Thu, 13 Dec 2007
Alternative Explanation to Flu Season?
Blogging friend Michael pointed out this study which was in
the news recently. The point of the study is what appears to be solid
evidence pointing to flu viruses being able to thrive and propagate
more easily in low humidity conditions. Now this would appear to perhaps
counter the theory put forward by vitamin D advocate Dr. John Cannell who
proposed that the seasonal variations of flu outbreaks
coincides with times of the year when people can be experiencing decreased
vitamin D conditions. Is
the yearly flu season a result of conditions which cause the virus to thrive
and spread easily or is it a result of greatly decreased innate immunity caused
by vitamin D deficiency? Or is flu season caused by a combination of both
factors?
In the article, the author of the study recommends (only) getting a flu shot as the best defense against flu. So at least this author is ignoring (or does not know about) factors which could strengthen innate immunity. It's also interesting to note that they used guinea pigs in their study. Now these animals, like humans, do not create vitamin C and must rely on it from their diet. Also, does vitamin D effect these animals in the same way as humans? If so, were they deficient? If a similar study could be set up and levels of vitamin C and D optimized, perhaps it would give more insight into how these nutrients might help fight flu viruses and prevent infection.
Reviewing one of Dr. Cannell's newsletters from earlier this year, he points out a study done by Rosenau in 1919 right after the pandemic flu outbreak the year before. This study suggests that viruses do not transmit from sick to well. Is there something different about guinea pig physiology or can different flu viruses behave differently?
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