Flu: Best Home Remedies and Natural Treatments to Relieve Symptoms
How The Flu Virus Invades The Brain
Summary: Researchers uncovered how the influenza virus may infiltrate the brain, leading to a serious condition known as influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE). The study identifies endothelial cells, which form the blood-brain barrier, as the primary entry points for the virus.
The team found that traditional antivirals that block viral replication were ineffective against this mode of invasion, but those that inhibit viral protein synthesis showed promise in reducing symptoms and mortality in a mouse model. This breakthrough offers potential new treatment avenues for IAE and similar viral encephalopathies.
Key Fact:
Source: Osaka University
It might start simply, with a cough or sneeze…but in some cases, the flu virus can make its way to your brain, causing serious symptoms or even death through a disease known as influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE).
Now, in a study published in Acta Neuropathologica, researchers have revealed that IAE may be caused by the virus entering the brain through a specific cell type, and have identified possible treatment strategies.
Furthermore, the researchers noticed that the virus wasn't actually reproducing within these endothelial cells—but there were a lot of proteins made by the virus. Credit: Neuroscience News Although IAE is increasingly common, surprisingly little is known about how the influenza virus actually gets into the brain and causes symptoms of encephalopathy (a general term for brain disorders).
Notably, a definitive treatment for IAE remains lacking, something that researchers from Osaka University wanted to address.
To study how influenza viruses might cause IAE, the research team used a range of methods. As well as looking for virus particles in the brains of people who died from IAE, they created a mouse model of the disease by injecting influenza A virus into the blood. They also used cell culture methods to look at how well the virus infects different cell types.
"In the human brains, the virus-injected mice, and the cultured cells, the influenza virus tended to accumulate in endothelial cells," explains lead author of the study Shihoko Kimura-Ohba.
"These cells create a barrier between the blood and the brain, and are important for protecting the brain from harmful substances."
Accordingly, in both the human brains and the mouse model, the barrier between the blood and the brain was compromised. Furthermore, the researchers noticed that the virus wasn't actually reproducing within these endothelial cells—but there were a lot of proteins made by the virus.
"When we saw this viral protein accumulation in the brain, we realized that antiviral medications aimed at stopping viral proliferation were unlikely to help," says Tomonori Kimura, senior author of the study. "However, antivirals aimed at stopping viral transcription and translation—vital processes for making proteins—are also available."
When the team tried these classes of antivirals in endothelial cells treated with influenza virus, they observed less viral proteins and cell death. In the mouse model of IAE, these antivirals were also very effective when used early enough, suggesting that they may be useful in human patients.
Given that many different kinds of viruses, including COVID-19, can cause encephalopathy, these findings have wide-ranging impacts. Moreover, although IAE care is improving, more than half of all patients die or have long-lasting symptoms.
A better understanding of how viruses can cause encephalopathy will be important for developing new, effective treatments.
Author: Saori ObayashiSource: Osaka UniversityContact: Saori Obayashi – Osaka UniversityImage: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access."Viral entry and translation in brain endothelia provoke influenza-associated encephalopathy" by Shihoko Kimura-Ohba et al. Acta Neuropathologica
Abstract
Viral entry and translation in brain endothelia provoke influenza-associated encephalopathy
Influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) is extremely acute in onset, with high lethality and morbidity within a few days, while the direct pathogenesis by influenza virus in this acute phase in the brain is largely unknown.
Here we show that influenza virus enters into the cerebral endothelium and thereby induces IAE.
Three-weeks-old young mice were inoculated with influenza A virus (IAV). Physical and neurological scores were recorded and temporal-spatial analyses of histopathology and viral studies were performed up to 72 h post inoculation.
Histopathological examinations were also performed using IAE human autopsy brains. Viral infection, proliferation and pathogenesis were analyzed in cell lines of endothelium and astrocyte. The effects of anti-influenza viral drugs were tested in the cell lines and animal models.
Upon intravenous inoculation of IAV in mice, the mice developed encephalopathy with brain edema and pathological lesions represented by micro bleeding and injured astrocytic process (clasmatodendrosis) within 72 h.
Histologically, massive deposits of viral nucleoprotein were observed as early as 24 h post infection in the brain endothelial cells of mouse models and the IAE patients.
IAV inoculated endothelial cell lines showed deposition of viral proteins and provoked cell death, while IAV scarcely amplified. Inhibition of viral transcription and translation suppressed the endothelial cell death and the lethality of mouse models.
These data suggest that the onset of encephalopathy should be induced by cerebral endothelial infection with IAV.
Thus, IAV entry into the endothelium, and transcription and/or translation of viral RNA, but not viral proliferation, should be the key pathogenesis of IAE.
12 Tips For A Speedy Flu Recovery
Resting and staying hydrated can help you get over the flu fast. Taking antivirals within 48 hours of symptom onset can also help you bounce back faster.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Flu symptoms typically last about a week, but the most severe symptoms only occur for two to three days (though it might feel like an eternity). You might continue to experience fatigue, weakness, and a cough for another week after you recover.
Here are 12 tips to help you recover more quickly.
Your body needs time and energy to fight the flu virus, so your daily routine should be on the back burner.
You may be tempted to go grocery shopping or get ahead on laundry for the week, but you'd be doing yourself a disservice. Stay home from work or school, and put errands on hold until you feel better.
Staying home helps you recover and prevents the spread of the flu to other people in your community or workplace. The flu can be dangerous for older adults and small children, so you must avoid contact with others while you're contagious and disinfect surfaces and personal items regularly.
One flu symptom is a high fever, which can lead to sweating. You might also be dealing with bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Your body needs plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids and even more to fight off the infection.
Water is best, but you can also drink herbal teas or tea with honey. These can soothe your symptoms while keeping you hydrated. Two things you should always avoid, though, are alcohol and caffeine, which can be dehydrating.
Sleep is the best medicine for your body while fighting the flu. Watching TV curled up on the couch isn't a bad idea, but you shouldn't binge-watch your favorite Netflix show all night.
Go to bed earlier than usual and sleep in. You can also nap during the day to give your body more time to recover.
Rest and sleep also reduce your risk of serious flu complications, like pneumonia.
It can be difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and cough. Try these tips to breathe easier and have a better night's sleep:
Your body needs better nutrition to recover from the flu.
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system as it fights off the virus.
Although you might not have much of an appetite, eating regular meals is still important to maintain strength.
Dry air can exacerbate symptoms. A vaporizer or humidifier adds moisture to the air and can help loosen congestion.
There are many types of humidifiers and vaporizers available on the market. Examples include cool-mist humidifiers and steam vaporizers. These can be reasonably priced at your local big-box store, pharmacy, or online.
Your local drug store's cold and flu aisle is most likely packed with hundreds of options. Some medications treat specific symptoms, like nasal congestion, while others treat many flu symptoms simultaneously.
Read the product's label to learn the correct dose for each type of medication and ensure you're not accidentally combining medications. Medications like DayQuil are both a pain reliever and a fever reducer, as well as a decongestant and cough suppressant. Avoid taking these combination medications with other OTC options.
DayQuil and similar cold medicines can also increase blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, something formulated for those with hypertension, like Coricidin HBP.
Children and teens should never take aspirin for the flu, as it can cause a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
If you take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, you may also want to avoid cough medicine containing dextromethorphan, as this combination can lead to serotonin syndrome.
Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds and the flu.
In one study, people with the flu who consumed elderberry found that it may reduce the duration and severity of colds.
Elderberry capsules, lozenges, and syrups are available in stores or online. Raw elderberries should not be eaten, as they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Remember, elderberry is a complementary therapy, so make sure you're also treating the flu with OTC or prescription medication.
Honey is a fairly common natural remedy for soothing a sore throat or cough. Mixing honey with tea is a great way to stay hydrated while treating flu symptoms.
In one older study, researchers found that a dose of honey was more effective at controlling a nighttime cough than common cough suppressants in children ages two to 18 years with upper respiratory tract infections.
One thing to note is that you shouldn't give honey to children younger than a year old.
Antiviral drugs are only available by prescription, so you must see a doctor first.
These drugs prevent the virus from growing and replicating. They work best if taken within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms, so it's best to reach out as soon as you start noticing symptoms.
The most commonly prescribed antiviral medication is oseltamivir (Tamiflu). In October 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), a new antiviral for people ages 12 and older.
Taking antiviral medications within two days of the onset of symptoms may reduce the duration of the flu by about one day and the severity of symptoms.
The annual flu vaccine is produced based on scientists' predictions of which flu strain will dominate the next flu season. Sometimes, though, they get it wrong. Getting a flu shot after you've already had the flu can protect you from other strains of the virus.
You might think it's too late or you can't get the flu again in one season, but it's still possible. So, it's a good idea to protect yourself by getting vaccinated.
We often forget how much our emotions and attitudes affect our physical feelings. While you may be unable to unclog your stuffy nose or lower your fever with positive thoughts, maintaining a positive attitude during your illness may help your overall recovery.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the flu recovery.
What is the quickest way to get rid of the flu?The most important thing is giving your body time to rest, drinking lots of fluids, and eating healthy foods. When taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, antivirals can also reduce the duration and severity of illness.
What kills the flu virus in the body?Antiviral medication can help kill the flu virus in the body.
Can you get rid of the flu in 2 days?Symptoms of the flu usually peak in the first couple of days and subside within a week. Plenty of rest and fluids can help your body fight the virus faster. Antiviral medications can also reduce the duration of the flu by about a day.
The best thing you can do to recover from the flu is to allow yourself to sleep, rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you catch your flu symptoms early and you're at risk of serious complications, you can try an antiviral medication to help reduce the duration of your symptoms.
Most flu symptoms resolve within one to two weeks. If your flu symptoms start to get better and then get rapidly worse or don't subside after two weeks, contact your doctor.
Bird Flu Virus Circulated In Cows For Four Months Before Outbreak Confirmed By USDA, Analysis Shows
As agricultural authorities and epidemiologists try to get their arms around the scope of the latest confounding chapter in the decades-long story of the H5N1 avian influenza virus — its jump into U.S. Herds of dairy cattle — they're turning to the genetic breadcrumbs the virus leaves behind in the animals' nose, lungs, and, primarily, milk.
On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists released a preprint — a study that has not yet been peer-reviewed — describing for the first time what their investigations of 220 viral genomes from infected cows have so far turned up. The study's authors suggest that the spread in cattle started from a single spillover event from birds in the Texas panhandle that may have happened in early December. The USDA didn't confirm the presence of H5N1 in a Texas herd until March 25.
"These data support a single introduction event from wild bird origin virus into cattle, likely followed by limited local circulation for approximately 4 months prior to confirmation by USDA," the authors wrote.
The findings add more precision to what had previously been reported by academic scientists. Reading viral genomes can provide clues to the origins of the outbreak and allows researchers to monitor how the virus, which primarily infects wild and farmed birds, is changing as it finds a foothold in bovine hosts.
In an initial analysis of USDA genome sequence data released last week, academic DNA sleuths had revealed that the outbreak in dairy cows has likely been going on for months longer than previously realized, and has probably spread more widely than official numbers would suggest. So far, the USDA has reported 36 herds in nine states have tested positive for the virus.
The new analysis also offers a window into how the bird flu is changing as it spends time in the bodies of cattle.
In the last few years, H5N1 has spread from wild birds to a variety of carnivorous mammals, including foxes, bears, and seals, but in each of those instances, the virus has hit a dead end. The outbreak in dairy cows represents one of the first times that this bird flu virus has demonstrated the ability to efficiently transmit between mammals, said Thomas Mettenleiter, a virologist who served as the director of the Friedrich Loeffler Institut — Germany's leading animal disease research center — from 1996 until he stepped down last year. The other instance was a number of outbreaks at mink farms in Spain and Finland in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
"These spillover events don't usually lead to transmission chains," he said. "This situation is definitely an eye-opener for me."
The USDA's analysis found about two dozen mutations that have arisen in the H5N1 virus as it has circulated in dairy cattle that are known to make influenza viruses more deadly or more likely to be able to infect humans.
"It's still really difficult to draw a risk map out of that, but there seems to be ongoing evolution," Mettenleiter said. "This is not surprising but it's good to know. All these mammal-to-mammal passages, as we would do experimentally, put an evolutionary pressure on the virus to mutate and this is what we see with the increase of these known mammalian adaptation markers."
Vivien Dugan, director of the influenza division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told STAT Thursday that the mutations found so far did not raise any immediate red flags for increased risk to human health.
"I think based on our analysis of the consensus and some of that raw [sequence] data — because we have a good data-sharing relationship with USDA — we've not seen anything that would be concerning to us for mammalian adaptation, at this point," Dugan said.
The CDC has been testing existing H5 vaccines in ferrets, and found that vaccination appears to offer cross-protection against the virus from the man who was infected in Texas.
Scientists who have been frustrated by the slow drip of data from the USDA's investigations hailed the preprint on social media as progress. "Really grateful to this research team for sharing this, though I hope they weren't holding on to the data solely to ensure they published first," Angela Rasmussen, a virologist who studies pathogens that jump from animals to people at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon, Canada, posted on X on Thursday.
For weeks, the agency has been facing criticism from scientists and pandemic experts for a lack of transparency and timely sharing of data about the outbreak that has slowed down efforts to track its progress. When the USDA finally uploaded a large tranche of genetic sequences of the pathogen to a public database, researchers eager to analyze the sequences to determine if the H5N1 virus has been changing as it is transmitted from cow to cow quickly discovered that the sequences didn't include necessary information about when and where the samples were collected. All are simply labeled with "USA" and "2024."
The USDA has denied taking that basic information — called metadata — off the sequence files. The agency's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has said it is sharing raw sequence data as quickly as it is available and plans to upload "consensus sequences," which are more thoroughly edited and contain the metadata scientists are seeking, when they are ready.
Helen Branswell contributed reporting.
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