According to China’s latest statistics, the number of confirmed H7N9 cases in the country had surged to 131, with 32 deaths, as of the Thursday 9th May.
VIRUS FACTS
This is an Influenza A virus, for which we can test in this office, giving a result in 10 minutes! The strain causes typical flu symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, cough and muscle ache.
This bird flu is called H7N9 because of the specific antigens on the virus, and it’s a different type to the previous one we had 3 years ago we had (H5N1). There is confusion about mode of transmission, as whilst we had thought that it could only be contracted directly from birds, for example poultry workers, now it seems different.
The World Health Organisation (WHO)
To date, a total of 131 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus including 32 deaths have been reported to WHO. Contacts of the confirmed cases are being closely monitored.
So far, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
This is worrying, implying that the virus is at the very least contagious – ie can be infected by touching a contaminated work surface. This may explain the family cluster patterns seen. However, it seems to be only a matter of time before there is virus mutation – it changes structure – and so could be transmitted by person-to-person contact – coughing, sneezing , and of course using the same glass, telephone or elevator button.
THE GOOD NEWS:
SELF CARE
Self care means treating out bodies as human beings rather than machines!
DRUGS:
SPECIALLY IMPORTED SUPPLEMENTS:
Nutrients:
– Vitamin A: Works as an antioxidant; found as retinol in fatty fish, fish oils and dairy products; as carotene in red fruits and vegetables such as yellow and red capsicum, carrots, yams, mangoes and papaya.
– Vitamin C: Involved in many functions of the immune system; found in citrus fruit, red and green peppers, pineapple, strawberries, cabbage, parsley, rosehips.
– Bioflavenoids: Reduce viral activity; high amounts in the pith of citrus fruits.
– Zinc: Essential for normal functioning of the immune system; good sources include nuts and seeds.
– Selenium: Powerful antioxidant; found in alfalfa, brazil nuts, cashews, eggs, fish and garlic.
– Colloidal silver: Anti-viral agent.
Herbs:
– Echinacea: The prime remedy to combat viral and bacterial infections.
– Thyme: Anti-microbial for respiratory tract.
– Astragalus: Enhances immune response and counteracts fatigue.
– Phytolacca: Supports lymphatic tissues.
– Golden Seal: Ideal for respiratory tract defense.
– Licorice: Boosts the immune response.
DIET AND SUPPLEMENT BOOSTING –
- Crab, lobster, tuna, cod
- Beef shanks, pork shoulder, chicken leg
- Baked beans, kidney beans, peas, chick peas
- Yogurt, cheese, milk
- Oatmeal
- Cashews, almonds (zinc)
- Oysters (zinc)
- Brazil nuts (selenium)
- Eggs (selenium)
NEW STUDIES FIND SUNLIGHT KILLS INFECTION
People don’t die from the flu virus as much as the bacterial infections that enter the body due to reduced immunity, because the body is overwhelmed by viral infection.
Unfortunately, many infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance. The best known example of this is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, also known as MRSA.
Scientists are looking for new options to fight infection, and blue light has emerged as a front runner in a recent study.
According to lead researcher Michael R. Hamblin of the Massachusetts General Hospital:
“Blue light is a potential non-toxic, non-antibiotic approach for treating skin and soft tissue infections, especially those caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens.”
In a previous study published over 90 percent of MRSA were successfully eradicated within mere minutes of exposure to blue light. In another study it was found that photo-therapy also killed the common bacterium causing respiratory and skin infections-Staphylococcus Aureus.
Use Natural Sunlight:
In these studies, blue light was used, which is at a frequency of blue light spectrum, 450-495 nanometres (nm).
Natural sunlight will expose you to the full light spectrum from 415-660nm light, which encompasses the entire spectrum of colours: violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. So this makes life a bit more fun – sunbathing is now good for your health, especially in view of the Vitamin D that will be produced.
VITAMIN D
Much research has been done over the past years showing that Vitamin D is essential in boosting our immune systems. It does this by acting on specific genes that in turn produce over 200 anti-microbial peptides that help fight all sorts of bacterial and viral infections.
People with low levels of Vitamin D have been found to be more prone to carrying the killer MRSA bacterium, and also numerous cancers, and multiple sclerosis.
A growing body of research clearly shows that vitamin D is absolutely critical for good health and disease prevention. Vitamin D affects your DNA through vitamin D receptors (VDRs), which bind to specific locations of the human genome. Scientists have identified nearly 3,000 genes that are influenced by vitamin D levels, and vitamin D receptors have been found throughout the human body.
FOODS CONTAINING VITAMIN D:
Below are some examples of some foods that contain a high level of Vitamin D:
- Eggs
- Salami
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Some fish (such as Mackeral, Herring, Tuna and sardines)
I advocate monitoring blood levels of the essential nutrient, and taking 1000iu if at all borderline low. Having said that, sunlight is the most effective way to boost blood levels!