When our immune system is functioning properly it is very effective at neutralising and eliminating pathogens, even virulent ones. Our environment, lifestyle and emotional response to circumstances play a key role in how strong and effective our immunity actually is: whether we have a high or low susceptibility to infection.
We will return to this shortly.
It may be relevant to note that Anthony Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US co authored article, ‘Covid-19 – Navigating the Uncharted’ published on March the 26th2020 in The New England Journal of Medicine’ states the following:
‘If one assumes that the number of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic cases is several times as high as the number of reported cases, the case fatality rate may be considerably less than 1%.This suggests that the overall clinical consequences of Covid-19 may ultimately be more akin to those of a severe seasonal influenza (which has a case fatality rate of approximately 0.1%) or a pandemic influenza (similar to those in 1957 and 1968) rather than a disease similar to SARS or MERS, which have had case fatality rates of 9 to 10% and 36%, respectively.”
However if you develop COVID-19 symptoms it’s imperative that you seek professional medical help.
Now let’s talk about an aspect of the coronavirus.
The coronavirus, we are told by Dr Ruggiero, a molecular biologist and radiology specialist living in Arizona needs certain proteins with needle like spikes, the same as the ones in HIV, to attack human cells. The virus also requires certain enzymes, called proteases. The present strain of the coronavirus is apparently particularly infectious because of its high affinity for human receptors cells called angiotensin converting enzyme 2’s or ACE2 receptors.
Dr Ruggiero also informs us that COVID 19 is peculiar because, unlike other coronavirus strains it can be activated by the enzyme furin, present in our own human cells. This enzyme can attach (or cleave) to parts of the coronavirus and render it highly infectious. This mechanism of action, which is relevant to some other viruses too is not new, nor is furin research, which dates back to the early 1990’s.
Now for some information I find fascinating. I quote:
“The terminal part of the spike proteins of the coronavirus, the new coronavirus, has a high density of positively charged residues. So they have a positive charge, like in a battery”.
Why do I find this fascinating and essential knowledge?
Because it appears that the high positive charge may be blocked by using high density negative charges to help negate a viral attack. A number of different compounds including some herbs and supplements appear able to neutralise the high positive charge, and some to inhibit furin activity.
We know that Inflammation in the body, poor gut health, low vitamin D levels, sleep deprivation, loneliness are amongst factors that contribute to lowered immunity. Those with immune supressed diseases, those over 70 years of age and the very young are most susceptible to severe pathogenic infection.
Research from 2017 shows that if you get less than six hours of sleep a night or your quality of sleep is poor you are 4-5 times more likely to catch the common cold. Vitamin C at therapeutic doses has been shown to relieve symptoms of the common cold such as fever, chills and chest discomfort as well as shorten the duration of the cold itself.
Apart from avoiding exposure to the virus by practicing good hygiene, consulting Professional Health Practitioner can provide you with some effective preventative tools to work with.
Certain plants boost the immune system and support cellular health for example. Cordyceps, Coriolus and Reishi mushrooms have been shown to improve human immunity by stimulating B cells, T lymphocytes and other defense cells. They also increase immune surveillance and act as anti-viral and ant-tumour supports. Plants such as licorice, lomantium and baical skullcap are prescribed for viral infections and symptoms such as a running nose, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. There is an array of ways to support and maintain good healthy immunity.
A positive mood and pleasant memories uplift not only you but also your immune system. When you relax your natural killers cells become more active and ready to do battle on your behalf.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented here does not include diagnosis of Medical ailments or drug interactions. Please consult with your NHAA medical herbalist, G.P. or pharmacist for a diagnosis of symptoms and advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs. The information contained in this article is based on research and the personal experience of the author who may not be held responsible for any adverse effects or consequences that may arise as a result of implementation of any of the information contained in this article or for any omissions or errors within it.