Having effective therapeutics is going to be increasingly important when it comes to confronting Covid-19 and the evolution of new variants. First detected in Japan, the R1 variant is the newest strain of COVID-19 that contains “multiple spike protein mutations”, that could enable it to bypass the antibody protection present in those who are fully vaccinated. Despite the low number of infections, former Harvard Medical School professor William A. Haseltine believes the new mutations found in the R.1 variant could allow it to spread more easily. The professor said the five variations found in R.1 can lead to “increased resistance to antibodies,” in an article written in Forbes earlier this week.
Continue reading “Ivermectin as a Prophylactic and Treatment for COVID-19”Weighing the Risk-to-Benefit Ratio of COVID-19 Vaccines
Given the ongoing discord within the scientific community regarding the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of the different types of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, their experimental nature, and the availability of other therapeutic approaches,[1] such information should be universal and should be provided to every potential vaccine recipient. The safety and tolerance of COVID-19 vaccines must be carefully considered and studied even when the benefits may outweigh the disadvantages.[2]
The Covaxin Vaccine, a Medscape Review of Ivermectin, and Herbal Medicine Bias
Several people have recently asked me about the Covaxin vaccine. Before I share my opinion and review of the research, I want to emphasize the utmost faith I have in botanical and nutritional medicine as the foundation for health and for supporting our innate capacity to live in harmony with our ever-evolving environment. This includes the viruses and other microbes we come into contact with.
In my opinion, the most important aspect of maintaining health is to support our innate immune function. Vaccines can potentially provide additional support, but we should not rely solely on vaccines for protection.
Continue reading “The Covaxin Vaccine, a Medscape Review of Ivermectin, and Herbal Medicine Bias”Two New COVID-19 Vaccines on the Horizon – They’re Different and Appear to be Safer
The mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna have been heavily promoted for ending the Covid-19 pandemic. With claims that they are ‘extraordinary’ and ‘revolutionary,’ these vaccines have occupied center stage for more than a year.
The CDC is not accounting for COVID-19 risk factors or natural immunity. It is hard to believe that the risk benefit balance favors a 15-year-old young man who has recovered from COVID-19, and who has detectable antibodies, getting two doses of an mRNA vaccine. Such an individual is accepting a non-negligible risk of myocarditis, with limited upside in terms of decreased risk of severe infection.[1]
Managing the Risk of Blood Clots and other Possible Side Effects of the Covid-19 Vaccines
“Nature is a totally efficient, self-regenerating system. If we discover the laws that govern this system and live synergistically within them, sustainability will follow and humankind will be a success. Synergy means behavior of whole systems unpredicted by the behavior of their parts.”
― Buckminster Fuller
Although there’s a current flurry of concern about the possible link between blood clots and the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the reality is that there is a risk of potentially dangerous blood clots and/or platelet disorders with all of the vaccines that are being used for Covid-19.
Continue reading “Managing the Risk of Blood Clots and other Possible Side Effects of the Covid-19 Vaccines”Psychosocial Vulnerabilities and COVID-19
Vaccines, masking, and social distancing appear to be slowing the spread of COVID-19. But the devastation wrought by the pandemic goes far beyond the physical illness caused by the disease. For many people, the psychological effects of the pandemic have been equally debilitating.
A Kaiser Health Tracking Poll[1] from July 2020 found that many adults report difficulty sleeping (36%), problems eating (32%), increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and worsening chronic conditions (12%), including a weakened immune system caused by worry and stress over the coronavirus.[2]
Continue reading “Psychosocial Vulnerabilities and COVID-19”