What is a Virus

"A virus is a submicroscopic infectious particle composed of a protein coat and a nucleic acid core. Viruses, like cells, carry genetic information encoded in their nucleic acid, and can undergo mutations and reproduce; however, they cannot carry out metabolism, and thus are not considered alive. Viruses are classified by the type of nucleic acid they contain, and the shape of their protein capsule."  

from M. J. Farabee, BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: VIRUSES  ©1992, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 more information about viruses

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA),  the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.  Rather, the law allows the FDA to prohibit and restrict the sale of a dietary supplement if " it presents a significant or unreasonable risk of injury."  This standard suggests that the FDA must determine if a product's known or supposed risks outweigh any known or suspected benefits, based on the available scientific evidence.

More about the FDA

Immune System Health

Lung Health

viruses, politics, and health: It is disconcerting to find that proven natural treatments for viruses and other health concerns are under pressure from the FDA to be suppressed at a time when there is great need for help in treating SARS and other viruses.  

It is also of great concern when a drug company such as Pfizer is freely able to say that their unproven experimental rhinovirus formula, AG 7088, may help in the treatment of SARS.  Other pharmaceutical companies are proposing interferon (known to have a risk of liver failure), and a myriad of other unproven products in the rush to create a "magic bullet" product.  The FDA is making no effort to block drug company claims.

The hard fought for regulations under DSHEA that protect your right to access supplements, allows claims for natural treatments.  This legal ruling and law-of-the-land, systematically ignored by the FDA for several years, was clarified in 2002, following additional legal action.  

At this time an effort is underway in the US Congress to dismantle DSHEA, in the form of S 722 and HR 207.  (ge)

The FDA continues to fail to comply with the law in regard to DSHEA.   

WASHINGTON, DC -- On December 18, 2002, FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan announced a major initiative to make available more information concerning the effects of dietary supplements and foods on the prevention of disease.
                           
The decision is an abrupt departure from the agency's long held view that no nutrient-disease claims should be allowed for foods or dietary supplements unless proven to a near conclusive degree.
                           
In 1999, the United States Court of Appeals in a landmark ruling, Pearson v. Shalala, ordered FDA to allow claims for dietary supplements backed by credible, yet inconclusive scientific evidence. For the past three years, FDA has refused to follow that order only to be sued by clients of this firm again and again.
                           
Today, FDA abandoned its prior position and agreed to implement Pearson fully. Indeed, FDA announced that it would apply the decision not only to dietary supplements but also to conventional foods. This will mean that far more information about the actual and potential health benefits of dietary supplements and foods will reach consumers than ever before. The decision is nothing short of revolutionary.
                           
The firm Emord & Associates represented the successful Plaintiffs in Pearson v. Shalala and those who have challenged FDA's failure to implement the decision. The firm also filed comments in a recent First Amendment notice and comment proceeding at FDA recommending many of the changes now brought about by the FDA's action.
                          
Emord says: "Today's decision is a momentous victory for those who cherish freedom. As never before companies will be able to inform consumers of the disease risk reducing and preventive effects of certain foods and dietary supplements. Consumers, in turn, will be able to modify their food choices to improve their health and longevity. There may be no action more important for the health and welfare of American consumers than the one taken by Commissioner Mark McClellan and Chief Counsel Dan Troy. This is a wonderful holiday gift for the American people."

Stringent research supports Millenium CF as an anti-viral, as allowed under DSHEA.

Emerging Diseases

SARS ?

Dr. Rath said,  "Health Foundation brought the SARS epidemic 'under control'     . . Throughout the Iraq war, . . .SARS is simply a corona virus  ­  viral disease that, just like other viral disease, can be contained and prevented by optimum amounts of ascorbate (vitamin C) and certain other natural nutrients. But these molecules are not patentable and therefore are not promoted. What is promoted though is a global fear of some mystery epidemic promoted  and that scare serves only the Cartel: it drives people's minds back into dependency upon the pharmaceutical industry and it promotes a climate where  - least some - enabling laws can also be pushed through." 

Matthias Rath, MD, " The Time Has Come", 4. Matthias Rath, MD, "The Time Has Come, Interview with Mathias Rath, M.D.", April, 2003, pages 23& 24, www.dr-rath-research.org/. 

Health officials have developed these guidelines for suspected and probable cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

• Respiratory illness of unknown cause since Feb. 1st, 2003.
• Temperature greater than 100.4 degrees. 
• One or more symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. 
• Within 10 days of symptoms, the patient travelled to a place where SARS has spread in the community or had close contact with a suspected SARS victim.[7] 

Not one single symptom distinguishing SARS from any other flu-like illness, except international travel?   -  Steve Ransom

a turtle gets ahead by sticking out its neck