too great, triggers cell death. 

In summary SARS-CoV-2 can possibly activate UPR and hijack this pathway for the benefit of its own infection process. In Scheme 1 a brief summary of the possible role of autophagy and UPR in SARS-CoV-2 infection is summarized. Considering that the replication of coronaviruses causes ER stress and induces UPR in the infected cells, additional research on coronavirus-induced UPR could help identify new targets for antiviral agents and facilitate the development of effective vaccines against covid-19. Interfering with or manipulating the coronavirus-induced UPR may provide new therapeutic targets that contribute to infection control and the pathogenesis of this emergent coronavirus."

NEW STUDY on Covid-19 and 4 nutrients, Quercetin, Zinc, Bromelain, and Vitamin C now starting here.

CoronaVirus (COVID-19)

UPDATE: Feb 2023

Here a most recent paper on what might be happening with vaccinated young men and myocarditis. It found differences that might account for this condition. ref

UPDATE: Oct 2022

Check out the Key points here. Here is copy from this Mayo Clinic reference: "People who are fully vaccinated can get breakthrough infections and spread the virus to others. But the COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness."

UPDATE: April 22, 2022

MYOCARDITIS

So far, no direct cause has been mentioned as to why the Covid-19 mRNA vaccines are causing myocarditis in a small number of young men. This next referenced study looked at some obvious heart connected elements and symptoms, but did not find anything significant. ref  Thus, maybe it is something rather simple that no one is looking for or wants to talk about.

The mRNA vaccines direct the body to build thousands, perhaps millions of spike proteins exactly as found on the real live viruses. just without the virus part. But there is one basic difference, the spike proteins are genetically modified adding 2 extra amino acids to prevent the spike protein from assimilation into cells, as would happen during Covid-19 disease. So, if (this is a big if which is not mentioned in mainstream medicine) the spike proteins do get into the circulation system from the injection site and roam around in the blood vessels, when the spike proteins find an ACE2 receptor, they attach and become stuck to the outside of that cell until the body house cleaners come along and dissolve them. ACE2 receptors are found in many cells, but predominate in lung cells lining air sacs and in blood vessel wall cells. Reports found to date report the body would remove the majority of spike proteins in a little over a week. Since the spike proteins are very small. if they attach to a large artery wall, they may not have much impact. But, what about if they attach to the wall of a small blood vessel? Some small artery vessels are so tiny, only one red blood cell can pass through at a time. Now, imagine that red blood cell encountering the spike end of a struck spike protein. The red blood cell would probably not survive intact and would be torn apart. There are many of these tiny vessels in the heart. Could this tiny amount of damage to red blood cells in the heart vessels be enough to initiate an immune reponse which triggers heart inflammation in young healthy men. They may be the only ones to have peak functioning immune systems and this prompts a response as myocarditis while in other people, this event would be under the carpet and not noticable. Food for thought! Some Researchers have found blood clotting signs in covid-19 and vaccinated people. 

So far, only censored Scientists have mentioned this could be a possibility. The big IF here is how often does spike protein from the vaccine get into the blood circulation system? Information on this aspect is very difficult to discover. Scientists leave this area out of most discussions about how the body deals with nRNA material and builds spike proteins. There is one fact that is mentioned by most about a very unique cell behavior the body uses to protect itself.

When cells begin to build the vast number of proteins needed by the body, the cells tack a small amount of this protein onto the outside of the cell. Body police cells come by and read this tacked up protein to make sure the cell is producing a natural body required protein. If the police cells find a cell has gone rogue and is building a contrabanded protein, or is producing a dangerous virus, the police cells call up for immune garage collectors to come and destroy the rogue cell and it's contents. Plus the police cells tell neighboring cells about the dangerous situation too. Cells talk to each other. Now, this activity is claimed by the mRNA vaccine Scientists to destroy the spike proteins before they are allowed to leave the injection site cells. BUT, there are simply too many pieces of data that appear to say differently. Some mRNA material and newly built spike proteins escape these immune containing aspects and find there way into the lymph system and then into the circulation system. How much of the mRNA and spike proteins get this far may determine some of the more severe reactions. Hopefully, the numbers are small. Check out this most recent reference> ref

This is the latest Scientific info on Covid-19 vaccines and side effects. ref Still the recommendation is the vaccine presents a lower risk than the disease. But, at last, some of the side effects are coming out and could be prepared to watch. 

Copy from least reference: 

•

"COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induce robust anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses, yet their cellular-molecular mode of action and the etiology of the induced AEs remain elusive.

•

LNPs have a probable broad distribution in human tissues/organs; they may also (along with the packaged mRNA) exert a pro-inflammatory action.

•

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines encode for a transmembrane SARS-CoV-2 S protein, however, shedding of the antigen and/or related peptides fragments in the circulation may occur.

•

Binding of circulating S to ACE2 (that is critical for the renin-angiotensin system balance) or to other targets, along with the possibility of molecular mimicry with human proteins may contribute to the vaccination-related AEs. (adverse effects)

•

The benefit-risk profile remains in favor of COVID-19 vaccination, yet prospective pharmacovigilance and long-term monitoring of vaccinated recipients should be a public health priority."

UPDATE: January 26, 2022

The Omicron surge may be due to this strain partly avoiding the immune response from vaccines and past infections from other strains. ref  The mRNA vaccines were developed using the RNA from the spike (S) protein, The Omicron strain has many mutations to the spike protein. While other immune factors from the past are still operating somewhat, the viral entry from the spike proteins seems to be an issue. A new target protein could be needed for future vaccines.

Update: Sept 10, 2021

There is a rather unusual event that the WHO initiated near the end of January of 2021. You can read about it here. The WHO changed the procedures for covid testing of the PCR tests which had the effect of lowering sensitivity that reduced the number of overall positive results, especially false positives. Why? Dr. Fauci even mentioned earlier that the higher testing settings would result in dramatically increased positive readings.

Breakthrough Cases from fully Vaccinated People

One State covid stats: Utah, with the highest such cases, found 33% of new Covid cases from mid January to August 6, were in fully vaccinated people. ref (that is still only .36% of all vaccinated people) Hopefully, the disease symptoms were less severe and didn't require hospitalization. But, still, not a good statistic. The vaccines are still reported as working to reduce symptoms and prevent full blown illness. These people would still be able to spread the virus. This MIT article provides more detail and why there will be increasing breakthrough cases in the future, both from numbers and new variants, but that the numbers should remain a very low percentage overall.

FYI: Vaccines in the past prouced antibodies that prevented the disease. The covid-19 vaccines were designed to produce the wrong antibodies and in the wrong spots. The vaccine antibodies work in the blood stream after the virus has already entered the body and started the disease process. The area where they would have the most preventative effects would be in the cells lining the lungs and other mucosal cell types like those in the nose. IgA antibodies in these locations act directly to destroy the viruses as they start to enter the body rather than after they are already in the blood stream. They mark the viruses for destruction by other immune system cells. The vaccines produce IgA as well as IgG antibodies, but the IgA antibodies are in the blood stream and not on mucous membranes. IgG are the main body antibodies and are also produced by vaccines. ref They safely mark healthy proteins as essential while marking viruses in the body for destruction. Unfortunately, they can also sometimes trigger autoimmune diseases in certain people. ref Longer term vaccine studies discover which people are possibly susceptible.

Here are the current CDC recommendations for vaccinated people who come in contact with a Covid-19 carrier.

San Diego, over a week period recently, reported that of 57 Covid deaths, 11 were in those fully vaccinated. Next are the facts about this from NBC news San Diego:

"The new deaths occurred between Aug. 19 and Sept. 13, and 11 of the 57 people who died were fully vaccinated. The deceased were 34 men and 23 women; 54 had underlying medical conditions, one did not and two had medical history pending.

Of the 57 deaths, 15 were 80 years of age or older, 11 were in their 70s, 22 were in their 60s, four were in their 50s, two were in their 40s and three were in their 30s."

Ivermectin: This is a drug for animals used by Veterinarians to kill parasites, and also in humans as an anti-malaria drug. In areas of India, it has been used in humans for help against Covid-19 with possibly positive results, until it was recently banned. It is causing quite a controversy in the United States as to whether or not it works against Covid-19. ref ref ref ref

Update: August 2021

The new Delta covid variant first surfaced in India. It has a much quicker spreading ability. This variant is generating a large degree of covid surges in 170 Countries. Still in the wings is the Mu variant B.1.621 from Columbia, now in 39 Countries. The WHO has just labelled the Mu as a "variant of interest." It has "mutations that indicate potential properties of immune escape."  On the watch is a new covid mutant from Peru called lambda, and another one not named yet from South Africa, the C.1.2, that is still so new not much is known about it yet, just in 10 Countries. ref  This one exhibits over 40 steps of mutation away from original virus which could enable it like Mu to sidestep the natural antibody immunity built from the original covid-19 strain disease plus those developed from the vaccines. Info from CDC on variants. C.1.2 not added yet. Health agencies are in a wait and watch to determine the full scope of effects from these new variants. If these new variants are indeed outside of the influence of the current natural antibodies and vaccines, this changes everything.

Keep reading for steps you can take now regardless of status to safeguard below** or you can go here for same info. 

Update: February 17, 2021

This is troubling news. Mutants of the Covid-19 virus, especially the South African one, reveal a reduction of current vaccine effectiveness. In South Africa, people who recovered from Covid-19 later came down with the new mutant disease. Thus, the mutant virus may not be significantly affected by antibodies produced against the original covid-19 virus. The current Covid-19 vaccines should still slow down and reduce symptoms to various degrees until... Covid-19 started as an epidemic, quickly became a pandemic, and now looks like it is endemic. This daramatically increases the need for everyone to achieve peak performance for their immune systems. Here is a USA Today News article explaining how mutants are formed, what is an endemic, and some consequences.

FYI: You are not completely helpless in this situation. There are ways you can help your immune system to attack and destroy viruses as well as to provide a stronger barrier in cell membranes to prevent virus attachment and duplication. Maybe not 100%, but still significant to give medical professionals more time. ref  After one year, the Medical profession appears to still be in the experimental treatment protocol phase for treating Covid-19. Why? This is a major question that someone has to answer.

Update: February 2, 2021

Even after vaccination, the prudent principle remains to safeguard a strong and active immune system. Read below to learn how to accomplish this vital precautionary approach. Here is what happens in the body after shots.

UpDate: January 8, 2021

With the Covid-19 vaccines just rolling out, time will tell when enough people get innoculated to influence herd immunity.* Often it takes about 65% for noticeable results when recovered people are included. Scientists are looking at around summer since the process has been rather slow so far. Any new waves or surges could sxtend the timeline.

So far, four new mutant strains of COVID-19 have been discovered. Most exhibiting a greater ease and speed of spreading. These mutated viruses have already shown a lowered percentage of vaccine effectiveness.

Plus, Scientists are attempting to find out if once a person is vaccinated, can they still pass the virus on to others if exposed to it before their body immune system destroys the viruses. They should not notice any symptoms during this process. This could push up the percent needed for herd immunity. 

Anyway, masks and social distancing would still be in place, especially since the viruses can quickly mutate into new forms. So far, it appears that the present vaccines will continue to work against the new strains. But, the percent effective rate may decline to some extent. Time will tell if and when a booster shot may become necessary to improve effective rates back up.

Moderna has just announced that their vaccine protection should last a year. Does that mean that, like the flu, every year people will need another shot?

*The new reality is that herd immunity is no longer a possibility since vaccinated people can still pass on the virus, especially the new variants, since they have been found if exposed to develop similar virus amounts in nose and mouth as non-vaccinated people. The vaccination just reduces symptoms or prevents a full blown disease from developing. Since the world population now travels globally, herd immunity is ony as strong as the level of the lowest infected and vaccinated Country.

NEW INFORMATION

It has to also be pointed out that the principles for these two COVID-19 vaccines use a completely new method for vaccinations. In the past, vaccines used either a weakened form of the virus or a subunit of it ( a unique protein) so that the body developed an immune response which then gets stored for later action against the recognized virus. 

These new COVID-19 vaccines use a new method, a genetic code action.  They use mRNA material (messenger gene sequence built proteins) from the spikes on the Covid virus. This is part of the code system for developing new viruses. This mRNA material is then encapsulated into tiny lipid (oil) nanoparticles.* After injection, this compound causes the body to actually build a small amount of the proteins just like those on the covid virus spike cap. Immune cells then respond and develop immunotherapy actions against the covid spike RNA material proteins. Memory is stored in special immune cells for later use when needed to prevent a full force virus attack, all by just recognizing and eliminating these covid cap spike proteins. This hinders attachment of the viruses and speeds elimination out of the body. This is a simple explanation for a rather complex set of reactions. As with any new method, there are possible side effects. A few people are allergic to Propylene Glycol, a preservative ingredient in the injection. After injection, people are told to wait 15 minutes before leaving to make sure they do not experience any severe reactions. New information is consistently building. Since the vaccines work by triggering immune responses. Those with an already compromised immune system may have to take take special precautions.

*This reference talks about this new delivery method, lipid coated nanoparticles. Some good points and some not so good ones. Time will tell which will predominate. 

Regardless of whether vaccinated or not, the protocols listed in a separate article for peak immunity should be followed to limit any future potential adverse effects.  

October 10, 2020

The current reality is that the particular strain of coronavirus causing COVID-19 will be active for some time, maybe years, even with a vaccine. Virus vaccines are not usually 100% effective. Most are in range of 60 -70% (ref) and with protection lasting anywhere from 80 days to two years plus. High risk individuals will still have to be cautious even if they get the vaccine since time is needed to tell how long the vaccine protection will last. Could be a few months, a year, or a lifetime..? Will it be like the FLU and mutate every year or so into a new form? And the question about getting COVID-19 a second time is still searching for a definitive answer. The 90 to 95% prevention rates for the two COVID-19 vaccines appear to be miracles. More testing and time are needed to verify. ref ref

Death Numbers

When Covid death numbers were at 262,000, on overall cause of deaths in US using data for April 2020 since this month saw rapid increase with high number of COVID-19 deaths. This next reference questions the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 since all the other causes of death declined. Were causes misclassified? ref

Start of original article: 

Every winter, flu virus outbreaks cause a number of people to become sick and some immune system compromised or otherwise already ill patients do not survive. This year, from Oct 1 to date, the regular human flu types A and B, from CDC estimates, have sickened over 20 million people with about 20,000 related deaths, a very low death rate. Some common colds might be included with flu cases since many similar symptoms. There are vaccines for these flu types and Doctors have some antiviral medicines to use. Here is the low down on Immune Defenses> ref ref How immune system blood cells function> ref

NEW Virus STRAIN THIS YEAR

This year, a new virus from the Coronavirus family has appeared in China. What makes this one unique is that this is the first year this strain has appeared in humans. It is not the flu virus. This represents a new strain of coronavirus, similar species but not the same strain that caused SARS or MERS. Many similar coronavirus strains are found in animals. A jump to humans is potentially very dangerous. Time will tell.  There are no vaccines yet and this generates quite a bit of apprehension over just how contagious and virulent this strain might become. That is why the panic level is very high at this still early stage of winter disease season which normally runs through May. Time will tell if this strain is different?      US Gov coronavirus website. 

Official name of virus: SARS-CoV-2.    Animal of origin: Bats,      Disease it causes:  COVID-19

UPDATE WARNING: The coronavirus has been found in stools (poop). Everyone in household should be taugh to do this as a precaution, especially when out in public. Close the toilet lid BEFORE flushing as research has shown virus and bacteria contamination on items in bathroom when poop filled toilets are flushed with top open, especially on toothbrushes if they are near. WASH hands after use and sanitize handles, etc. Far too many people still do not wash hands in public bathrooms and lids on toilets are often not present.

Yes, the coronavirus has slightly different symptoms than the flu virus. Flu viruses come in two types, one is easily spread person to person that has mild symptoms and infects the upper respiratory lung area, while the other attacks the lower lung area and is more severe but harder to transmit. This new coronavirus appears to be easily spread person to person from touch, air, or contact surfaces. Both of the lung areas get infected.

New Symptoms: From USA Today July 11, 2020:

Congestion, runny nose, nausea and diarrhea are the four most recent COVID-19 symptoms that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added to its growing list of potential signs of the novel coronavirus.

The CDC previously said symptoms include chills, fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a new loss of taste or smell. The agency now lists 11 symptoms on its website.

The additions come as health experts continue to learn more about the disease, and care for very ill COVID-19 patients is improving. Even so, the CDC states the current list doesn't include all possible symptoms for the virus.

Doctors have also identified a symptom informally dubbed "COVID toes" – the presence of purple or blue lesions on a patient’s feet and toes

This new Coronavirus has already eclipsed the SARS strain (2003) in number of deaths and appears to be just as easily spread. The SARS death rate was 6.5%. This new strain appears, from data presented so far, to fortunately have a rather low mortality factor, just slightly over 2%. Time will tell. While the camel related MERS strain, started in the Middle East in 2016, has an over 30% mortality rate, it is very slow in spreading with just over 2500 cases and 858 deaths in three years.

UPDATE on Morality Rates: A very preliminary report breaks down the mortality rate by age groups. Over 80, 16%, Over 70, 8%, over 60, continues to drop similarly for each 10 year group ongoing. The overall mortality rate is climbing, today, April 4, it is about 5%, (1,000,000 / 50,000, worldwide) The USA mortality rate is about 2.4%. (January 1, 2021, it is dropping, now at 1.7%)

NUMBERS with a grain of Salt: Remember, the numbers given out are for tested and confirmed cases only. The actual number of infected people is quite a lot more. Many people may not even know they are carriers since they do not exhibit symptoms, or symptoms are so mild they are not given significance.

So, this new strain has the potential to rapidly overtake these other two cases in just a few months, but still a far cry from the regular human type flu numbers. Every 6.5 days, this new strain is doubling in the number of people infected. While the official numbers reported are quite low, the real numbers could be much higher due to the incubation period of between 2 to 14 days, and only confirmed cases are counted.

The first cases were reported in early December out of China but it took until January to identify that this was a new strain. While the infected numbers are steadily increasing, the real story Scientists are watching will be the number that exhibit a complete recovery. (3-25-2020, number is 125,500)

NOTE: For the scientifically sound, here is what is happening in the body with COVID-19. Layman just read the conclusion, especially the last line. ref

Avenues for Treatment

While viral drugs have not been discovered yet that kill viruses, there are a number of ways to help limit or slow viruses down. In order for a virus to cause disease symptoms, it first has to significantly grow in numbers by hijacking cells in the body for this purpose. Preventing viruses from attaching to or entering through cell membranes represents one way drugs and food nutrients help control this build up of more viruses. Another way is kick start immune cells to become more aggressive in attacking viruses. ref

**Peak Immunity: The idea here is not just to increase if low the number of immune white blood cells like T-cells and B-cells, it is more to increase the potential activity level of these cells. This means their level of readiness to attack viruses and bacteria in the blood. The five Immune White Blood Cells have a balance point or ideal ratio between them that needs to be respected. Doctors measure these levels to determine how the immune system is functioning and to see if the immune system is currently responding to a body situation, such as inflammation. Inflammatory processes are directly linked to immune activity.** T-cells and B-cells work together against bacteria and viruses. First, other helper immune cells in the blood immediately attack the invading pathogens. Then the B & T cells represent the big guns of the immune system and work against the pathogens when they have overwhelmed the first line of defense, the macrophages. B-cells build up antibodies to attach to viruses outside of cells to prevent them from entering cells for duplication. The cells already in cells and dupicating, are the responsibility of T-cells to kill the viruses. ref ref  Both B & T cells remember the invaders for future. ref 

Here is another reason to maintain a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. From years of HIV research, it was discovered that healthy cell membranes made up of good fats are better able to stand up against virus attempts to attach and enter. ref ref  Another avenue for drugs is to attach to viruses in the blood to prevent viruses from attaching to receptors that later facilitate their entry into cells. ref ref

The IMMUNE SYSTEM: How to Limit Exposure and Possibly Reduce Severity of Virus Infections.   to see this article click here

Strange History 

Interesting Update:  Yes, the NIH did announce that it suspended grants that might have included funds directed to the Wuhan Lab working on bat virus research recently. article The COVID-19 virus might have been accidentally released from this lab in China. The story that it was from bat interactions with Pangolins and then infected humans from the meat sold at the wet markets in Wuhan is rather a stretch. There are no records of any bats or pangolins sold at these markets before. The Horseshoe bat population is hundreds of miles from Wuhan near the area of Wannun. A record does show that in 2012, a number of miners in the Wannun area became sick from bat bites. Records also show that the lab in Wuhan experimented with and talked about results with these Wunnan bats in 2015. article It is certainly a possibility that a lab worker may have been bitten and infected to start this pandemic. A horseshoe bat in England was recently found to harbor a coronavirus similar to the one causing Covid-19. A committee from the World Health Organization recently investigated the origin of covid-19 and stayed with the wet market bat theory. article Food for thought.

*hydrochloroquine Most of the studies that found no benefit were conducted on hospitalized patients. But, when acting as a zinc ionophore, hydrocholoroquine presents greatest value before and at first sign of Covid-19 infection rather than later when people already have a significant viral load in their body and are into the hospital. 
 

Update on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 11:58PM by Team RightWay

Numbers for the Coronavirus are slowly expanding. Click on "Monitor the Coronavirus outbreak" near top on this website for a map with numbers here. In 36 Countries, over 100,000 confirmed cases, with just over 3041 deaths. This next reference gives far to many virus actions in the body for regular folks, and is included only for the very curious. ref The major situation is this, over 80% of cases exhibit mild flu type symptoms.  And the 20% that are more severe will exhibit results determined by the level of the immune system to withstand and recover from virus activity. Seniors and others are at increased risk if they already have other respiratory compromising diseases. Myths of Coronavirus.

IMPORTANT FACT:  While Seniors and those with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions are at increased risk, young and seemingly healthy people 35-50 are dying in far to great numbers. As of April 8, 759 in the United States.

Some interesting facts are beginning to be revealed. The death rate is slowly climbing, up from just under 2% to about 3.1% now. Mostly older people with weakened immune systems. The few deaths in middle age adults are also most likely from those with compromised immunity. Rather astonishingly, no deaths yet in healthy children. Young children are mostly developing the mild symptom version. This was also found in the other major coronavirus outbreaks, like SCARS.  These facts could change at any time. The fact that children and healthy adults usually only develop mild symptoms, should not warrant the panic level displayed in the general public. It is the rather long incubation period of up to 14 days before people show symptoms that presents problems for isolating and preventing the spread of this disease. The confirmed cases are only the tip of the iceberg. Everyone needs to be responsible to help limit transfers people to people and become part of a prevention solution.

If people break mandatory or voluntary quarantines, the disease will spread faster. The underlining fear is that the numbers will rapidly escalate and overwhelm the medical care system. Not enough hospital beds or equipment like respirators to help lungs function.

What does the coronavirus do to the body?

The regular flu symptoms, coughing, sneezing, fever, aches and pains, are more or less the processes the body is using to attempt to expel the virus. What happens after the virus numbers increase, the virus starts to attack and kill mucous producing cells lining the inside of lungs. In among the mucous cells are cilia cells with hair-like projections. The back and forth movement of the cilia normally expels the mucous out of the lungs. These cells are also attacked. ref ref The lungs start to lose the ability to clear mucous out and fluids can build up leading to pneumonia. This is why CoQ10 is part of protocol for older people for whatever benefits it might provide. Young people usually produce enough CoQ10 to energize lung cells.

Obviously, nutrients to help strengthen the lung cells are needed. Vitamin C builds needed collagen, Vitamin A helps nourish mucous membranes to aid their function of acting as a barrier against viruses. Vitamins also help fight against infections and lower inflammation. Systemic Inflammation, a far too common condition throughout the body, also overwhelms the immune cells by increasing areas needing support. 

Lecithin is a great membrane integrity factor to build healthy cell membranes. Omega 3 helps, but do not overdo. Other body functions are also attacked by this virus as noted in reference above.

Gingko is also used in people with asthma. ref  Carbon dioxide is exhaled while oxygen is inhaled. These nutrients may have some value in diseases that attack the respiratory system. ref

Method of actions in lungs: "blocks the action of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a compound the body produces that in part causes asthma symptoms." Worth a try.

NAC, N-acytel-L-cysteine, also supports lung functions. Just to be used during crisis times and not all the time. Think of these nutrients as immune ticklers. If used all the time, they become immune irritants.

THE Bottom line is that a stronger immune system is paramount. Building an affective white blood cell activity barrier may slow progression of disease and reduce severity of symptoms. Plus any support to enhance lung functions may help support and limit long term damage to tissues. 

Update on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 9:56AM by Team RightWay

What is occurring on a Worldwide scale appears to be an unbelievable overreach by many. So, what really is at the heart of these extreme measures by Governments and the MEDICAL Professionals?  

The first 2 references in the above CoronaVirus article are from chapters in a textbook about viruses. Here is the defining chapter 48, just before the above two references. Evolution of Viruses. Read the conclusion. Stay vigilant and be safe. 96% or more of people will survive with heroic medical team support, many with just a mild to bad flu. The survival of the other 4% may depend upon their exposure and your actions to prevent the rapid spread of this virus.

What is meant by tweaking the immune system?

Some of the above recommendations suggest that they could tweak or optimize the immune system white blood cell activity levels. This needs some clarification as this is a very controversial area. Scientists have found it difficult to measure and determine just what constitutes a peak level for the immune sytem. More cells is not the answer. Higher number of immune white blood cells (WBC) usually indicates a disease fighting situation.

A study over 50 years ago found that blood drawn after a high sugar meal, compared to blood drawn before, increased the growth rate of bacteria added to it. It was assumed that the blood after the meal had lower immune cell activity that allowed the bacteria to quickly grow. This effect lasted a few hours. For some reason, this research did not stimulate further studies. Check out the work below for some insights that may have profound implications for the immune system under attack today.

A Novel Study for food influence on Immunity

A study by Doctor Kouchakoff in 1930 (ref), "The Influence of Cooking Food on the Blood Formula of Man," looked at how different states of food, between raw or cooked, processed, processed and refined, or combinations of those food types together, influenced the immune white blood cell counts and activity levels. He found out that raw foods in their natural state had no effect on white blood cells (WBC). After foods were cooked, the WBC counts often increased. This would indicate that the immune system sensed an attack and was preparing for battle. Adding some raw food with a cooked food stopped this change in WBC count and activity. Some processed and refined foods did not even need to be cooked to elevate WBCs. Thoroughly chewing foods could slightly mitigate some of these WBC effects.

Foods that were cooked and processed increased not only the WBC count, but also changed the ratio between the 5 types of WBCs. This indicates that the immune system is in full battle mode, the condition found during disease states. 

Next, the Doctor checked to see at what cooking temperature this change from raw to cooked food effects occurred. Usually most foods changed immune reactions around 115 degrees, but there was a slightly different temperature for each food. Foods that would not easily fit in raw or cooked categories, like spices, were tested separately.

This increase in WBC count from cooked foods was only temporary and any long term effects were not mentioned. Thus, this study only provided a grain of sand for health aspects, other than it may be wise to include some raw food at every meal. This research lacks follow up studies to verify results.

OTHER POSSIBLE FACTORS

There are a few other factors that could offer insights and get play time for these changes. First, how cooking influences vitamin activity, whether they survive alive or not, some don't.  Second, how cooking can aid digestion by releasing nutrients bound up with indigestible plant fibers or in thick and tuff membrane cells. ref Third, the many enzymes in raw foods that cooking temperatures destroy could also influence health dymanics. Not a lot of reasearch on this topic. Plus, it is known that proteins can be altered by high temperatures. Some breakdown does occur. How do these protein changes impact body processes?

There are obviously both positive and negative aspects for these changes. But that is another story.

NEW TWIST FOR CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS

That apparently healthy young people are dying is troubling. Why? Scientists have discovered that blood clots may be responsible. A dysfunction of the coagulation system is present that is not found in recovery patients. More on this soon. Enzymes such as nattokinase to limit fibrin levels might be involved. Do not overuse and best with Medical support to monitor coagulation potential. The virus stirs up inflammation that causes fibrinogen to make fibrin which increases clotting mechanisms. 

Update on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at 9:25PM by Team RightWay

The situation Medical Authorities are waiting for is to have hospitals move out of the crisis state and develop regular working situations with enough room capacity to handle daily Covid-19 traffic.  As the Country starts to open up, those who are at higher risk may have to continue to take precautions and practice social distancing. Probably best to follow the current instructions in place now for everyone for maybe the rest of this year or until a vaccine is available or a test shows one already has the antibody defense. Of course this depends on a 0% reinfection rate.

After the antibody test is in use, it still has to be discovered if the antibodies produced in those who have had COVID-19 will stay around or weaken over time. 

• * ref for those at higher risk
• Seniors, especially those with any respiratory conditions
• Diabetics
• Asthmatics
• COPD
• Heart or circulation conditions
• Cancer patients, HIV,  or any other weakened immune systems
• Liver or Kidney problems

Update on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 11:53PM by Team RightWay

To prevent this article about the NIH funding coronavirus research getting eliminated, here is analysis copied:

NIH Cancels Funding for Bat Coronavirus Research Project

The abrupt termination comes after the research drew President Trump’s attention for its ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Shawna Williams 

Apr 28, 2020

 

    645

ABOVE: The canceled grant included money for surveillance of coronaviruses in Yunnan, China.
© ISTOCK.COM, REDTEA

Update (August 28): STAT reports that the NIH has awarded EcoHealth Alliance new funding as part of a grant to a network of institutions and research teams that will “work to determine how and where viruses and other new pathogens emerge from nature to begin infecting people.”

Update (August 19): According to a Wall Street Journal report and a statement by EcoHealth Alliance, NIH reversed its termination of the grant but suspended funding until EcoHealth meets new requirements, including arranging an inspection of the Wuhan Institute of Virology by an outside team. “NIH’s letter does not represent a good faith effort to understand the nature of our ongoing research,” EcoHealth says in its statement, but “imposes on us a series of demands that the NIH is fully aware many governments and the World Health Organization alike have been unable to successfully satisfy.”

Update (May 26): Last week, 77 Nobel laureates and 31 scientific societies separately sent letters to NIH Director Francis Collins criticizing the decision to terminate the grant and urging that it be reviewed, Science reports.

Agrant to a New York nonprofit aimed at detecting and preventing future outbreaks of coronaviruses from bats has been canceled by the National Institutes of Health, Politico reports, apparently at the direction of President Donald Trump because the research involved the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China. The virology institute has become a focal point for the idea that SARS-CoV-2 escaped from the laboratory and caused the current COVID-19 pandemic, a scenario experts say is not supported by evidence. Instead, virologists The Scientist has spoken to say the virus most likely jumped from infected animals to humans.

The grant, first awarded in fiscal year 2014 and most recently renewed last year, went to EcoHealth Alliance, which describes itself as “a global environmental health nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and public health from the emergence of disease.” The aims of the funded project included characterizing coronaviruses present in bat populations in southern China and conducting surveillance to detect spillover events of such viruses to people. The project has resulted in 20 publications, most recently a March report on zoonotic risk factors in rural southern China.

See “Where Coronaviruses Come From”

EcoHealth Alliance’s partners on the project include researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a BSL-4 facility that has for months been a focus of conspiracy theories that SARS-CoV-2 escaped or was released from a lab. On April 14, the The Washington Post published a column highlighting State Department cables about concerns regarding safety at the institute. (Experts tell NPR that, even in light of the cables, accidental escape of the virus from a lab remains a far less likely scenario than a jump from animals.) 

Then, in an April 17 White House coronavirus briefing, a reporter, whom Politico identifies as being from Newsmax, falsely stated in a question that “US intelligence is saying this week that the coronavirus likely came from a level 4 lab in Wuhan,” and that the NIH had awarded a $3.7 million grant to the Wuhan lab. “Why would the US give a grant like that to China?” she asked. “We will end that grant very quickly,” Trump said in his answer.

See “Theory that Coronavirus Escaped from a Lab Lacks Evidence”

An NIH official then wrote to EcoHealth Alliance to inquire about money sent to “China-based participants in this work,” Politico reports, and the organization’s head, Peter Daszak, responded that a complete response would take time, but that “I can categorically state that no fund from [the grant] have been sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, nor has any contract been signed.” Days later, NIH notified EcoHealth Alliance that future funding for the project was canceled, and that it must immediately “stop spending the $369,819 remaining from its 2020 grant”—an unusual move generally reserved for cases of scientific misconduct or financial improprieties, according to Politico.

In a statement about the cancellation, EcoHealth Alliance says the terminated research “aimed to analyze the risk of coronavirus emergence and help in designing vaccines and drugs to protect us from COVID-19 and other coronavirus threats,” and that it addresses “all four strategic research priorities of the NIH/NIAID Strategic Plan for COVID-19 Research, released just this week.” The organization will, it says, “continue our fight against this and other emerging diseases.”

-end copy

Three facts that could be of significance occurred late 2019 or early 2020. The Wuhan Lab awarded 2 large contracts. 1. One to the CCP for a security detail to guard the Lab and grounds. 2. Work to beef up the airflow systems for the Lab. 3. The Wuhan lab took down significant parts of their website that had spelled out research they were conducting with the chemistry of the viruses being investigated, plus some earlier history. Not typical activities when one is being open and candid.