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Influenza- prevention and treatment

One of our administrators asked me to try and put together a basic primer for influenza planning, trying to get it all into one, relatively concise, format.

I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I’m a dairy farmer and herbalist who learned most of what I know on the practical side from trial and error, raising 4 kids without health insurance most of the time. I’m not going to address every single “remedy” or “treatment” out there… if I haven’t either used it personally for virus treatment or there isn’t a good solid body of evidence (or both) that something works, I’m not going to include it. Colloidal Silver is a good example- while I’ve seen it work amazingly well on bacteria, I haven’t ever seen any real evidence that it works on viruses. It may… but I can’t swear to it. Hence, it won’t be here.

I’m not going to address all the definitions, etc again. Most reading this will have heard terms like “cytokine storm” enough to understand the basics. If not… there is a ton of info out there, on this forum and elsewhere.

Also… there is NO such thing as a completely safe remedy. Some folks can be allergic to elderberries… or anything else.

THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!:

IF you currently take Rx meds or are under a doctor’s care for a chronic medical condition, PLEASE, CHECK WITH THEM if you have any questions. Also, if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant, do not take ANYthing mentioned here until you’ve at least followed up with your own research! If your doctor disagrees with you taking anything… either follow their instructions, or change their mind with facts…. No one here can be responsible for anything that happens if you follow any advice here without doing your own due diligence.

All that said… there is nothing mentioned in this essay which has any of the potentially dangerous side effects which are common to TamiFlu and other Rx meds.

First… PREVENTION. Always the best line of defense for any illness. Handwashing, preferably with soap and water, works. Since it’s nearly impossible to avoid touching contaminated surfaces if you’re out in public, it’s going to be easier to train yourself to not touch your mouth, nose or eyes until after you’ve washed your hands.

Eyes??? YES... which brings me to a subject I rarely see mentioned: CONTACT LENSES. IF you wear them, you may want to consider switching to eyeglasses for the duration of the epidemic, at least when you’re out away from home. If you’re one of the fortunate ones who never has the slightest problem once your lenses are in place, you’re probably fine. But I see so many contact wearers poking at their eyes, trying to get an eyelash out, pulling out saline bottles, etc.. and you can as easily absorb the virus through your eyes as you can through your mouth and nose. Glasses can also provide a small bit of protection.. if someone coughs or sneezes, droplets which may have landed in your eyes will land on your glasses instead. (providing you with clear vision so you can then sucker punch the thoughtless idiot who just potentially contaminated you! LOL!)

You may want to take further steps, depending on how seriously you’re taking this. Things like saving one pair of shoes for “outside ONLY”… and stepping out of them before you enter your home. I’d keep my “work shoes” that I wear at work, or shopping, in the car. Remember things like your purse or briefcase… if you set it down on the elevator floor, or a store counter, you MAY have virus on the bottom surface. If you then carry it into your home and set it on the kitchen counter, or your bedroom dresser… you get the picture.

Masks… N95 are better than nothing, and although they can provide a false sense of security if they aren’t fitted properly (and if you then relax because you’re “protected”), they may help protect you in situations where people are in close quarters- elevators, busses, etc.

Supplements and meds:

Because of the potential for a cytokine storm with this particular flu strain, if you take any supplements now for immune system boosting (especially Echinacea or other herbs meant to “strengthen your immune system”) I’d STOP taking them for now. There are some other things you can take which can help prevent you from catching ‘flu or which are known to mitigate the severity of the illness:

Vitamin E
400IU daily
Best started early (NOW)
Shown to reduce Influenza A and B activity if supplemented before exposure. Treatment can reduce inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF, while increasing interferon and non-inflammatory IL-2.

For treatment if symptoms appear, increase to 800 IU daily for the duration

Garlic- Not just for social distancing!

RAW is best. Probably the easiest way to take it is to cut up raw cloves into “capsule size” pieces, and swallow like you would a pill. You could also chop raw garlic and stuff it into gelatin capsules and swallow. Or, simply chew the raw cloves- if you can!

The “odorless” garlic preparations available commercially are better than using cooked garlic, but are a poor second to using raw fresh cloves.

Dosage: 1-4 cloves daily. ( ¾ tsp to 1 ½ tsps chopped fresh daily)

Garlic is reported to stimulate immunity, including macrophage activity, natural killer and killer cells, and LAK cells, and to increase the production of IL-2, TNF, and interferon-gamma.
Allicin (one of the active principles in garlic) has been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines.

Zinc.. best obtained from foods (meat, shellfish, pumpkin seeds, wheat germ) Supplement with NO MORE than 25 mgs daily, unless you are sure you’re deficient.

Vitamin C 1 gram daily (adults- prevention). Increase to 2 grams daily (adults, treatment)

NAC /day to prevent the formation of cystein renal stones.
Prevention: 600 mgs daily
N-Acetyl Cysteine
A mucolytic, anti-oxidant. Loosens mucus, increases blood gas exchange and available oxygen. If you take this, you must drink 6-8 glasses of water. You also MUST take Vitamin C if you’re taking NAC (without sufficient Vitamin C, L-cysteine can change to a toxic amino acid, l-cystine). It also REQUIRES sufficient zinc in your system.

TREATMENT: 600 mg/2-3 x’s/day

Resveratrol- this is a compound found in red wine (the highest amounts are in Pinot Noir), raw peanuts, and in two herbs- Baikal skullcap and Japanese knotweed. It strongly disrupts the viral replication process. It must be taken very early- preferably within 6 hours of first symptoms, and often- every 2-4 hours. For someone who is actually sick, sipping 1-2 ounces Pinot Noir wine every 2-4 hours works well. If you need to go to work, drive, etc, snacking on freshly boiled (just before eating) peanuts or taking capsules

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra species)
This is still the mainstay of my anti-influenza fighting arsenal. After sifting through too many monographs, studies and abstracts, my PERSONAL conclusion is that the risk of a cytokine storm isn’t increased enough for me to NOT use elderberry. The key is to start taking elderberry (in whatever form you choose- my SYRUP recipe follows) EARLY and OFTEN. Take a small (1/2 to ¼ of the treatment dose) preventative dose if the virus is in your area, and then if you begin to feel any symptoms at all, ramp it up to the full “treatment” dose.

(for infants, DO NOT use the honey-based recipe. Use the recipe at the very bottom, with sugar. This is due to the tiny (but non-zero) risk of botulism from honey in infants.)

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

7 cups elderberry juice
8 ¾ cups honey
3 cups 80 proof vodka

Warm the elderberry juice to “hot, but not boiling” temp… between 150 and 180°F should be plenty. Stir in the honey and stir until it’s completely dissolved and blended.

Remove from the heat, and stir in the vodka.

Pour into sterile jars or bottles (sterilize them by boiling for 5-10 minutes in boiling water, then let drip dry upside down until filling)

Cap and LABEL. Store in a cool DARK place (or bottle in dark brown glass)

Standard dose for adults would be:

Prophylaxis (prevention) 1 tablespoon 2x a day. If there is active flu in your office or family, double that, or take more often.

Treatment: 1-2 tablespoons every 3-4 hours

Children under 12: half the adult dose

Toddlers and infants: Talk to your doctor! But, lacking that, 1 tsp at similar intervals to the adult dose should be adequate.

There is NO way to overdose on this! Put it in juice, jello, pour it over ice cream- any way you can get the kids to take it is fine.

Alternatives:
If you do not want to use any alcohol in the syrup, use
7 cups elderberry juice
14 cups honey

Proceed as above, ignoring the reference to the vodka.

If you don’t want to use honey (probably best to NOT use it for babies under 1 year)

7 cups elderberry juice
11 ½ cups sugar

Green Tea Catechins demonstrate anti-viral activity.

This would be a good way to take your elderberry… in a cup of green tea. If you’re congested and symptomatic, probably hot green tea with elderberry syrup and a good dollop of honey and lemon would be a “multi-purpose” drink… providing the anti-viral activity of the tea, fluids, and the throat soothing properties of the lemon and honey. The hot tea should help loosen mucous as well.

Essential Fatty acids (immune MODULATOR, potent anti-inflammatory action) GLA is in Borage seed oil or Evening Primrose Oil, EPA from cold pressed fish oil.

Prevention & Treatment: 1-2 capsules each (or a combo product) daily.

ESSENTIAL OILS… The two essential oils I’d use religiously in a vaporizer or cool mister are eucalyptus globulus and Peppermint. Both have potent expectorant effects (an expectorant loosens/ thins mucous and encourages the body to cough it out and expel it). Eucalyptus has anti inflammatory effects (and reduces inflammatory cytokines) as well as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects. SOME folks can be sensitive to the “strong” smells essential oils produce… use to tolerance. Start with 3-5 drops in a vaporizer, and add until you can smell the oils strongly, but not at overwhelming levels.

COMFORT CARE… The truth is, the outcome of even serious illnesses CAN be affected positively by simple, but effective TLC (Tender Loving Care). That means keeping the patient comfortable as much as possible. Treat muscle pain, aches, headache with appropriate OTC pain meds. If possible, allow them to sleep as much as they can- if you can, fit meals, drinking fluids and taking the supplements, etc in while they are awake. REST HEALS. At the same time, you don’t want them to go for too long without taking in fluids, so you need to use some common sense.

Many doctors now feel that fever actually serves a valuable purpose in helping the body fight off illness. However, an extremely high fever can be dangerous in itself. Again, you want a balance- if the patient is comfortable, not suffering shaking chills and their temp isn’t above 102.5, don’t give aspirin or acetaminophen JUST to treat the fever. (and DO NOT GIVE aspirin to children under 18 with this or any other viral illness)

One last thought:

RECORD KEEPING! Even though you may only have one or two patients, the MINUTE you start increasing dosages of any meds, start keeping a notebook. Keep a separate page for each person. Write down symptoms, vital signs when you check them, FLUID AMOUNTS TAKEN IN, and what meds/supplements they took. Write date and time, every time. You hopefully will end up only with a personal family memento of a nasty flu bug. But, if one of your patients ends up needing hospital treatment, your record may give them a valuable history. And it will save you from forgetting doses, overdosing accidentally, or worrying needlessly whether or not you remembered a dose.

Our Personal Treatment Plan
Use as a base for your own, adjusting as needed for your own family’s needs. I’m still working this out in my mind for our family, but this is what I’ve come up with so far:

First… anyone who begins to run a fever during an active influenza season or pandemic will immediately start taking treatment doses of Elderberry, NAC, Vitamin C and E, and Zinc.

We have checked normal vital signs on family members, and hence know whether or not a temp of “99.8” is an actual fever or simply a normal late afternoon temp on someone working in the sun. (for me, since I run a normal of around 96.8… that would be a high fever)

If the patient shows any worsening of symptoms- begins to have chills, is noticing a bad headache or body aches, etc… they WILL BE PUT TO BED. This IS one of the most important things you can do, and something you need to discuss with your loved ones NOW! We, as a society, are so used to “taking something” to knock symptoms down so we can keep working, that it’s not funny. And it is dangerous! We get away with it now because of our incredibly advanced medical system and the availability of potent antibiotics which have been able to treat most cases of secondary bacterial pneumonia… many of which were avoidable with sensible care.

I’m planning on treating a pandemic strain of influenza as if we don’t HAVE that medical system or any of the advances since 1918… because I believe that within the first 2 weeks of a serious pandemic (the current strain is NOT that serious- at least not yet) we won’t have access to almost anything they didn’t have in 1918, because our hospitals, pharmacies, etc are going to be completely overwhelmed.

I have plenty of things like small games, reading material, etc to keep someone who is bedbound (by MY decree… in situations like this, my word – as “chief medical officer” of our family- is law) but feels well enough to do more than sleep, occupied.

For anyone in the “danger” age group for cytokine storm (pretty much all my grown kids), a fever plus any secondary symptoms (body aches, headache, or ANY respiratory symptoms) will immediately get them put on the full dose of elderberry/NAC/Vitamins, PLUS I’ll add curcumin and resveratrol.

Patients will be strongly encouraged to eat small amounts of whatever appeals to them, and to drink a MINIMUM of 2-3 quarts of fluids. To encourage this, we have a stash of several different juices, green tea, and herb teas. I’ve got a bunch of home canned chicken soup, and at the first hint that someone may be getting ill, I’ll make a couple batches of pudding and stash it in the fridge. People with children may want to have stuff like jello on hand.

We’ll set up at least one bedroom as the “sick room”… at this point, it will be the master bedroom, because it has an attached bathroom, and is only a few steps from the kitchen, but can be closed off if necessary. Everything used in the “sick room” will be put into heavy garbage bags, and sealed until someone has time to deal with it safely… linens, etc, will be sealed up until someone can wash them with bleach (wearing gloves and mask while handling them). We’ll use disposable cups and dishes, and will remove all used items plus dirty tissues, etc at least twice a day. I have some disinfectant bleach wipes which will be stashed in the bathroom, and used to wipe down sink and toilet handles, etc, daily.

I have a stash of older blankets and sheets which I’ll use on the bed… and I’ll then decide whether to wash or burn them, depending on how things go. Because pillows tend to be comfort items and something people have personal preferences about, I’ve thought about how to keep them from being contaminated. I have several “hypoallergenic” pillow cases stashed, to seal the inside pillow itself from contamination. I’ll use old pillowcases for the top layer, again so I can choose whether it’s more prudent to wash and disinfect them (a couple days on the clothesline in the sun should be sufficient) or burn them.

I will keep a vaporizer going in the sick room with the essential oils mentioned above, unless it bothers the patient. In which case, I’ll move it to just outside the sickroom door.

Vital signs will be monitored at least 2x a day… more often if necessary. That means temperature, respirations and blood pressure, as well as a visual inspection of color. Normal respirations in a healthy adult are between 14 and 20 per minute. Fast, shallow breaths mean respiratory distress (children’s normal numbers are different… if you have children, you’ll want to look up “normal vital signs in children”). If someone is showing signs of increased respirations, check their nail beds and lips... a bluish tinge means they are short of oxygen. (Once you get to this point, you’re well into the “call your doc or go to the ER NOW!” territory. If the pandemic news is attracting a lot of attention, OR if your hospital is packed with ill patients, if you decide you need hospital care, you should probably call an ambulance- it may be the only way to ensure that you have a chance of getting care. Obviously, I’d encourage everyone to NOT use an ambulance or hospital services unless you really believe it’s life or death).

VERY important… get ALL YOUR SUPPLIES purchased and stashed someplace safe NOW. Maybe this will blow over… or maybe it will come roaring back this fall even stronger and more dangerous. I’m reading FAR too many posts by people who are just now looking for elderberries, or masks, or hand sanitizer. Good grief, people! I can understand looking for MORE of these basics, because you’ve suddenly realized you’ve got 2 dozen DGI relatives who are going to come looking for you to help them. But every household should have at least a small, basic supply of these items. Elderberry syrup or extract is a staple around here- I can’t imagine NOT having it around to use the minute someone shows early signs of a viral illness.

And if necessary (depending on your personal situation) buy the stuff and HIDE it. Masks and gloves can easily be “borrowed” for all sorts of household uses, and that’s fine… but if you have family members who habitually “borrow” preps without mentioning it… you need a “pandemic stash” which is NOT TO BE TOUCHED, unless they plan on going out and buying replacements for what they’ve used PDQ.

And last, but certainly not least- remember, even in 1918, the vast majority of people did survive. Many who didn’t, didn’t die of influenza… they died from secondary factors like hunger and cold, when family members couldn’t go out to get food or firewood. Those deaths were preventable… and if this strain gets stronger, we’ll see deaths which didn’t have to happen this time too. Make sure your family isn’t part of that tragic and completely unnecessary statistic!

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showp...48&postcount=1

Elderberry Extract Recipe for H5N1

Elderberry Extract Recepie (Dried Elderberries - Sambuca Negra)
Fleataxi

Note: This information has been garnered from several forums, and herbal experts. I’m NOT an expert, but I did go to a Holiday Inn once!

Fill a qt. canning jar 1/3 full of dried elderberries (1/2 full if using fresh berries)
fill the jar with cheap 80/90 proof unflavored vodka or brandy,
cap jar, shake, and store in a cool dark cabinet for 7-10 days.

Strain berries, and fill jar until full from another jar so each jar contains 1 quart of extract - you’ll need 3 quarts per person for treatment, and a spare quart for preventative dosages.

For those that need more info - here is a link to the
documentation and lab studies on the stuff
http://www.herbalgram.org/files/pdfs/elderberry-scr.pdf

Link to site to buy dried Elderberries by the pound

http://www.herbalcom.com/

Go to Products, Scroll down to the E’s and select
Whole Elderberries @ $5.30/pound.
A pound makes 3-4 quarts of Elderberry Tincture.

I’ve read the report. There are two recommended dosages.
One is for “prevention” which is 2 tablespoons / day.
The other one is “intensive” which corresponds to 2 tablespoons 4x / day.

In either case, you’re going to go through a LOT of tincture.
That 4 oz bottle of Sambucol is only one day’s worth at the
“intensive” dosage!!!

Here’s some of “the math” on this.

The short answer is that if you wait until you have the
flu then take the elderberry as a treatment
(assuming 2 tablespoons 4x / day for 10 days)
you’re going to need over a quart per person.

To make Ederberry Syrup for children and recovering Alcoholics:

Gently heat extract over lowest heat that barely boils mixture to cook off Alcohol, which boils way below 212- so take it easy, heat hurts the alkaloids in the extract!

When all alcohol is gone, measure remainder and add enough cooled simple sugar syrup to replace lost volume. Only make what you can use in 1-2 weeks since it doesn’t store well in the refrigerator.

My preferred dosage for adults is 1oz 3 times per day until 1 quart has been administered. Children should be dosed based on body weight.
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http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showp...3&postcount=17

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN TINCTURES

Here’s some good info I found on the web re-making your own herbal tinctures:
Annie Putin

http://www.kcweb.com/herb/tincture.htm

Here’s some good info I found on the web re-making your own tinctures:

THE ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:

Dried or fresh herbs in powdered or cut form.
80 -100 proof vodka or rum (NEVER use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol).
Wide-mouthed glass jars with lids (mason jar or equivalent).
Unbleached cheesecloth or muslin.
Labels and markers.
STEP BY STEP

You should plan to start your tinctures on the day of the new moon and let them sit at least 2 weeks until the full moon - this adds a natural drawing power.

Pour the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are entirely covered. Then add an inch or two of additional liquid.
Seal the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot leak or evaporate. Put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag.
Shake the jar every day.
When ready to bottle, pour the tincture through a cheesecloth into another jar or dark colored tincture bottle. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear.
Close the storage container with a stopper or cap and label.
ADDITIONAL TIPS ON TINCTURES

200 grams dried or 300 grams of fresh herbs (chopped) to one liter of liquid is needed.
Rum helps hide the taste of bitter herbs.
Distilled water, vinegar or glycerol can be used to make nonalcoholic tinctures.
Standard dosage is 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times daily, diluted in tea, juice or water.
Tinctures can last up to two years when stored in a tightly closed container.
A wine press or juicer may be used to extract liquid from the herbs.
Several herbs can be combined into a tincture formula.

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showp...3&postcount=16
Ordering Info:
I ordered the elderberries (1 lb. ) a couple of days ago, at herbalcom.com . I also ordered some other things. Here is a list of what I ordered and prices:
Goldenseal root powder - 1 - $21.50 - $21.50
001179 - Elder berries whole - 1 - $5.30 - $5.30
001726 - Echinacea purp. root powder - 1 - $12.25 - $12.25
009006 - Essential oil, Oregano - 1 - $12.55 - $12.55
009117 - Flax seed oil gel caps - 1 - $5.20 - $5.20
009115 - Omega 3 gel caps - 1 - $4.80 - $4.80
009126 - E-200 gel caps - 1 - $4.85 - $4.85

Is making the tincture the best way to utilize the elderberries? As for the echinacea powder and goldenseal root powder, I’m thinking maybe I’ll use them in tea. The types/forms of echinacea offered varied in price a lot. There was some cheaper and one form $23 or $24/lb. I settled on this mid priced form.