How to prevent influenza virus?

 

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide containing a gamma-amide bond, consisting of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. GSH plays an important role in human detoxification, amino acid transport and metabolism.

It has been proven that glutathione supplementation through various channels can enhance the antioxidant capacity of the lower respiratory tract and prevent and treat various respiratory diseases related to viral infections.

Influenza is the abbreviation of influenza. It is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus infection and is a "Category C infectious disease". Its clinical characteristics are acute onset and obvious symptoms of systemic poisoning, such as high fever, headache, body aches, weakness, etc.

Influenza viruses are mainly transmitted at close range through respiratory droplets such as sneezing or coughing. Infections can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with mucous membranes such as the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and eyes. Influenza viruses can also be contracted through contact with items contaminated by influenza viruses.

Influenza viruses spread rapidly and the population is generally susceptible. Clustered influenza epidemics are more likely to occur in crowded places, such as schools, child care institutions and elderly care institutions.

Compared with the common cold, the systemic symptoms of the flu tend to be more severe.

In addition, influenza is more likely to induce serious complications of the respiratory system, including myocarditis, pneumonia, meningitis, etc.

These complications can cause structural damage to influenza patients and even lead to death.

To prevent influenza, maintain good hygiene habits. Pay attention to respiratory etiquette. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with tissues, towels, etc.; maintain hand hygiene, such as washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer, and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands. Open windows for ventilation every day to keep indoor air fresh.

In addition, improving physical fitness and dietary balance, and taking relevant supplements can also improve an individual's immunity.

Among common acute respiratory infections, 90%-95% are caused by viruses. Influenza virus is also an RNA virus and belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae. Due to the parasitic nature of viruses in living cells, simple antiviral chemotherapy drugs have limited clinical effects and have severe adverse reactions. Viral infections can also cause oxidative stress, and antioxidant therapy has become one of the effective treatments.

Supplementing with the antioxidant glutathione can prevent and treat a variety of respiratory illnesses related to viral infections.

A large amount of data shows that the redox state of cells plays an important role in regulating virus replication and infection. In 2003, studies demonstrated that GSH has anti-influenza virus activity both in vivo and in vitro.

The University of Genoa in Italy was one of the first research units to focus on increasing the concentration of glutathione to treat influenza. The results of the study showed that only 25% of the subjects who had increased glutathione levels had symptoms of infection. In contrast, 80% of the subjects who took the placebo had obvious flu symptoms. Experimental results also showed that subjects who were given glutathione had significantly less severe symptoms than those in the placebo group, and the time from symptom onset to relief was shortened.

Other researchers used human lung epithelial cell culture and live animal experiments to study whether increasing tissue glutathione levels can inhibit the development of influenza. The results showed that glutathione significantly inhibited the replication of influenza viruses. In living animals, glutathione can reduce viral counts in tissues such as the lungs and trachea.

The immune system is the body's first line of defense, so it's crucial to build up your defenses during cold and flu season. To boost immunity, supplement with glutathione. Glutathione is a substance with various biological activities that performs antioxidant, detoxification and immune functions in the body. It has inhibitory effects on RNA viruses such as influenza virus and HIV virus.

We provide high-quality reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and acetyl glutathione (SAG) raw materials, welcome to inquire.

*The content of this article is provided as information only and cannot replace a doctor’s treatment diagnosis and advice.

References

[1] Hong KS, Pagan K, Whalen W, Harris R, Yang J, Stout-Delgado H, Cho SJ. The Role of Glutathione Reductase in Influenza Infection. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2022 Oct;67(4): 438-445. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0372OC. PMID: 35767671; PMCID: PMC9753556.

[2] Liu Wenchao, Zheng Jun. Brief analysis of the antiviral mechanism of reduced glutathione [J]. Journal of Shanxi Medical University, 2007(04):374-376.

[3] Cai J, Chen Y, Seth S, Furukawa S, Compans RW, Jones DP. Inhibition of influenza infection by glutathione. Free Radic Biol Med. 2003 Apr 1;34(7):928-36. doi: 10.1016/ s0891-5849(03)00023-6. PMID: 12654482.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.