I was particularly concerned withe the number of reported cases of pneumonia so I received a pneumonia ppv vacine as a preventative measure, which my physician agreed would be a good idea in my case.
In addition the seriousness of the Swine flu seems to come from possibly cytokine storm. Here are some discussions of suggestions of what to take and not take re cytokine storm:
http://sites.google.com/site/naturalimmunesystemboosters/cytokine-storm
The Good Guys:
Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially 2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657)
Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children ½) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3 times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%. (Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)
Vitamin D - The crucial role of vitamin D in the innate immune system was
discovered only very recently. Both epithelial cells and macrophages increase expression of the antimicrobial cathelicidin upon exposure to microbes, an expression that is dependent upon the presence of vitamin D. Pathogenic microbes stimulate the production of an enzyme that converts 25(OH)D to
1,25(OH)2D, a seco-steroid hormone. This in turn rapidly activates a suite of genes involved in pulmonary defense. In the macrophage, the presence of vitamin D also appears to suppress the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, vitamin D appears to both enhance the local capacity of the epithelium to
produce endogenous antibiotics and at the same time dampen certain destructive arms of the immune response, especially those responsible for the signs and symptoms of acute inflammation, such as the cytokine storms operative when influenza kills quickly.
Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins) TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal to other antivirals such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)
St Johns Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St John’s Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513, 11518071, 11362353, 7857513, 11518071)
Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) Experiments involved using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.
Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase, Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses. This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts, mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red grapes. Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more stable than wine and is available in liquid form for absorption in the mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)
Scuttellaria (Skullcap) - Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 virus to reproduce, may be inhibited.
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was noted. Active constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells. (cancers, foetuses, growing children)
Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this is not proven. Traditional dosage is 500mg to 4000mg daily.
Astragalus Root (Astragali Radix) - Boosts immune system. (Pubmed PMID15588652)
Tea Tree - Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection. Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)
Tulsi - has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an ‘Elixir of Life’, this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.
The Following May Be Best to Avoid During an H1N1 Pandemic
The Bad Guys (Remember, we're just talking about cytokine storms here - these herbs are generally very good for immune systems!)
Elderberry Juice (Sambucal) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu but may not be desirable for the H1N1 virus. Increases in these cytokines may trigger a lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002 Nov;4:944-6)
Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 11731916)
Honey - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID12824009)
Chocolate - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928)
Echinacea - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. Although it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may increase the chance of cytokine storms for H1N1. (Pubmed PMID 15556647, 9568541)
Kimchee - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. (Pubmed PMID15630182)
Coiloidal Silver - AVOID - While silver will likely work to kill the swine flu virus, in many healthy individuals it is likely to elicit a severe cytokine storm reaction.
more info here: http://www.paleonu.com/panu-weblog/2009/9/28/h1n1-vitamin-d3-and-innate-immunity.html
Various supplements have been claiming for years to prevent certain cancers but when blinded studies are performed, the benefits disappear and in certain circumstances the supplements cause harm. For example in cigarette smokers.
I can't count how many cancer cures that have been theoretically sound and valid in animal models that were eventually were dropped because they didn't work in humans. If this is true on the medical side, why it would not be true on the herbal side.
When you go to a web site and they give you a list of products and a list of problems they fix, the first question should be, has this ever been tested in a double blinded, statistically sound way. The second question should be, have those findings been independently verified. If not, you are taking the word from somebody that is trying to sell you something.
I clearly remember when the ginko studies came out. They were a joke. The families knew which person got the ginko and which didn't. Then they were asked if gramps seemed to be doing better. The measures weren't objective, the entire study suffered from bias and the statistical analysis was crude. The study is still used to this day to prove the benefits of ginko.
As far as vitamin D goes, I saw one limited study without blinding, no control for confounding and no independent confirmation. I wouldn't tell anyone not to take a reasonable amount of vitamin D, but there is not nearly enough information to recommend using it instead of vaccination.
I know there has been some concern over the use of Elderberry due to it's ability to increase cytokine production. I became ill with swine flu and started the following supplements immediately...
Elderberry, colloidal silver and oregano oil.
I was sick for a total of 1 day. I continued the supplements for 3 days. The remainder of my family became ill (and tested positive for H1N1). My 15 y/o daughter was the only one who would not take the Elderberry...she was by far the sickest and still has a cough 2 weeks later. The rest of us recovered in 1-2 days. I can't say if it is related or not but for myself, I would not hesitate to take those supplements again.
Here is a quote from the article linked below...
“A valid concern registered by some is the possibility of cytokine storms initiated by black elderberry's immune boosting capability. So far, there have been no reports of that activity. Besides, it appears that cytokine storms are usually a result of the type of flu virus strain rather than from the use of any herbal or natural cure.”
http://www.naturalnews.com/026354_elderberry_Tamiflu_immune_system.html
Unfortunately, because this virus spread so quickly, research at this point would be anachronistic, any evidence on the effectiveness of these substances will be considered anecdotal.
Most people are unaware that Tamiflu is made from the Star Anise plant from China and it's mechanism of action against the influenza virus is similar to the active phenol's of the Elderberry plant.
More info on Elderberry (Sambucus)...
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): In the 1980s, virologist Madeline Mumcuoglu, Ph.D., set out to determine by what mechanism elderberry successfully defeats the flu. She found that the action of elderberry extract was to prevent viral hemagglutinin, or the process of the invading cells using their spike-like projections to introduce its enzyme into healthy cell membranes. She further noted that the viral enzyme is also neutralized in the presence of elderberry extract.
A 1993 placebo-controlled, double-blind study on Sambucal, a standardized extract of elderberry, was carried out in Israel with very interesting results. The extract inhibited hemagglutination and replication of several strains of influenza. In the elderberry-treated group, 93.3% experienced significant relief, including the absence of fever, within 2 days. The control group had an improvement of 91.7% of the subjects, but it took 4-5 days longer. There is no synthetic “cure” for influenza type A and B available with such a degree of efficacy.
In addition to elderberry's ability to deactivate neutraminidase, the invading viral enzyme that is the threat of influenza, the berries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins stimulate the body's immune response by promoting the production of lymphocytes, “person cells” that act as a second line of soldiers in the battle against foreign cells.
Here is an article regarding the discovery of the antiviral properties of Elderberry and related research...
http://www.israel21c.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1273:Study%20shows%20Israeli%20elderberry%20extract%20effective%20against%20avian%20flu&catid=57&Itemid=63 Every person will have to make their own decision with the information presently available....and then pray.