Cytokine storm? Getting scary.
Scary indeed. And it’s occuring out of normal flu season.
From an earlier thread:
ARD, Cytokine Storm, Swine flu
UPDATE: To clarify things, what researchers are trying to determine is an over the counter (OTC) formula that would prevent Acute Respiratory Distress (ARD). Sometimes called the “Cytokine Storm”, it is an overreaction of the body’s immune system that severely damages the lungs, resulting in oxygen deprivation to the internal organs.
However, a four-drug combination that inhibits some of the major inflammatory mediators, is now being suggested as a way to stave off ARD. All four of these drugs must be included.
1) 15,000 IU of Vitamin D (though prescription anti-hypertension drugs called ACE-2 inhibitors are preferred.)
2) Histamine-1 blocker. Benedryl or the equivalent.
3) Histamine-2 blocker. Tagamet or the equivalent (normally used to block acid reflux.)
4) Ibuprofen. Advil or the equivalent, a prostaglandin blocker.
In addition, it is also recommended to maintain just the MDAR of Vitamin A. Being short of Vitamin A is associated with having an excess of a very powerful inflammatory mediator called TNF-1. But it is easy to take too much Vitamin A, which is toxic.
Care should be taken with other “health foods” that can artificially enhance the immune system, something to be avoided when there is the prospect of ARD.
More Argentina news and perspective
Nationwide alert
“Between 10-20% of the population must be infected with H1N1 flu”
http://www.buenosairesherald.com/BreakingNews/View/5841
Renowned infectious disease specialist Daniel Stamboulián said Argentina is going through the first half of the pandemic phase of the virus. “The next three weeks will be extremely important to know how it will diminish,” he added.
He also said it is impossible and unnecessary for the laboratories to report all the cases. Stamboulián estimated cases in Argentina may total 3 million. He also emphasized the Argentine situation is quite similar to the current scenario of the neighboring countries. Regarding the prevention of the virus, Dr. Daniel Stamboulián said people showing H1N1-flu like symptoms must be isolated to avoid transmitting the virus to their relatives or work mates. “Health masks are falsely safe,” he asserted.
What is the situation in Argentina regarding the Influenza A (H1N1)?
The Influenza A (H1N1) appeared in Argentina three weeks ago. Flu outbreaks and new viruses like this one usually last six weeks, so there are three weeks remaining. This is a very dynamic scenario, the virus grows, it remains stable, but we are certainly in the middle of the pandemic.
Can we consider official data real?
First of all we need to know that confirmed cases don’t actually show the real prevalence of the virus. Even in the USA, where data are properly reported, there must be 5-10 actual cases for each reported case. That happens here too. The interesting fact is that seasonal flu usually affects 10% of the population. This means there are about 1.5 to 3 million infected people in the country. Pandemics usually affect 20 to 40% of the population. Health Minister Manzur actually said there are more than 100.000 infected people. Laboratories can’t cope with all the work.
So, what are the actual figures?
I think 10- 20% of the Argentine population is infected. This means we will probably reach more than 3 million cases in the country.
Why didn’t the virus affect the neighboring countries as much as it did to Argentina?
Chile was also affected by the virus, and some cases are being detected in Uruguay. I think it spreads country by country. We have a serious situation here in Argentina, but Chile has a similar scenario, because this is a pandemic disease spreading across countries. I think there are no major differences among South-American countries.
Is it possible that more restrictive measures could have been taken to avoid the entry of the virus?
According to the World Health Organization, it is impossible to restrict and control the virus by diminishing international trips. The virus is easily transmitted and has hit more than 100 countries, but the virus doesn’t travel along with the people. There are confirmed cases attributed to autochthonous transmission cases and the virus is definitely among us.
What are the specialists concerned about today in relation to Influenza A (H1N1)?
We are worried about those young adults who don’t belong to risk groups comprised by associated diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. These young adults show flu symptoms and after the third day they suffer from severe pneumonia and must use an artificial respirator. That explains why Intensive Care Units have collapsed in Argentina.
What are the reasons for such a high death toll?
We were able to see some treatments were applied too late, because patients in risk groups received priority treatment. And we could see that situation not only in Argentina but also in Mexico. Now we know that if a patient has Influenza A (H1N1), we can only advise him to take the medicine as soon as possible. I think the number of victims was related to the delay in the application of some treatments. The number of fatalities is lower abroad, because they are used to deal with patients admitted to the intensive care units. The Argentine system has collapsed. Now we can say being prepared for a pandemic disease means improving our intensive care units.
Are there enough doses of antiviral medication in Argentina?
President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner told us the government purchased around 2 million doses. This medication is available. It is even sold in drugstores, and the national government is handing it out for free on prescription only.
Was the health emergency declared too late?
I think it was timely declared when patients who didn’t belong to any risk group began to die. The health emergency is a very necessary administrative measure. The problem here is that this virus is very dynamic.
What about the other measures?
Closing schools is an appropriate measure due to the current cold weather, in order to reduce the transmission of the virus among children, who are easily affected since they don’t have enough antibodies. We will decide if it is necessary to take other measures within the next few days. I don’t think public shows or sport arenas should be closed. Infected people mustn’t’ attend those places.
[SNIP]
Interview by Guillermo Gammacurta and Pablo Jiménez for ambito.com
She was talking right up to the attack, had she been developing pulmonary edema she would have had more time.
“CDC anticipates H1N1 pandemic”
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/08/02/CDC-anticipates-H1N1-pandemic/UPI-47401249259099/
Yes,cytokine storm. Also 50% of the cases have no fever but there are are deaths even with those not having fever! Get vit D3...take 5000 ius daily.
I wonder if givng victims the same kind of immuno suppresants that are given to transplant patients would short circuit a cycotine storm?