[steve86]

I would stick with my original contention to take Elderberry to avoid infection in the first place, then immediately discontinue if the system is overwhelmed and symptoms begin to emerge. In other words, take it prophylactically not as treatment. It is at that point I would switch to Tamiflu and amantadine.

[2ndreconmarine]

I would stick with my original contention to take Elderberry to avoid infection in the first place, then immediately discontinue if the system is overwhelmed and symptoms begin to emerge. In other words, take it prophylactically not as treatment. It is at that point I would switch to Tamiflu and amantadine.

I agree. I think it is a bit dangerous to keep taking Elderberry if you get infected.

Judith Anne, at issue is whether the increase in cytokine production from Elderberry is greater or less than the reduction of the virus. My guess is that it would cause more net cytokine production (i.e. the derivative of cytokine production >> derivative of virus reduction). Moreover, since there are alternatives, it seems that to continue to take Elderberry would be quite dangerous.

My specific plans are to take Elderberry (Sambucol), Cinnamon (for blood sugar control anyway), and Resveratrol (it is a nice anti-oxidant) prior to infection as a prophylactic. Then, if I get infected, to DROP the Sambucol and add Garlic, Green Tea, and Turmeric. I would also add Tamiflu if I can get it.

Of course, the real problem will be to get my kids to go along with this. Alas.

[ThePythonicCow]

if the system is overwhelmed and symptoms begin to emerge

This flu can take you from feeling fine, to unable to turn over in bed, in six hours. I don't think you can turn your immune system on a dime like that. If your immune reaction is strong enough to kill you, you'll be dead before you can suppress it.

If this one lasts a couple winters, in month or two long waves, you won't have enough tamiflu, unless you are able to afford far more than most of us. There just isn't enough to go around. Best to learn about the Tamiflu/Relenza alternatives while they are in ready supply.

And that amantadine won't do you a damn bit of good. From www.washingtonpost.com:

Bird Flu Drug Rendered Useless

Chinese Chickens Given Medication Made for Humans

By Alan Sipress Washington Post Foreign Service Saturday, June 18, 2005; Page A01

HONG KONG -- Chinese farmers, acting with the approval and encouragement of government officials, have tried to suppress major bird flu outbreaks among chickens with an antiviral drug meant for humans, animal health experts said. International researchers now conclude that this is why the drug will no longer protect people in case of a worldwide bird flu epidemic.