bookmark_borderCOVID-19 and Omicron Updates

2021/12/04
We’re starting to find out more about Omicron:
1)”Previous infection used to protect against Delta but now with Omicron that doesn’t seem to be the case,” said Anne von Gottberg, microbiologist at South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases.”
2) risk of breakthrough vaccination is also much higher. Out of 600 fully vaccinated travelers from South Africa, 61 tested positive for COVID. 16 of those were Omicron.
3) a much higher percentage of 20-30 years are being hospitalized
4) an alarming percentage of children under 2 are being hospitalized.
5) the Omicron variant has become dominant in South Africa. Cases of COVID have gone from 200/day, to 400, to 1,000 to 2,000, to 4,000, to 8,000, to over 11,000/day in as many days.
Remember, when you hear of cases being “mild”, that means mild for COVID (eg not hospitalized). All of the cases I’ve studied have been symptomatic individuals that are fully vaccinated.

Omicron Update December 9, 2021
Omicron Update:
* Pfizer says the booster offers protection
* Pfizer says 4th dose may be required
* South Africa says Pfizer offers 1/40th the protection as Delta
* Reinfection is 3 times more likely than with Delta
* South Africa cases are up 255% in a week
* 4x’s more transmissible than Delta
* UK cases could exceed 1 million by the end of this month
* typical seasonal viruses’ severity is up… suggesting recovery from COVID results in a compromised immune system. T cells may lose effectiveness against any pathogen

“In other words, Omicron is spreading in highly immune populations as quickly as the original virus did in populations with no immunity at all. If this holds and is left uncontrolled, a big Omicron wave lies ahead—bigger than we would have expected with Delta. Cases were already surging ahead of winter. The U.S. already had a too-low vaccination rate. And now Omicron threatens to eat away at the immunity we thought we had.”

Omicron and Other COVID Variants / the Long Term Pandemic

COVID and Cats: A scientist friend called me last night… wanted to make sure I stocked up on enough masks and supplies for the next round featuring Omicron. We got to talking about severity of variants and what the most likely scenarios are: 1) the virus stays for a prolonged period in an unvaccinated immune […]

bookmark_borderWhat Causes COVID Long Haulers?

Post Acute Covid Syndrome 19 (PACS19), long-COVID, and Long Haulers Syndrome are names for the condition that an individual has after recovering from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Long-COVID is actually a combination of several conditions and syndromes.

There are over 60 proteins involved in the epigenetic response to COVID. So far out of these 60 proteins, three long-COVID epigenetic syndromes have been identified. There are likely many more. (The epigenetic changes are in addition to the organ damage caused by the virus.)

COVID-19 also causes other long term damage that we are still discovering.

Rogue Antibodies
Autoantibodies are antibodies (immune proteins) that mistakenly attack a person’s own healthy tissues and organs. A study published in Nature found “rogue antibodies involved in almost one-fifth of COVID deaths. The self-targeting antibodies attack type 1 interferons that play a key role in fighting infection. Antibodies that turn against elements of our own immune defences are a key driver of severe illness and death following SARS-CoV-2 infection in some people, according to a large international study. These rogue antibodies, known as autoantibodies, are also present in a small proportion of healthy, uninfected individuals — and their prevalence increases with age, which may help to explain why elderly people are at higher risk of severe COVID-19.”

Up to three percent of the population already has faulty genes that create these autoantibodies. Of those between the ages of 18 and 69, 0.18% had existing autoantibodies against type 1 interferon. “Autoantibodies were present in around 1.1% of 70- to 79-year-olds, and 3.4% of those over the age of 80.”

A follow up study, “New-onset IgG autoantibodies in hospitalized patients with COVID-19,” found “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is associated with many different clinical features that are commonly found in autoimmune diseases, including arthralgias, myalgias, fatigue, sicca, and rashes. Less common manifestations of autoimmunity have also been observed in COVID-19 patients, including thrombosis, myositis, myocarditis, arthritis, encephalitis, and vasculitis. These clinical observations, and the increasing proportion of “recovered” patients with persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms (so-called “long haulers”, or “long COVID”) suggest that inflammation in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes tissue damage in the acute phase and potentially some of the long-term sequelae. A subset of autoantibodies targeting traditional autoantigens or cytokines develop de novo following SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

“The team also found that individuals with genetic mutations that disrupt the activity of type 1 interferons are at higher risk of life-threatening disease” suggesting COVID causes changes to the genes resulting in the creation of rogue autoantibodies.

Coronavirus Transforms Pancreas Cell Function
When COVID infects cells, it impairs cell activity and can also change their function. When insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas become infected with the virus, they produce much less insulin than usual, and also start to produce glucose and digestive enzymes. “We call this a change of cell fate,” said study leader Dr. Shuibing Chen, who described the work in a presentation at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

It is not clear whether the changes are long-lasting, or if they might be reversible, the researchers reported in Cell Metabolism, “SARS-CoV-2 infection induces beta cell transdifferentiation“. “Single-cell RNA sequencing and immunostaining from ex vivo infections confirmed that multiple types of pancreatic islet cells were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, eliciting a cellular stress response and the induction of chemokines. Upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, beta cells showed a lower expression of insulin and a higher expression of alpha and acinar cell markers, including glucagon and trypsin1, respectively, suggesting cellular transdifferentiation. Trajectory analysis indicated that SARS-CoV-2 induced eIF2-pathway-mediated beta cell transdifferentiation, a phenotype that could be reversed with trans-integrated stress response inhibitor (trans-ISRIB). Altogether, this study demonstrates an example of SARS-CoV-2 infection causing cell fate change, which provides further insight into the pathomechanisms of COVID-19.”

Upregulation of IDO
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an immune checkpoint molecule in the sense that it is an immunomodulatory enzyme produced by alternatively activated macrophages and other immunoregulatory cells. IDO is known to suppress T and NK cells, generate Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and also supports angiogenesis.

Memory T cells are crucial for the immune system to remember how to fight pathogens. IDO is also related to the viscosity of body fluids and membrane function. Brain fog, dizziness, tinnitus, ear aches, vertigo, and pressure in the ears are some of the symptoms associated with epigenetic changes in the upregulation of Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase.

Dr. Ade Wentzel said, “The epigenetic upregulation of IDO will determine the amount of quinolinic acid. Quinolinic acid comes from the kynurenine pathway. If the viscosity of the whole middle ear is increased then the ability to equalize will be less… same as having a cold. So, the ear isn’t equalizing correctly on increasing pressure. The same as when you land in a plane. If the viscosity in the semicircular canals is increased, the otoliths may well be lagging causing the vertigo. The otoliths usually “Float” in the semicircular canal and trigger tiny sensory hairs that allow you to detect position.”

NAD+ Deficiency
COVID both increases the breakdown of NAD+ and decreases the production of NAD+. “NAD regulates the inflammatory response in immune and non-immune cells through Sirtuins. Epigenetic regulation of histones and non-histone proteins is induced by sirtuins and is essential for the development, reprogramming, and differentiation of the immune system and its related pathologies. A deregulation of the NAD+ levels has been associated with metabolic diseases and aging-related diseases, including neurodegeneration, defective immune responses, and cancer.” — NAD-immune-system

The NAD+ deficiency results in a compromised immune system. The body can not properly metabolize vitamins nor mount a proper immune response. The NAD+ deficiency also resembles an autoimmune disease where the immune system appears to be attacking a healthy body. Without NAD+ regulating the immune system, the immune response becomes dysfunctional.

Though there is no cure for the NAD+ Deficiency Syndrome (CISP — COVID-19 Induced Secondary Pellagra), the symptoms can be treated with Niacin (Nicotinic Acid).

Increased Risk of Cancer
In the case of cancer and tumor suppression, COVID chooses people that have reduced P53 (the tumor suppression gene.) It is also possible that COVID further reduces functional P53 genes. “Mutations in p53 are found in most tumor types, and so contribute to the complex network of molecular events leading to tumor formation.” — The p53 tumor suppressor protein

COVID also suppresses NK cells. “A type of immune cell that has granules (small particles) with enzymes that can kill tumor cells or cells infected with a virus. A natural killer cell is a type of white blood cell. Also called NK cell and NK-LGL.” — Natural Killer Cell

COVID in Your Genes

COVID-19 Delta Variant and Vaccines

COVID Breakthrough Cases

MORE ON COVID: COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 / Novel Coronavirus

bookmark_borderCOVID, Health, and Wellness

ABOUT COVID:
Viral load and aerosolization appear to be the leading causes of contracting COVID… even if you are vaccinated. What does this mean?
1) To limit your viral load limit your exposure time. How do you know you are being exposed? You don’t. So, assume there are people carrying the virus — avoid contact with people outside of your circle. Social distance and avoid people without masks.
2) Airborne transmission is the primary way COVID is contracted. Normally, I would suggest staying outside… however, on days like today the air pollution is too high. Breathing outdoors will actually damage your lungs and make you more prone to COVID. So, stay home in air conditioning. Indoors in a public setting, without masks, in poor ventilation, with inadequate air filters is the most dangerous place to be.
3) Limit your exercise and stress level. Extreme exercise and stress consume NAD+. The lower your NAD+, the more susceptible your are. On days like today with high ozone levels, exercising outside causes irreparable damage to your lungs. Running everyday is one of the worse things you can do for your health. Limit your inflammation, Take a day or two off between workouts. Vary the types of exercise. Swimming is a good idea. Exercise is important, but exercise with thought.
4) the Delta variant appears to spread with very little viral load. A case in Australia shows a person contracting COVID simply by walking by someone in a shop. The greater your viral load, the more severe your disease and the more likely you will contract long-COVID. COVID eats NAD+.
5) Inadequate NAD+ has been linked to many mental health and neurological disorders.
6) Take the vitamin stack (Ade n’ Rob’s recipe). Ensure your NAD+ is at optimum level to avoid illness. Ade’s latest research shows that not only is NAD+ related to COVID severity, but that NAD+ is also related to many other diseases. Here is a diet based on their principles:
NAD+ Plus Immune System Diet

bookmark_borderCISP (COVID-19 Induced Secondary Pellagra) Long Haulers Syndrome

COVID Long Haulers Syndrome is COVID Induced Secondary Pellagra (CISP).

By treating the population for pellagra:

  • new COVID cases can be prevented (prophylactic)
  • the severity and duration of COVID symptoms can be reduced (treatment)
  • COVID-long can be cured (cure)

THE PROTOCOL: Niacin B3, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Zinc, and Selenium.

Dr. Ade Wentzel from Port Elizabeth (South Africa) and his colleagues, Robert Miller (Cape Town) and Guy Richards (Johannesburg), developed a diet based protocol based on their research COVID-19: NAD+ deficiency may predispose the aged, obese and type2 diabetics to mortality through its effect on SIRT1 activity.

Long haulers syndrome is the depletion of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ is involved in cell creation, maintenance, metabolism, and regulating cell processes. COVID both increases the breakdown of NAD+ and decreases the production of NAD+. The result is the same as the disease pellagra. A niacin deficiency results in pellagra. Long haulers syndrome is COVID-19 Induced Secondary Pellagra (CISP).

Index to COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 / Novel Coronavirus

COVID: The Cure?
Could Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) be both a prophylactic and a treatment for COVID-19?

COVID-19: NAD+ Protocol
NAD+ is a crucial part of the immune system. COVID depletes your NAD+. The body needs the time and materials necessary to replenish NAD+.
Included in the elements you need are Vitamin B3,
Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Quercetin,
Zinc, and Selenium.

COVID-19: Immunity, Antibodies, and Memory T Cells
Until more is known, recovered COVID patients should take great care and avoid exposure to all bacteria and viruses, including COVID.

COVID-19 and Negative Feedback Loops
The more often your body suffers damage, than the more severe each additional exposure will become.

COVID, Tryptophan, Stress, Anxiety, and Pellagra
COVID depletes your NAD+. The body depletes tryptophan trying to make NAD+. This causes anxiety.

COVID, Vitamin K, and NAD+
… low NAD+ will result in low Vitamin K metabolism interfering with blood thinner medications and blood coagulation.

COVID Long Haulers Syndrome: NAD+ Deficiency
Research by Ade Wentzel, Robert Miller, and Guy Richards has found COVID-long (Long Haulers Syndrome) is a result of an NAD+ deficiency caused by SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus).


COVID: Vitamin D, Sunlight, the Season, and People of Color

A human’s main source of Vitamin D is the synthesis of UVB radiation through your skin. The chemical reaction creates Vitamin D and other photoproducts essential for a healthy immune system. Taking a Vitamin D supplement is NOT the same as your body making Vitamin D.

COVID-19 Testimonial
There may be a complete recovery from COVID.

The Real Mortality Rate of COVID-19
The formula for calculating a mortality rate.

The Economic Costs of COVID Re-openings
What is the cost of a lifelong disability?

Difficulty of Testing for
COVID Infection and COVID Exposure

COVID-19 and Air Pollution
Large portions of world are susceptible to particulate and ozone pollution causing pre-existing respiratory and immune system problems.

bookmark_borderHow To Get Well

Don’t know what’s wrong and not sure where to turn for expert medical advice and treatment?

If you have a serious chronic condition, it may help you to know that it will take time to reverse a process that has developed over many years. There is no quick fix or magic bullet available for most chronic degenerative disorders. It takes a physician like Dr. Singer to apply good, scientific medical knowledge to help the healing process begin.

Maybe it’s time to visit Dr. Jonathan Singer, one of the pioneers in combining traditional medical care and natural treatments at his health care clinic in Denver, Colorado.

 
Dr. Jonathan Singer Understands When You Just Don’t Feel Well:
Visit Dr. Jonathan Singer’s Website