INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS EBOLA?

2014 OUTBREAK TIMELINE

HOW TO PREVENT EBOLA INFECTION

• 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol solution, a.k.a. rubbing alcohol, or other strong ethanol concentration, such as 150+ proof vodka or rum, damages and denatures microbe proteins, killing them. Weaker solutions are much less effective, although may be better than nothing if typical sanitizing concentrations irritate your skin. Another option might be a 70% alcohol-based sanitizer that's mixed with aloe or other skin-soothing additive. Alcohol is also less effective under heavy soil conditions, which is why you must wash your hands or any other surface prior to disinfection with alcohol, or really any disinfectant. Dirt protects the germs from the disinfectant. If your hands are visibly dirty, then you might as well assume the sanitizer isn't working much at all. Also, alcohol tends to evaporate much faster than it disinfects and may need to be re-wetted to be effective. When using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, make sure to use enough product so that all skin surfaces get wet: front, back, around thumbs, and between fingers. One application of hand sanitizer may be enough to kill fragile microbes like Ebola, but will almost certainly not kill or inactivate hardier ones like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile, many of which are responsible for health care-associated infections (HCAI), and are likely to be inhabiting health care settings as well as in the wild. During a pandemic outbreak, it would be just as dangerous to acquire one of these infections as Ebola itself both because the health services to fight them will be severely strained and because if you're caught vomiting or otherwise acting sickly during a pandemic, armed quarantine enforcers may just throw you into a room full of actual Ebola victims! So don't take for granted that an alcohol-based sanitizer applied for a few seconds has disinfected your hands -- it hasn't. At best, the germ load and risk of infection is significantly reduced, but not eliminated. Another thing to note is that some "denatured alcohol" is not meant for skin contact, but for paint stripping and other purposes, and may contain harsh additives. You should only use antiseptic grade rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizers on your skin.
• Phenolic compounds are a protoplasmic poison similar to alcohol (contain hydroxyl functional groups) which disrupt cell membranes and precipitate cell proteins and inactivate essential enzyme systems such as enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (ENR), which is necessary for fatty acid synthesis in bacteria. Some organisms synthesize phenolic compounds in response to infection, damage, or UV radiation due to their germicidal and antioxidant activity. Phenols work well against bacteria, fungi, and tuberculosis, but less well against viruses and spores. Some phenols have an unpleasant odor. Effectiveness is reduced by alkaline pH, natural soap, and organic material. Phenols are also an irritant and corrosive. They're often added to other disinfectants to increase the overall spectrum of microbial disinfection. Phenolic disinfectants are not recommended for use on surfaces infants might touch. Some phenols are used for skin disinfectant purposes, including carbolic soap, which is distributed to disaster victims by the Red Cross, and triclosan, which is added to many products such as antibacterial soaps, shampoos, and deodorants and used as a surgical scrub and pre- and post-surgical soap. They're also used in mouthwash, such as Listerine. Showering with 2% triclosan has become a recommended regimen in surgical units for the decolonization of patients whose skin carries methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Doing the same thing during a pandemic might not be such a bad idea!
• Iodine or iodophors (iodine with carriers) such as Betadine (povidone-iodine) incapacitate germs by binding with cellular components and oxidizing them, denaturing proteins and enzymes. Works very well against bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts, molds, and protozoans but less well against spores. It also stains almost anything and can be corrosive, limiting its applications. Skin antiseptic iodophors and hard-surface disinfectant iodophors may not be interchangeable. Don't apply disinfectants to your skin which are not indicated for that purpose! Even topical iodophors such as Betadine may cause chemical burns with prolonged exposure. Still, it's effectiveness means that it's widely used for surgical scrub, pre- and post-operative cleansing, and treatment of wounds and burns. Iodophors should not be mixed with hydrogen peroxide, phenols, or some other disinfectants, as they will react and become ineffective.
• Chlorhexidine is a cationic bisbiguanide, used primarily as salts which dissociate at physiologic pH and release the positively charged chlorhexidine cation. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are negatively charged. When a germ-laden surface is exposed to chlorhexidine cations, the charges neutralize and break down the membrane and proteins, killing the microbe. Not as effective against spores and some viruses such as polioviruses and adenoviruses and gram-negative bacteria and fungi except at higher concentrations. It's also less effective in the presence of blood or protein. It's often mixed with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, such as in mouthwash, hand sanitizer, and wound treatment cleansers. It is becoming a non-staining alternative to iodophors in some surgical contexts, for scrub or skin cleanser. Chlorhexidine soap is often prescribed for surgery patients to wash thoroughly their entire body several times pre-surgery in order to de-colonize themselves of any potentially infectious microbes. Doing the same thing during a pandemic might not be such a bad idea!
• Quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (ADBAC) or sometimes benzalkonium chloride (BZK) for short, carry a positive molecular charge, similarly to chlorhexidine cations described above. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are negatively charged. When a germ-laden surface is wiped, sprayed, or mopped with a quat disinfectant, the charges neutralize and break down the membrane and proteins, killing the microbe. Not as effective against spores and some gram-negative bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii and non-enveloped viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus at lower concentrations, they are otherwise very broad-spectrum. Quats are colorless, odorless, less corrosive, fast-acting, and highly stable, and are therefore often used in hospitals and schools for surface disinfection. Quats are effective at exceptionally low concentrations; contact lens solutions typically contain 0.002% to 0.01% concentrations of benzalkonium chloride for effective preservative action. They're approved to be used on food prep surfaces. Quats are made less effective with hard water, a layer of soap, or if applied with a highly absorbant cloth. BZK is the active ingredient in some Germ-X hand wipes. The advantage of quat-based sanitizers is that they do not burn like alcohol does. As a surface disinfectant, including brand name Lysol, quats are available in 250+ times concentration -- 1 or 2 tablespoons per gallon of water dilution for typical disinfectant purposes -- making them very efficient to stock. Quat solutions, similarly to chlorhexidine, provide a moderately long duration of action, providing extended protection beyond initial treatment.
• Aldehydes -- glutaraldehyde and/or formaldehyde -- destroys bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores by crosslinking and coagulating cellular proteins. It's relatively non-corrosive, but is an eye, skin, and respiratory irritant and toxin, and may cause asthma. So it is not used directly on skin (except to treat warts), but is often used to disinfect medical equipment. It has a short shelf life and is expensive, so probably isn't your best choice. Also, some bacteria have developed resistance to glutaraldehyde.
• Oxidizers including hydrogen peroxide, ozone, and superoxide destroy microbes by oxidizing their membranes and proteins, including glutaraldehyde-resistant mycobacteria. Oxidizers can be corrosive and carcinogenic in high concentration. Antioxidants in human tissues help to counter any adverse effects from contact, but with limitations, so direct contact should be avoided except at appropriate dilution (e.g. 3% hydrogen peroxide for topical and oral antiseptic use). Oxidizers will completely decay to inert, harmless compounds (largely water and oxygen gas) with time and agitation (sped up with a catalyst), leaving no toxic residues. Oxidizers can cause bleaching of skin and fabrics (e.g. peroxide is used for bleaching hair), however peroxide is used in color-safe laundry detergents such as OxyClean and Clorox2 because it has less impact on dyes than chlorine bleach. Peroxide at 30% concentration is often used in the beverage industry to rapidly sterilize plastic bottles. Ozone is often used in water purification. Water ionizers create multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS), often called "activated oxygen", including ozone and superoxide, destroying pathogens in the water and enabling usage as a surface disinfectant for a period of time.
• Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or pool shock (calcium hypochlorite) is a broad spectrum disinfectant that can inactivate or kill germs, including staph and MRSA, by both oxidation and by chemically reacting with the microbes, resulting in lethal byproducts such as hypochlorous acid. Chlorine disinfectant is the most effective against prions. It should never be used at full strength for general disinfecting though. If no disinfection usage dilution instructions exist on your product, then use 1/4 cup of regular household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) in 1 gallon of water (a 1:100 dilution equivalent to 500-615 parts per million [ppm] of available chlorine) to disinfect pre-cleaned surfaces. A 1:10 dilution is used to sterilize medical instruments. 1:5 to destroy tuberculosis. 1:2.5 to inactivate prions. Never mix chlorine compounds such as bleach with any other household or cleaning products, especially ammonia. Doing so can result in different types of harmful acids and poisonous gases. Chlorine compounds can also be corrosive and damage various materials. Bleach decomposes over time and with agitation, losing its effectiveness.
• Silver, zinc, and/or copper nanoparticles or colloidal mixtures have an oligodynamic effect which is toxic to algae, molds, spores, fungi, viruses, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic microorganisms, even in relatively low concentrations. Like heavier metals such as mercury or lead, these metals denature and precipitate enzymes, but unlike those other heavy metals, silver, zinc, and copper are not very toxic to humans. Silver in particular reacts with thiol, amino, carboxyl, phosphate, and amidazole functional groups to diminish the activity of enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase and glutathione peroxidase. Silver nanoparticles are capable of destroying gram-negative species which are immune to other antibacterial agents. Nanoparticle coated surfaces, water tanks, and medical devices are resistant to microbe colonization. Silver spoons and other silverware self-sanitize. Copper pipes help prevent water-borne diseases. Copper pipes, pots, and other surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria within two hours of exposure. Even brass doorknobs are naturally disinfectant (with about 8 hours of contact time) versus other materials which can harbor pathogens indefinitely. Silver nanoparticles are now being infused into many products including clothing such as socks, hospital bed sheets, wound dressings, plastic food storage containers, and even glass. Using such silver-infused or coated products can help supplement or alleviate some disinfection needs. Silver nitrate is used as an antiseptic and cauterizing agent. Silver sulfadiazine cream is used for the antibiotic treatment of wounds and burns. Colloidal silver, or silver salts suspended in water, is sometimes taken internally to help kill an infection. Zinc is often used the same way. Colloidal silver mixed with hydrogen peroxide is used as a powerful, but low-toxicity surface disinfectant. Silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) is a chelated form of silver that maintains its stability and kills microorganisms by two modes of action: 1) the silver ion deactivates structural and metabolic membrane proteins, leading to microbial death; 2) the microbes view SDC as a food source, allowing the silver ion to enter the microbe. Once inside the organism, the silver ion denatures the DNA, which halts the microbe's ability to replicate, leading to its death. This dual action makes SDC highly and quickly effective against a broad spectrum of microbes. SDC is non-toxic, non-caustic, colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and does not produce toxic fumes. SDC is non-toxic to humans and animals.
• UV-C radiation or a germicidal lamp disrupts DNA base pairing, destroying microbes, and also generates some ozone for oxidizing them. UV-C is best used in enclosed compartments in which nothing is shaded. It's ineffective against dirty surfaces because dirt shades the microorganisms from the light. Even regular glass will shade UV-C, so special non-glass transparent enclosures are needed for the bulbs. UV-C is harmful to humans, causing sunburn and cancer in time. It can also damage the cornea and retina, leading to eye inflammation and vision impairment. Therefore, germicidal lamps must be properly shielded against any inadvertent human exposure. It can also damage some plastics. So it is generally not used for general disinfection purposes, but specific tasks. Some air purifiers and water purifiers contain germicidal lamps. They're also used for medical instrument sterilization. That said, sunlight also contains UV-C and will disinfect things like laundry left out to dry in the sunlight or a container of water left sitting in the sunlight. People usually know better than to look directly at the Sun or expose themselves to it unprotected for too long unlike if you decided to just put UV-C bulbs in your light fixtures (don't do that).
• Heat will slow most microorganisms above temperatures of 100° F and kill most microorganisms at temperatures above 160° F, though some prions and spores may be resistant to high temps. For objects or surfaces which can withstand such temperatures or direct flame, or to dispose of infected wastes by incineration, this might be a viable tool on its own or to supplement other methods -- e.g. washing dishes or bed pans with soap and boiling water and then spraying with hydrogen peroxide.

• PAPR or N95 Respirator. If a NIOSH-certified PAPR and a NIOSH-certified fit-tested disposable N95 respirator is used in facility protocols, ensure compliance with all elements of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, including fit testing, medical evaluation, and training of the healthcare worker.
  • PAPR: A PAPR with a full face shield, helmet, or headpiece. Any reusable helmet or headpiece must be covered with a single-use (disposable) hood that extends to the shoulders and fully covers the neck and is compatible with the selected PAPR. The facility should follow manufacturer’s instructions for decontamination of all reusable components and, based upon those instructions, develop facility protocols that include the designation of responsible personnel who assure that the equipment is appropriately reprocessed and that batteries are fully charged before reuse.
    • A PAPR with a self-contained filter and blower unit integrated inside the helmet is preferred.
    • A PAPR with external belt-mounted blower unit requires adjustment of the sequence for donning and doffing, as described below.
  • N95 Respirator: Single-use (disposable) N95 respirator in combination with single-use (disposable) surgical hood extending to shoulders and single-use (disposable) full face shield.** If N95 respirators are used instead of PAPRs, careful observation is required to ensure healthcare workers are not inadvertently touching their faces under the face shield during patient care.
• Single-use (disposable) fluid-resistant or impermeable gown that extends to at least mid-calf or coverall without integrated hood. Coveralls with or without integrated socks are acceptable.
  Consideration should be given to selecting gowns or coveralls with thumb hooks to secure sleeves over inner glove. If gowns or coveralls with thumb hooks are not available, personnel may consider taping the sleeve of the gown or coverall over the inner glove to prevent potential skin exposure from separation between sleeve and inner glove during activity. However, if taping is used, care must be taken to remove tape gently. Experience in some facilities suggests that taping may increase risk by making the doffing process more difficult and cumbersome.
• Single-use (disposable) nitrile examination gloves with extended cuffs. Two pairs of gloves should be worn. At a minimum, outer gloves should have extended cuffs.
• Single-use (disposable), fluid-resistant or impermeable boot covers that extend to at least mid-calf or single-use (disposable) shoe covers. Boot and shoe covers should allow for ease of movement and not present a slip hazard to the worker.
  • Single-use (disposable) fluid-resistant or impermeable shoe covers are acceptable only if they will be used in combination with a coverall with integrated socks.
• Single-use (disposable), fluid-resistant or impermeable apron that covers the torso to the level of the mid-calf should be used if Ebola patients have vomiting or diarrhea. An apron provides additional protection against exposure of the front of the body to body fluids or excrement. If a PAPR will be worn, consider selecting an apron that ties behind the neck to facilitate easier removal during the doffing procedure.

HOW TO PREVENT EBOLA DISEASE

• Much immunity is gained by maintaining a good digestive tract with balanced intestinal flora. That means taking probiotic capsules (typically the refrigerated ones or enteric coated ones are best) and/or eating live-culture yogurt, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods containing lactobacilli. These "good bacteria" keep out competing bad microorganisms and support overall immune function. As Hippocrates said, "all disease begins in the gut." That's because 70% of your lymphocyte-producing immune cells are located in your gastrointestinal lining! Probiotics help to kill pathogens and prevent their toxic byproducts, thus relieving your immune cells of the responsibility. They also produce important vitamins including K and B-complex, and help to absorb important immune-enhancing minerals.
• Getting sufficient vitamin D is important as well, in particular the form known as cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of viral infections including HIV and influenza. About 50% of Americans are deficient according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Your skin will produce copious amounts of vitamin D in the presence of ultraviolet light (UV-B), so you should try to get at least 10-15 minutes of direct sunlight on 50% or more of your body (prior to using any sunscreen) at least once per week during the warm months, taking care not to burn. That's enough to produce over 10,000 international units (IUs) of vitamin D. Doing this multiple times per week is even better.
  
  During the winter, you need to get vitamin D from food and supplements in the amount of about 2,000 IUs per day for optimal immunity (recommendations for 200-600 IUs per day is only for bone health). Some fatty fish meat has significant vitamin D levels, such as salmon or trout with about 450 IUs in 3 oz or canned light tuna with about 150 IUs in 4 oz, but that's still well short of 2,000 IUs. Egg yolks have about 40 IUs each. Vitamin D fortified milk and cereals are another source, albeit not sufficient on their own. Fortified milk has about 100 IUs in an 8 oz glass. Cereal like Cheerios has about 40 IUs per cup. Clearly the food-based options are not enough for the immune-boosting requirements during the winter, which is why so many people are deficient. Supplements are really required for temperate-zoned people in the winter. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and should be taken in supplements with an oil base, preferably in combination with an omega-3 supplement. Cod liver oil contains about 1,300 IUs of vitamin D per tablespoon, and this is usually the basis of vitamin D supplement capsules. Cod liver oil also contains about 13,500 IUs of vitamin A (270% DV), an important immune-boosting antioxidant, and 2,600 mg of omega-3, making this one powerhouse supplement! Avoid ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) tablets, which are made from irradiated fungus and are not clinically effective at meeting your vitamin D requirements.
  
  One other vitamin D option is a UV-emitting lamp or tanning bed, though this can carry some skin cancer risks and is therefore only recommended if you cannot properly absorb dietary vitamin D. But if you go this route, choose one with electronic ballasts only, not magnetic ballasts, and one which minimizes UV-A output while delivering UV-B.
  
  Vitamin D toxicity is possible, but only if you take 40,000 IUs per day for a couple of months or longer, or take a very large one-time dose (600,000 IUs in a 24 hour period). When you take large amounts of vitamin D, your liver produces too much of a chemical called 25-deoxy-cholecalciferol [25(OH)D], which can cause high levels of calcium to develop in your blood, a condition called hypercalcemia. It would be very hard to accidentally consume this much vitamin D via supplements. And sunlight/lamp exposure does not cause toxicity because your body is able to naturally regulate how much vitamin D your skin makes.
• Avoid toxins and inflammatory agents that might damage or stress your immune system including cigarette smoke, sugar, excessive alcohol, and omega-6 vegetable oils. Sugar is a double-whammy against your immune system since fructose metabolism creates toxic, oxidizing, and inflammatory byproducts, and because leukocytes will preferentially engulf fructose instead of invading microbes, thus impairing their effort to rid your body of the infectious diseases.
• Avoid too much stress. Chronic stress or distress causes permanently elevated cortisol levels, which is the fight-or-flight hormone. Cortisol inactivates immune T-cells and NK cells, sabotaging your immunity. That's okay for a transient fight-or-flight situation, but when it's chronic, it invites infection. Lower stress by avoiding stressors when possible or by ameliorating the cortisol by relaxing with meditation, sleep, music, massage, tea, sex, comedy, or anything else which works for you.
• Ensure cardiovascular fitness with at least a few minutes of high-intensity exercise per week or longer periods of moderate exercise. Besides reducing stress and toxins, exercise circulates your lymphatic system, ensuring lymphocytes find any infectious agents.
• Get sufficient amounts of all essential vitamins and minerals with a multivitamin supplement and a balanced diet high in antioxidant superfoods. Starting from a position of good nutritional health provides the best chances of survival should you be exposed to the virus.

HOW TO PREVENT EBOLA FATALITY

• A fever (or pyrexia) is a good thing for killing viruses as long as it doesn't get dangerously high, which is above 108° F (42.22° C). Fevers inhibit virus metabolism or directly kill viruses like Ebola which can tolerate only a fairly narrow temperature range. Fevers also stimulate the motion, activity, and multiplication of white blood cells and increase the production of antibodies. This is why your body responds to a virus with a fever. The virus does not cause the fever, but rather it is your body's innate immune response. But very high fevers can cause severe harm to the patient, including convulsions and death. Antipyretic drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen should not be taken to control a hemorrhagic fever. These are all anticoagulants and must be avoided due to the hemorrhagic nature of the disease, as it will likely accelerate bleeding out. So other antifebrile methods should be employed, such as ice packs, if necessary to bring your body temperature back under 108° F. Also, if any other blood thinners are being taken, e.g. to help prevent thrombosis or embolism, they must be ceased immediately upon contracting a hemorrhagic fever or they will accelerate VHF syndrome. The virus itself is a blood thinner. Acetaminophen does not affect coagulation and may be taken for excessive fevers and pain, although care should be taken not to overdose, especially since a dehydrated patient is going to be less capable of clearning toxins from the body.
• Hydration is always very important when fighting an infection, particularly one that produces a high fever, perspiration, and profuse bleeding. Drinking plenty of clean, electroytically-balanced fluids is critical. Besides water, this might include milk, broth, tea, and other sources of fluids that also contain vital nutrients (described in more detail later). Severe dehydration often precedes death in Ebola cases. When a patient has stopped urinating due to dehydration, their time is very limited. Without restoration of fluids to keep the heart pumping, circulatory system collapse and shock lead to death.
  
  If you cannot drink fluids orally, then an intravenous (IV) saline drip might be ideal. However, establishing and maintaining an IV is a skilled art. If you don't think that you can do it successfully, an alternative method is hypodermoclysis (HDC), or the infusion of fluids into subcutaneous fat, typically in the chest, abdomen, lateral aspect of thighs, upper back (intrascapular area), or upper arms. The subcutaneous fat layer does not have a lot of blood vessels to worry about mutilating, but will readily absorb saline into the body. The method is safe and does not pose any serious complications. It is commonly recommended for elderly home-care patients because amateur care-givers (spouses/children) are able to apply the technique easily without the aid of a nurse. It is also used in professional health care settings for patients who have poor venous access or who are unable to tolerate intravenous cannulation. Moreover, the procedure is generally more comfortable for the patient due to a smaller needle bore and less likely to cause pulmonary edema, clot formation, fluid overload, thrombophlebitis, or septicemia than an IV. A hypodermoclysis infusion set includes a 19-, 21-, or 23-gauge long-tube butterfly needle attached to sterile tubing with a drip chamber and a saline bag with normal isotonic 0.9% NaCl saline. Additives should be avoided. The fluid is accepted into the tissues at a rate of about 1 mL/minute via the pressure of gravity alone by hanging the saline bag above the patient, similar to with an IV, delivering about 1.5 L over 24 hours. To deliver more fluids, a second location may be used simultaneously.
  
  

  Hypodermoclysis Technique

  Explain the procedure to the patient. Select the infusion site. Wash and sanitize hands or gloves (you should be in as close to a level-4 biohazard suit as possible at this point). Assemble fluid and tubing. Prime line with selected fluid to remove air. Swab the site with antiseptic such as povidone-iodine or alcohol using a circular motion, beginning at the center of the site. Allow at least one minute contact time. Do not touch prepared site again with fingers. Insert needle, bevel up, into subcutaneous tissue at a 45- to 60-degree angle. The needle should be sited such that it lies within the subcutaneous space but superficial to the underlying fascia, or the dense fibrous connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Secure the needle and tubing with a sterile occlusive dressing, like those used for IVs, and some medical tape to keep it from moving or becoming dislodged. An occlusive dressing can be made with antibiotic ointment or vaseline and gauze. The point is to keep air and fluids away from the injection site to keep it sterile. Adjust fluid drip rate as prescribed. Do not set drip rate to deliver more than 80 mL/hour. Date and initial dressing. Date and initial intravenous tubing. Document infusion fluid on medication chart. Check patient and infusion after one hour to ensure that the infusion site is correct, that there are no signs of edema (swelling), leakage, disconnection, or fluid collection distal to the site, and that patient does not show signs of fluid overload. If necessary, the infusion site can be massaged to enhance edema absorption. If edema persists, reduce the fluid drip rate. The needle can be re-sited elsewhere if irritation develops. The needle and tubing should be replaced after about a week of continuous use.

  
  The main drawback of hypodermoclysis is that it's very slow and only suitable for mild dehydration. For a case of shock or system collapse due to dehydration, then a hydrating enema is called for. This puts fluid directly into the colon for rapid absorption.
  
  

  Enema Technique

  If conscious, explain the procedure to the patient while placing a towel beneath them. Position patient preferably on their side with their rectum elevated higher than their head. Wash and sanitize hands or gloves (you should be in as close to a level-4 biohazard suit as possible at this point). Assemble fluid and tubing. Prime line with selected fluid to remove air. Wet the end of the tube or apply a lubricant such as olive oil or vaseline. If conscious, advise the patient to take deep breaths to remain calm and to try to keep the water inside once it starts flowing. Insert the end of the tube carefully into the anus, no more than four inches deep. Hold the fluid bag or can just high enough for the fluid to run slowly into the body without spilling out. It should take about 20 minutes. Rolling the patient gently side to side may help the fluid to travel up the intestines to improve absorption. For an unconscious patient, you may have to hold their buttocks together to avoid the fluid spilling out. The feeling of full bowels may trigger them to try to expel the fluid. Be prepared for a mess. Clean and dry the patient (and possibly the room) when finished.

  
  Buying the supplies and becoming knowledgeable about how to apply intravenous hydration, hypodermoclysis, or a hydrating enema before a pandemic would be a very good idea.
• Antibiotics might help repel any secondary opportunistic bacterial infections as a result of a stressed immune system. So having some Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and/or Sulfamethaxazole handy (available from pet stores, same as pharmaceutical grade human antibiotics) and the know-how to administer them without a doctor's prescription (in case there aren't any doctors available) would be a good idea. It would be used only on the infected after a day or two to prevent opportunistic bacterial secondary infections, not in order to prevent the viral infection, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses. But while a secondary infection may sound like a lesser one, in fact, people often die of secondary infections to diseases which suppress the immune system, e.g. AIDS patients dying of pneumonia. In many cases, these bacteria are already in us, but our immune systems keep them at bay in normal circumstances. They're just waiting for our guard to go down. How would you know how to administer antibiotics without a doctor's prescription? Get a copy of the The Merck Manual. For instance, it says that S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, C. pneumoniae, and M. pneumoniae are the most common bacterial causes of pneumonia. Treatment of a community-acquired (as opposed to hospital-acquired) pneumonia bacteria in an adult is azithromycin 500 mg po once, then 250 mg once/day; or clarithromycin 250 to 500 mg po bid; or if allergic to macrolides such as azithromycin and clarithromycin, then doxycycline 100 mg po bid. In a 4-year-old, the treatment is erythromycin 10 mg/kg po qid. BTW, it's best to read a little about this stuff before you need it, for example to know that "PO" means "by mouth" and that "BID" means "twice a day" and "QID" means "four times a day", although the book does contain a list of medical abbreviations in case you don't know one. Another option is the Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia, commonly used by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and physician assistants, or the Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy, which some doctors swear by instead because it's laid out differently (easier for some).
• The immune system needs good nutrition from the outset and utilizes certain nutrients in excess while battling an infection. Make sure to eat enough saturated fats and cholesterol so that your immune cells can quickly replicate. Cell membranes are made of these lipids (and consuming them is not scientifically linked to heart disease in any way, despite common misconception, but even if it was, the acute needs outweigh any longer-term risks). Likewise, you need sufficient protein to manufacture armies of leukocytes to destroy the invading viruses, particularly complete proteins composed of balanced amino acids. Meat and animal-based broths are a good source of all of these macronutrients, so the age-old remedy of chicken soup is a good one. Other good sources include eggs, dairy, fish, sprouts, seeds, and nuts.
• A general multivitamin will help prevent any deficiencies of vitamins and minerals your immune system may need, but certain ones in particular need special attention, particularly vitamin C.
  
  One of your primary immune responses is for white blood cells called neutrophils to produce superoxide free radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hypochlorite within your body to actually oxidize invaders (just like bleach does on external surfaces), destroying the viral DNA before it can replicate. It's a sort of natural chemotherapy. While extremely effective, this would also oxidize your own body, destroying your immune cells, vascular system, and organs if not for water-soluble antioxidants like vitamin C (ascorbic acid), uric acid, and glutathione, and fat-soluble antioxidants like vitamins A & E, protecting them from the deleterious effects. Vitamin C in particular is available to rapidly respond to immune-stimluated free radicals in the blood and intracellular fluids, particularly in the neutrophils themselves. Neutrophils accumulate a high intracellular vitamin C concentration when available. Vitamin C converts superoxide free radicals into hydrogen peroxide, a less reactive molecule than superoxide, and converts hydrogen peroxide into water and stable, less-reactive dioxygen (02), which is the same oxygen gas you breath in through your lungs. It works by donating hydrogen atoms to the superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, thus becoming oxidized. But unlike many other organic molecules, the oxidized form of vitamin C, called dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), is stable due to resonance delocalization and does not cause a free radical chain reaction. This is what makes it an effective antioxidant. Vitamin C even restores the antioxidant value of vitamin E after vitamin E has been oxidized, helping to ensure cell membrane integrity.
  
  Without enough of these antioxidants, your immune system becomes impaired and stops producing superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which are its most effective tools. In fact, the neutrophils which engulf and obliterate these invaders by way of oxidation actually succumb to their own weapon and undergo necrosis as their own cell membranes become oxidized. Instead of the healthy, programmed apoptosis and clearing that would normally occur, the loss of membrane integrity spills the cellular contents into the intercellular space, clouding the plasma with decomposed organelles and virus bits, making other immune cells less capable of finding and eliminating live viruses as well. And the resulting inflammation and oxidation of tissues may lead to general necrosis, sepsis, gangrene, and loss of blood vessel integrity, all of which are typical of Ebola in the end stages, suggesting that its lethality is partially a result of exhausting your antioxidants.
  
  Vitamin C has long been associated with improved immune function for this reason and is beneficial if taken in large doses starting at the first signs of infection. Vitamin C is rapidly oxidized by the free radicals and broken down and excreted while you're battling an infection and needs to be constantly replaced, though very high doses should not be taken as a preventative measure prior to infection since consistently high amounts could lead to kidney stones. During normal conditions, much of your DHA is recycled back into ascorbate by reduction with glutathione, making your daily dietary requirement without infection somewhere between 80 mg (a level to prevent scurvy) and 2000 mg (advocated by some, such as Linus Pauling, for optimal health). Large supplemental doses of up to 10,000 mg/day should accompany a known infection only. Some health care providers may even be able to provide injectable vitamin C, which is done for cancer and burn victims, as that makes the vitamin C more bioavailable. The median lethal dose of vitamin C is very high (upwards of 12 grams per kilogram of body weight), so overdose is highly unlikely whether ingested or injected.
• Uric acid performs roughly the same function as vitamin C -- an effective water-soluble antioxidant -- albeit acting several times slower than vitamin C. Instead of concentrating inside of neutrophils like vitamin C, where the cells engulf and kill invaders (called phagocytosis), uric acid is involved primarily in stimulating another immune response called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are cast out into the extracellular fluid and bloodstream where they similarly incapacitate microbes with reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide. But neutrophils only produce NETs in response to a sufficient level of uric acid to sop up the extra free radicals afterward. Without the uric acid, it would be too dangerous to release those free radicals into your bloodstream. Uric acid is produced by your body proportionally to zinc consumption, which is why zinc is also associated with immune function. Zinc deficiency causes low uric acid production, and low uric acid production means fewer virus-obliterating NETs cast into the bloodstream to kill invaders. However, too much zinc may result in copper deficiency, so don't go overboard on the zinc supplements. Copper should be supplemented along with zinc in a zinc-to-copper ratio of 10 to 1.
• Another vital component to spare your body harm from its own immune response is several enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), which catalyzes the disproportionation of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide and dioxygen, and catalase, which catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and dioxygen. These enzymes work with vitamin C and uric acid and other antioxidants to eliminate dangerous free radicals caused by the immune response. Your body creates these enzymes, but like uric acid, the production is dependent on certain minerals. Catalase requires iron at its core. Superoxide dismutase is actually a family of enzymes containing different metals at their core, including zinc, copper, and manganese. So supplementing with zinc, copper, manganese, and iron should help ensure proper immune function via these enzymes. It is unknown whether more supplementation than usual is called for during an infection, but at least consuming the normal recommended daily intake is important. A 2011 study showed that Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD) deficiency resulted in immunodeficiency and susceptibility to influenza virus in mice.
• Certain polyphenols may aid the antioxidant and pro-immune activity as well. For example, resveratrol -- a compound found in red wine, peanuts, and berries including mulberries, cranberries, and blueberries -- causes a 14-fold increase in superoxide dismutase action and a similar increase in catalase activity. Other polyphenols, including proanthocyanidins, are also powerful antioxidants. These may be consumed from colorful berries of all kinds and fruits (such as apples), where the compounds are concentrated in the skins. Dark chocolate and coffee are also a good source, as are dark, oak-aged spirits due to the tannins.
  
  The main difference between vitamin C and the various polyphenols as antioxidants is concentration. Even if resveratrol is many times better (I've seen some claims that it is up to 3,500 times better) at scavenging free radicals than vitamin C, you only get about 2 mg of resveratrol in a glass of red wine (90 mg of total proanthocyanidins) and less than 1 mg in a cup of peanuts. Therefore, taking concentrated supplements may be the best bet, but it is unknown how bioavailable those supplements are, and even if you can get a large concentration of them into your body, they'll still not compare well to the amount of vitamin C which can be recruited into the fight (10,000+ mg). Your body understands how to use vitamin C better for a rapid antioxidant response and has mechanisms for transport and recycling, making this the most important nutrient to focus on. But supplying your body with polyphenols too would be a bonus.
• Just avoid over-consumption of sugar or alcohol in your attempts to supplement with polyphenols or vitamin C, as those will cause immunosuppression and inflammation. The National Institutes of Health recognizes one glass of wine per day as being immunosupportive, but much more than that is detrimental. Also, as mentioned previously, but worth repeating, research has found that leukocytes will preferentially engulf fructose instead of invading microbes, thus impairing their effort to rid your body of the infectious disease. So simple sugars should be avoided while sick, especially soda or fruit juice. The polyphenols are in the skins, not the juice -- red wine is the exception because it is fermented with the skins. Most food that is consumed should be fat, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Despite our common association of orange juice with vitamin C, it's best to avoid all of that sugar. Instead, use supplement pills, capsules, or powders and other plant sources such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, kale, spinach, onions, and cabbage. Many of these plant sources actually have much higher concentrations of vitamin C than oranges anyway, especially sauerkraut, which also has probiotics, B vitamins, manganese, etc. So there's no need to drink orange juice, which may just make things worse.
• As previously discussed, other antioxidant vitamins include the fat-soluble ones, A and E. These protect your cell membranes and should also be consumed in greater quantities while battling an infection. Vitamin A (carotenoids, retinoids) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) deficiency has been independently correlated to a higher susceptibility to viral infections, particularly due to less production of neutrophils, NK cells, cytokines, B cells, T cells, and antibodies. Good sources of both vitamin A and E include leafy green vegetables such as kale, romaine, spinach, and collard greens. Vitamin A is also found in carrots and potatoes, and vitamin E in oily seeds like sunflower seeds and nuts such as almonds and those resveratrol-containing peanuts (which are actually legumes).
• Another group of vitamins important for immune support are the B-complex vitamins. In particular, vitamin B1 (thiamine) is required for the synthesis of thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP), which is a coenzyme vital to the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which is responsible for creating the oxidative burst of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in neutrophils which destroy invading viruses. It's also important for lipid and cholesterol synthesis for cell membranes and also in the regeneration of reduced glutathione. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is required to recycle the antioxidant glutathione, which in turn recycles other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is associated with cell membrane production, hormone signaling, and antibody production. Vitamin B6 is associated with protein synthesis, red blood cell production, and superoxide dismutase production. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is essential for DNA and protein synthesis, and is particularly related to proper T lymphocyte, cytokine, and antibody response. Vitamin B12 is important in DNA and protein synthesis and the production of NK cells and lymphocytes. Taking a B-complex vitamin supplement would be highly advised while battling an infection. These can provide several times the normal recommended daily value. Food sources of B vitamins include meat and dairy, mushrooms, leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bok choy), legumes (beans, peas, lentils), asparagus, bell peppers, garlic, potatoes, beets, and parsley.
• We've already established that maintaining sufficient zinc, manganese, copper, and iron concentrations is crucial to mount a strong immune response. Another mineral to add to that list is selenium, which is required for glutathione peroxidases which catalyze the antioxidant glutathione to reduce peroxide radicals in cell membranes and aid in the innate immune response previously discussed by preventing neutrophil necrosis. Selenium is also important in cytokine expression. Several studies have shown that selenium supplementation stimulates enhanced immunity. Besides a multivitamin supplement, detox mineral supplement, or antioxidant mineral supplement, good sources for all of these minerals include beef, chicken, fish, dairy, eggs, mushrooms, seeds, nuts, leafy green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, asparagus, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, oats, and parsley.
• When it comes to polyphenol antioxidants, probably the most well-known source is tea. Green, oolong, and black teas are produced from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Since green tea is not fermented, it contains a relatively high amount of catechins as compared to black tea. Fermentation causes the catechins to polymerize, which produces the theaflavins and thearubigens found in oolong and black tea, but absent in green tea. All of these compounds are potent antioxidants due to the high number of hydroxyl (OH) groups. Many studies, some as early as 1949, have shown the antiviral benefits of green tea catechins, but black tea is equally as effective. A 1998 study found that theaflavin derivatives in black tea neutralize bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus. A 2005 study found that they inhibit HIV-1 infection. A 2012 study found that they inhibit influenza virus. A 2013 study found that they reduce or block Herpes simplex HSV-1 virus. The antiviral agency is primarily or exclusively antioxidant in nature. The likelihood that green or black tea might be effective against Ebola rests on the same foundation of antioxidant-based innate immunity via neutrophil oxidation of virions as we've discussed so far.
• Garlic has long been an antiviral folk remedy, and now the pungent, sulfur-containing vegetable has some science backing it up. In addition to the relatively high concentrations of selenium, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C it contains, it also enhances thiamin and iron absorption, and it has a number of sulfur-containing compounds which make it an antiviral powerhouse. Allicin, the organosulfur compound released as a defense mechanism when fresh garlic is chopped or crushed, has demonstrable antiviral activity both in vitro and in vivo. Among the viruses susceptible to allicin are Herpes simplex type 1 and 2, Parainfluenza virus type 3, human Cytomegalo virus, Influenza B, Vaccinia virus, Vesicular stomatitis virus, and Human rhinovirus type 2. One double-blind study found that a daily supplement containing purified allicin reduced subjects' risk of catching a cold by 64% and for those who did catch it, the symptom duration was reduced by 70%. Another sulfur-containing compound, ajoene, has been shown to disrupt the processes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and has also shown virucidal properties against Vesicular stomatitis, Vaccinia, Human rhinovirus parainfluenza, and Herpes simplex, among others. It is unknown whether allicin, ajoene, or any other bioactive components of garlic have any effect on Ebola, but it certainly can't hurt. But garlic's strength doesn't stop at allicin, ajoene, or any of its particular thiosulfinates or polysulfides.
  
  The high concentration of sulfur itself is very important to garlic's (not to mention onion's) immunosupportive properties. All proteins contain sulfur in the form of either methionine or cysteine amino acids, and the disulfide bonds they afford are important protein binding structures, so sulfur is clearly essential in the rapid protein synthesis required to mount a good immune reaction. But it goes far beyond that even. Thiols, or sulfur alcohols, are sulfhydryl groups (sulfur bonded to hydrogen) which are able to react with carboxylic acids to form thioesters, which act as acyl group carriers to transfer fatty acids and synthesize cell membranes. This is how coenzyme A works. Moreover, thiol radicals reduced by NADPH are an important step in the production of deoxyribonucleotides for DNA synthesis. So sulfur is essential to all aspects of cellular division and growth -- membrane production, protein synthesis, and DNA synthesis. Without enough sulfur, your body cannot produce the leukocytes, antibodies, and other cells necessary to battle the infection, let alone repair the endothelial cells which are devastated by Ebola.
  
  A sulfur-bearing thiol group is the functional group of the amino acid cysteine, which is the bioactive component of glutathione, taurine, and coenzyme A, among many other proteins. Glutathione is an important antioxidant, as previously discussed. The antioxidant activity is afforded by those sulfhydryl groups which will readily give up their hydrogen to an oxidizer, making them a reducing agent. When oxidized by reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione becomes reactive, but two reactive glutathione molecules will form a disulfide bond with each other, becoming stable and nonreactive glutathione disulfide (GSSG), thus terminating a free radical chain reaction safely. Glutathione can be regenerated from GSSG via NADPH (discussed previously with regard to vitamin B1) and the enzyme glutathione reductase. In turn, glutathione helps to regenerate vitamins C and E into active antioxidant forms after they've been oxidized, e.g. by superoxide or hydrogen peroxide. And as we already know, these vitamins are very important to sustaining leukocytes such as neutrophils. Taurine is another cysteine-based molecule, an amino sulfonic acid, which has wide-ranging functions throughout the human body, including as an antioxidant. While humans can synthesize cysteine and its derivatives such as taurine and glutathione, these may also be considered conditionally essential nutrients in that we can't always generate them in sufficient quantities. One of those times may be during the oxidative stress produced by viral infection, in which case, these must be supplemented primarily from animal products including meat (especially organ meat), eggs, fish, and dairy. The high sulfur content of these foods is what contributes to their pungent smell when rotting (especially eggs), and those sulfur compounds are largely these conditionally essential nutrients. Undenatured whey protein isolate commonly used for muscle building is also an excellent source of cysteine and glutathione. And to the extent that we can synthesize these molecules ourselves, we need to eat sulfur-rich foods including garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables. Another important element of glutathione production is vitamin D, which is a catalyst for its synthesis. Studies found that vitamin D increased glutathione levels by an average of 42%.
• Another age-old antiviral folk remedy is the elderberry (Sambucus nigra). It was referred to as a "medicine chest" by the father of medicine, Hippocrates, in 400 BC. Until recently, the main bioactive components were assumed to be high levels of antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin A, and polyphenols (several times more than blueberries or cranberries). While those are reason enough to add elderberries to the menu, research has revealed new insights into how elder can act on viruses, including traditionally the common cold and eight different strains of influenza, including H1N1 and H5N1. Research also suggests it's effective against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Elder bark, berries, and flowers contain a family of five lectins called Sambucus nigra agglutinins (SNA), which are a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP). RIPs are some of the most toxic molecules known to man. Ricin, which is used as a bioweapon, is a RIP. RIPs are able to bind to glycoproteins specific to a target cell membrane, enter the cell, and shut down all protein synthesis by cleaving the ribosomal RNA, which kills the cell. It also binds the viruses (or bacteria) together into clumps for easier removal. Pathogens have specific glycoproteins on their membranes to which SNA binds which are different from those on most animal cells. SNA is similar to an antibody in this way, but a killer antibody. But unlike ricin, where a few micrograms can kill an adult human, SNA has very low toxicity to animals including humans. It does mildly agglutinate human red blood cells, but 60,000 times less than ricin, and not enough to impair function. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Virology indicated via lectin precipitation assay that SNA agglutinates Ebola Zaire glycoprotein. In other words, SNA can identify and attach to Ebola Zaire, though its effectiveness at destroying it is uknown. It is not known whether supplementing with Sambuca extract actually improves immunity to Ebola Zaire, but it theoretically should help, particularly if taken soon after exposure when the viral load is still small. There are extracts available online or from most drug stores, but elderberry bushes are also common the world over including the United States. The leaves, bark, and berries should not be eaten raw, as there is the possibility of cyanide poisoning unless they are cooked. But you can find recipes for extracts, teas, jams, cordials, and other preparations online.
  
• According to a 2009 study in Virology Journal, a number of viruses were inactivated in vitro by echinacea purpurea extracts, including the human pathogenic Victoria (H3N2) and PR8 (H1N1), avian KAN-1 (H5N1) and FPV (H7N7) and pandemic S-OIV (H1N1) strains of influenza A, as well as rhinovirus (HRV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Other studies have shown in vivo benefits for treating (but not preventing) certain viral infections, cutting recovery times in half. A popular cold, flu, and respiratory remedy for centuries, dating back to Native American usage, echinacea extract apparently inhibits the receptor binding activity of the virus, preventing entry into cells. It also has some anti-inflammatory effects. The bioactive compounds in echinacea are thought to be phenolic caffeic acid derivatives, alkylamides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The compound cichoric acid contanied in echinacea has been shown to inhibit Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication. The typical dosage of echinacea powdered extract is 300 mg 3 times a day. Alcohol tincture (1:5) is usually taken at a dosage of 3 to 4 ml 3 times daily. Echinacea juice at a dosage of 2 to 3 ml 3 times daily. Echinacea appears to be generally safe, even when taken in very high doses, as it has not been found to cause any toxic effects. There is currently no evidence of echinacea's effectiveness against Ebola, but the broad-spectrum anti-viral activity would suggest some benefit.
• As long as we're evaluating ancient remedies, we have to include turmeric. This is another antiviral going back thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine (meaning "life science" in Sanskrit). Curcumin, the main bioactive polyphenol in turmeric, reportedly stopped Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus from multiplying in infected cells, according to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Other recent studies found that curcumin prevented HIV, HPV, and Herpes simplex infections. Curcumin interferes with how the virus interacts with the human cells. How exactly is not entirely clear, but it's likely that its strong antioxidant properties are a part of it. As we've discussed at length already, antioxidants allow your immune system to oxidize invading viruses at full strength without damaging the immune cells or the rest of your body. Curcumin also controls system-wide inflammation so that the immune response is more targeted. Curcumin is at least as potent an anti-inflammatory as hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone according to clinical studies. It works by down-regulating the activity of cellular signaling molecules including cyclooxygenases (COX), nitric oxide synthase enzymes, protein kinase C (PKC), protein tyrosine kinases, and endonucleases. In addition, curcumin is a potent inhibitor of SERCA Ca2+ pumps and of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. Curcumin is also known to regulate several ion channels on the cell membrane, such as Kv1.4 K+ channels, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl− channel. It's not a cure-all, but since chronic inflammation is the main contributing factor to all chronic degenerative diseases including arthritis, asthma, wrinkles/aging, diabetes, depression, migraines, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, Alzheimer's, and cancer, its panoply of uses certainly makes it seem like one! Add to that list that it's apparently a very broad-spectrum antiviral with the potential to slow infections so that your immune system can finish them off more easily. There is no information regarding whether it has been used against Ebola specifically, but it stands to reason that it could be used to help slow an Ebola infection similarly to its impact on RVF, VEE, HIV, HPV, and HSV-1. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory action of turmeric will help to provide comfort by reducing swelling in the throat, making it easier and less painful to swallow, and in the head where it relieves headaches, making for a more comfortable recovery. Turmeric is also a good source of manganese, iron, potassium, copper, and vitamin B6, also lending it immune-boosting credibility. However, there is a big caveat! Turmeric is an anticoagulant. Keep reading for more on that.
  
  A relative of turmeric with similar powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is ginger. Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Antiviral activity would follow from some of the same reasons as for turmeric, though there have been no specific studies in this regard, despite ginger being a common folk remedy for colds and flu for centuries. There have however been studies confirming ginger's ability to reduce nausea and vomiting, reduce pain, and scavenge free radicals. A 2003 study published in Radiation Research found that five days treatment of mice with 10 mg/kg of ginger prior to exposure to radiation not only prevented an increase in free radical damage to lipids but also greatly lessened depletion of glutathione. Moreover, ginger is an exceptional source of manganese and a good source of iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium, zinc, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. One teaspoon of ginger powder contains 23% of the DV of manganese, the mineral at the heart of the superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) which protects mitochondria from ROS, and which in turn keeps immune cells functioning longer before the mitochondria issue an apoptosis signal.
  
  A traditional Ayurvedic medicinal recipe is turmeric milk. One teaspoon dried turmeric powder, one teaspoon dried ginger powder, a dash of black pepper, and some honey to taste, combined in two cups of milk. Heat without boiling on the stove or microwave. Stir, remove from heat, and let brew 5-10 minutes, then strain if you prefer. I usually improve the traditional recipe with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg as well as the turmeric, ginger, and pepper. These also have antioxidant properties, analgesic properties, and also help to calm a cough (nutmeg extract is used in commercial cough syrups) and an upset stomach. This is primarily due to their polyphenols and volatile oils, including eugenol, myristicin, geraniol, borneol, linalool, elemicin, sabinene, safrol, cinnamaldehyde, cineole, and coumarin, among others. All five of these spices have significant manganese content. The flavors also mesh very well. Note that curcumin is oil soluble, so a 2% or higher fat milk should be used. And the bioavailability improves with heat that does not quite reach boiling.
  
  The black pepper (Piper nigrum) is an indispensible ingredient in the above recipe. Pepper's well-known biting quality is attributed to its alkaloid, piperine. Piperine has been documented to inhibit certain intestinal and liver enzymes that break down drugs and phytochemicals, making them significantly more bioavailable. Piperine from black pepper enhances the bioavailability of resveratrol by over 1,500% and it enhances the bioavailability of curcumin by over 2,000% in humans. Without the piperine contained in black pepper, curcumin is not absorbed well by humans at all, hence its vital role in turmeric milk, among other recipes. You should add black pepper to any medicinal food in which polyphenols are the active ingredient. Another bioavailability enhancer is the flavonoid quercetin, which is prevalent in capers, onions, tea, peppers, chocolate, dill, and colorful fruits/berries like apples and cranberries. Combining piperine and quercetin together significantly boosts all antioxidant polyphenols ingested with them. I guess we shouldn't be surprised that our ancestors figured out that adding black pepper and onion to almost all recipes was a great idea! Soups, sauces, pickles, dressings, salads, gravies, meat rubs, canned foods, sausages, etc., often contain these. Or at least they did historically. Nowadays we think in terms of flavor mostly, but back then they were concerned with their food making them feel good by satisfying deficiencies, and these spices unlocked those vital nutrients. You should consider also spicing your wine, fruits, and baked goods with these as well. It's not as weird as you might think... brandy, spiced rum, and mulled cider are usually flavored with peppercorns. Preferably, peppercorns should be stored whole and ground immediately before use by way of a pepper mill. Red pepper (capsaicin) may have a synergistic effect as well.
  
  Interestingly, curcumin oxidizes to vanillin, the bioactive molecule in vanilla beans, and an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound in its own right. Vanilloids include curcumin, gingerol, vanillin, eugenol, piperine, and capsaicin, among others. All of these interact with the transient potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) in cells throughout the human body, particularly nociceptive nerve cells. This receptor is activated by chemical and physical stimuli, such as heat >43°C, low pH <6.5, certain inflammatory mediators, and phosphorylation. It is considered a general sensor of noxious stimuli. TRPV1 can become sensitized by inflammation which is why inflamed areas are sore even absent any other stimuli. Vanilloids are TRPV1 agonists, stimulating the receptor, or can be selectively antagonists, blocking signals to the receptor. Acute stimulation causes pain (e.g. pepper spray), which is why all of these spices have a peppery burning sensation, however prolonged exposure to vanilloids causes receptor desensitisation. This is why topical capsaicin creams relieve arthritis and muscle pain and inflammation. Curcumin actually blocks capsaicin overstimulation, an example of both an agonist and antagonist. TRPV1 regulation is amazingly complex and is manifest at many levels, from gene expression through posttranslational modification and formation of receptor homomers to subcellular compartmentalization and association with regulatory proteins. Different ligands and regulatory factors shift its behavior in different ways. We typically experience vanilloids changing the temperature set-point of TRPV1, with spicy foods making us feel warm and start sweating in order to lower body temperature. This can actually be a good mechanism to bring down a fever naturally since a fever is the opposite reaction -- making us feel cold and start shivering to raise the body temperature. Therefore, consuming a traditional Aztec hot chocolate containing cocoa, chili pepper, and vanilla might be a good alternative to antipyritic medicines. However, like with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), vanilloids are COX-1 inhibitors and can prevent platelet aggregation. Eugenol (clove oil) is 29 times more potent than aspirin in inhibiting arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation. Capsaicin and gingerols are also especially potent anticoagulants. Therefore, for hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola, vanilloids including turmeric, ginger, vanilla, and hot pepper would seem to be contraindicated. However, Ebola also stimulates coagulation abnormalities that could result in thrombosis even as you suffer hypovolemic shock from massive hemorrhage. Blood clotting during sepsis reduces blood flow to limbs and internal organs, depriving them of nutrients and oxygen. In severe cases, one or more organs fail. So it's kind of a toss up. The anti-inflammatory and other pro-immunity properties of these molecules may outweigh the anticoagulation risk of further capillary leak, which may also possibly be a benfit to preventing harmful clots.
• Speaking of culinary herbs and spices, it should be noted that *most* culinary herbs and spices have medicinal properties. That's why people started using them on their food in the first place, not just because they enhance the flavor, but because they help prevent food-born illnesses. For instance, norovirus is the leading cause of disease outbreaks from contaminated food in the United States. Norovirus illness is often referred to as "food poisoning" or "stomach flu." It is not actually "flu" as in the influenza virus, but can cause similar symptoms, including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. So what is effective against norovirus? How about oregano? According to recent studies, oregano oil and its primary active component, carvacrol, is effective in inactivating the nonenveloped murine norovirus (MNV), a human norovirus surrogate, within 1 h of exposure by acting directly on the viral capsid and subsequently the RNA. Under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the capsids enlarged from ≤35 nm in diameter to up to 75 nm following treatment with oregano oil and up to 800 nm with carvacrol; with greater expansion, capsid disintegration could be observed. The study cites the "potential of carvacrol as a natural food and surface (fomite) sanitizer to control human norovirus". But of course, our ancestors knew this already by bathing many a dish in oregano and oregano oil and oregano-infused olive oil. Similarly, studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of rosmarinic acid (found in rosemary, basil, and several other herbs) to inhibit ciguatoxin, responsible for Ciguatera Fish Poisoning. And cinnamic acid and derivatives (found in cinnamon, basil, thyme, and other culinary herbs and spices), have been shown to have antimicrobial properties against poliovirus type 1, equid herpesvirus 1, dengue virus, tuberculosis, malaria, E.coli, S.aureus, Candida albicans, and a wide range of viruses, bacteria, and fungii. So the take-away is that you should heavily season your food to help protect against infections.
• Another antioxidant which may improve your odds against Ebola is melatonin. While no direct link between the two has been studied, melatonin has been found to prevent sepsis, which is the end game of Ebola. Patients often die from septic shock and dramatic loss of blood pressure. Melatonin is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and its anti-inflammatory action has been attributed to three agencies: 1) inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with consequent reduction of peroxynitrite formation, 2) stimulation of various antioxidant enzymes thus contributing to the antioxidant defense of neutrophils and endothelium, and 3) antioxidant protective effects on mitochondrial function and in preventing apoptosis. Melatonin likely can help fight Ebola, with some caveats. Melatonin depresses the nervous system and induces sleep, which you may or may not want. Also 90% of melatonin is removed by the liver in the first pass, so supplementation might not help much. Your body is percectly capable of producing melatonin if it needs it, though in general, blue light inhibits its production. If you wanted to encourage melatonin production by your pineal gland, you should only expose yourself (your retina) to yellow or red light, nothing in the 460-480 nm band (especially daylight). But I think it would be far more effective to concentrate on other antioxidants more closely associated with immune function, including vitamins C, A, and E, glutathione, uric acid, taurine, and polyphenols like resveratrol. Nonetheless, if you wanted to focus on eating foods that contain melatonin in addition to other important vitamins and minerals, some of the best sources of melatonin include goji berries, St John's wort, mustard seeds, sunflower seeds, sour cherries, coriander, flax seeds, poppy seeds, celery seeds, fever few, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, ginger, mint, oats, and radishes. This list overlaps significantly with our prior immunity-boosting foods lists. Furthermore, melatonin production in your body is dependant on the essential amino acid tryptophan. If you don't get enough of this amino acid, you may not be able to produce melatonin. Good food sources of tryptophan include milk, oats, rice, ginger, turkey and other poultry, eggs, meat, cheese, bananas, legumes (peanuts, soy), chocolate, fish, and sesame seeds. Again, this list doesn't contain many novel foods insofar as what should already be on the menu.
• In the case of Herpes Simplex virus, a deficiency of arginine completely inhibits virus replication. On the other hand, supplementing with lysine attenuates the growth-promoting effect of arginine. Lysine is an essential amino acid for humans typically acquired from meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and legumes. Lysine is an antagonist of arginine, which is an essential amino acid for Herpes Simplex virus. Because the two amino acids compete over shared metabolic pathways, high levels of one will lower levels of the other. According to studies, supplementing with 1000 to 3000 mg of lysine daily will keep most herpes cases in remission and upwards of 6000 mg is used to fight an active case. There's some evidence that the same ratio may work against the Varicella-zoster virus which causes chicken pox and shingles. However, there's no evidence that Ebola or any other viruses have the same dependency on arginine that HSV does. Nonetheless, since lysine is an essential amino acid and arginine is not, it does not hurt to maintain a ratio significantly favoring lysine. Foods rich in arginine which you might want to avoid or downplay include nuts, seeds, oats, and lentils. However, keep in mind that these foods are also powerhouse immune boosters, so avoiding them may be akin to shooting yourself in the foot. I think it would be better to focus on increasing your lysine than decreasing your arginine at the expense of the vital nutrients these foods contain. Besides the meat, dairy, and other foods high in lysine, undenatured whey protein isolate powder (used for body building) often contains an amino acid mix significantly favoring lysine, on the order of 3-to-1, with over 2000 mg of lysine per serving.
• Whey protein isolate powder has been implicated in meeting several of the above requirements, including the amino acids cysteine, tryptophan, and lysine. But the advantages of this supplement go much further than that. This last, but certainly not least, nutritional supplement is possibly the most important one listed here.
  
  Whey comes from milk. It is the protein-laced liquid that remains after milk has been curdled to make cheese (casein protein). This is then dehydrated to make whey powder. If a high-temperature or chemical process is used, it denatures the proteins and makes them less useful. Undenatured whey is processed without high temperatures or harsh chemicals, preserving proteins such as immunoglobulin, B-lactoglobulin, A-lactalbumin, glycomacropeptide, lactoferrin, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). And because the whey powder is dehydrated, these molecules are in a much greater concentration than naturally found in milk.
  
  BCAAs are absolutely essential substrates for lymphocytes to synthesize protein, RNA, and DNA and to divide in response to immune stimulation. Dietary BCAA restriction impairs several aspects of the immune function and increases the susceptibility to pathogens. Postsurgical or septic patients given BCAAs showed improved immunity and decreased mortality. Human immune cells incorporate BCAAs into proteins. BCAA concentrations in immune cells are 2-3 times higher than other cells. Deficiency of any of the BCAAs -- leucine, isoleucine, or valine -- halts their ability to replicate.
  
  Lactoferrin, a significant component of human breast milk and colostrum, is a complex protein containing about 700 amino acids which exhibits antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including the Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, Cytomegalovirus, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis C virus, Hantaviruses, Rotaviruses, Poliovirus type 1, Human respiratory syncytial virus, Murine leukemia viruses, and Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. Lactoferrin derived from cow's milk performs the same function as that from human milk. Lactoferrin binds to the same lipoproteins on cells as viruses do, thereby repelling the virus particles. Lactoferrin also directly binds to viral particles, preventing their attachment to cells. It also suppresses viral replication after the virus penetrates into the cell by recruiting natural killer (NK) cells, granulocytes, and macrophages to destroy the infected cell before the virus can use it to replicate. Lactoferrin also hydrolyzes RNA, destroying the RNA genome and inhibiting reverse transcription of retroviruses. Lactoferrin acts kind of like the mammalian equivalent to elderberry's ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP).
  
  Glycomacropeptides (GMPs) serve as sort of a decoy to distract the infectious agents from the host's own cells. Glycoproteins are found throughout vertebrate cell membranes, making them an ideal binding target for many viruses. When the virus finds the glycoprotein for which it has a receptor, it attaches and infects the cell. GMPs are free-floating glycoproteins not incorporated into a cell membrane. So when a virus encounters a GMP, it docks and tries to infect it, except that a GMP is not a cell. This binds up the virus and prevents it from actually binding to a cell membrane. Sialic acid GMPs are effective against influenza A and also bacteria including salmonella and E.coli. A study has shown that Ebola does not bind to the sialic acid GMP, but it may or may not bind to others found in whey. There are five different sugars that comprise different GMPs. It is unknown at this time what is Ebola's binding receptor.
  
  Alpha-lactalbumin is the primary protein in human milk. It is rich in the amino acids cysteine (a building block of glutathione) and tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin and melatonin). Beta-lactoglobulin transports vitamin B12 and vitamin A, among other vitamins. Immunoglobulin is essentially antibodies to various infectious agents such as E.coli. There probably aren't any Ebola antibodies in cow's milk, but the immunoglobulins do provide passive immunity to other infectious agents and also get digested for their protein content.
  
  Glutamine, a nonessential amino acid (our bodies can manufacture it in most circumstances) becomes conditionally essential in some cases, such as extreme oxidative stress, strenuous exercise, burns and other injuries, cancer, and infections. Studies have shown a high rate of glutamine utilization and metabolism in immune cells including lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils involved in reactive oxygen species innate immunity. Glutamine is one of the three amino acids, along with cysteine and glycine, which compose glutathione, the powerful antioxidant involved in containing the side-effects of ROS-based antigen lysis in these immune cells. Glutamine is described as a "glutathione-sparing" agent, helping to maintain adequate levels of glutathione by providing adequate glutamine for its production. Glutathione deficiency tends to arise with glutamine decline (e.g., with muscle wasting) and is best compensated for by administering intravenous or dietary glutamine. Studies have shown that glutamine administration leads to higher glutathione in patients undergoing surgery and reduced incidence of infections. Glutamine has a quantitatively important role in the processes of free radical and cytokine production, phagocytic activity, and secretory capacities of these cells, probably as a result of glutathione synthesis. During infection and inflammatory states, insufficient glutamine availability can become the rate limiting bottleneck for key cell functions, including phagocytosis and antibody production.
  
  Glutamine is also the most important nitrogen transport mechanism in the body, circulating nitrogen-based metabolic fuel and waste products though the bloodstream, including ammonia to the kidneys where it's excreted as urine. The liver appears to be the other major organ of glutamine uptake in severe infection; studies have shown net hepatic glutamine uptake to increase by as much as 8- to 10-fold. Sepsis, or blood poisoning, is one of the critical developments of Ebola infection which often leads to fatality. Sepsis is accompanied by or causes rapid heart rate and breathing indicating blood acidification as well as the cessation of urination, which is consistent with the failure of nitrogen waste transport by glutamine. Therefore, glutamine sufficiency might ward off sepsis by eliminating blood toxins.
  
  Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the human body, but the heavy utilization during certain conditions including infection calls for direct supplementation. Hospital dietitians are aware of the value of administering glutamine in parenteral nutrition (IV nutrition) for critically ill patients, and especially for patients who have had intestinal surgery, multiple organ failure, or multi-trauma patients. Glutamine is a critical nitrogen source for rapidly dividing cells, such as those that line the gastro-intestinal tract, tissue repair, and those involved in the immune response. During critical illness the gut mucosal cells, deprived of glutamine, cease to perform their barrier function and allow entry of luminal toxins and bacteria directly into the portal bloodstream (bacterial translocation syndrome), worsening sepsis and encouraging opportunistic secondary infections.
  
  Excess glutamine is usually stored in the skeletal muscles and severe glutamine depletion can cause muscle wasting, often seen in critical illness. Skeletal muscles exhibit a twofold increase in glutamine release during an infection, which is associated with a significant increase in endogenous glutamine biosynthesis. One of the reasons why the body increases muscle mass as a result of exercise is to store more glutamine, to respond to exercise-induced oxidation. The more muscle you have, the more glutamine you can enlist to fight an infection, so bulking up is a good immunity strategy. Get thee to the gym! The best muscle-building technique is high-intensity drop-sets -- doing a few reps near your maximum weight until muscle failure, then decreasing the weight by 10 or 20 lbs and doing a few more reps until muscle exhaustion, and so on, with every major muscle group. This forces your body to add muscle and therefore glutamine-storing capacity.
  
  Whey protein contains upwards of 4 grams of glutamic acid per serving, which is a precursor along with ammonia and glutamine synthetase, to produce glutamine, which occurs in the cells lining your intestines (enterocytes and immune cells). These cells actually consume most of the resulting glutamine as a fuel, which is okay because these cells are the ultimate target of much of your endogenous glutamine production anyway. Many whey protein powder products also add supplemental vegetarian sources of free-form L-glutamine which does not have to be synthesized from glutamic acid or other glutamates. The theory is that this will be more bioavailable and easily absorbed for muscle building, which is the typical purpose for which these products are marketed. However, it is likely that the free-form L-glutamine and the glutamic acid are both largely consumed by the intestinal cells, leaving the muscles more of the endogenous glutamine synthesized in the muscles and liver, which otherwise would have had to feed the intestinal cells too. Either way, it can only help.
  
  Other dietary sources of glutamine (and most other amino acids) in addition to whey protein include beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, and parsley. Some people strongly believe that under normal conditions, excess glutamic acid, such as in the form monosodium glutamate (MSG), causes neurotoxicity (glutamic acid is a neurotransmitter) and issues such as headaches, epilepsy, and stroke. Glutamic acid, MSG, and L-glutamine are not the same thing, but can be converted between each other in the body according to its needs and there's no scientific evidence that dietary glutamic acid or MSG affects the brain in normally functioning people since glutamate cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier. It's likely that excess glutamic acid in and around the brain in a few bona fide cases is not a result of dietary excess, but a result of insufficient taurine, glutathione, and other antioxidants, perhaps from chronic stress, insufficient sulfur intake, acetaminophen overdose, liver failure, or other factors, combined with some kind of low-glucose environment forcing the brain to use ketones for energy, which causes the brain to produce glutamate to facilitate ketone metabolism. It's certainly not something that the vast majority of people should be concerned with. Inducing a glutamic acid deficiency to alleviate a different root problem is probably not a good idea even in a real case and is certainly a poor decision for a normal healthy person. And certainly in a condition such as Ebola infection in which you need extra glutamine because your body is rapidly using it up, you wouldn't want to shy away from it for fear of an overdose! Studies have indicated that there is no change in glutamine or glutamate across the brain during supplementation or even very large MSG doses, but your immune and endothelial cells need glutamate and glutamine desperately. So don't be afraid to take a daily (or more frequent when sick) whey protein isolate powder containing several grams of glutamate. It literally may save your life.

• Yogurt, milk, cheese, butter for probiotics, fat, protein, lactoferrin, minerals, B vitamins
• Sauerkraut (authentic barrel fermented) for probiotics, manganese, vitamin C, B-complex
• Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) for sulfur, vitamin C, and B-complex
• Garlic, onions, mushrooms, asparagus, oats for allicin, quercetin, sulfur and other minerals
• Fish, meat, broth, and eggs for fat, protein, minerals, and vitamins A, B, D, E
• Goji berries, grapes (red wine), blueberries, cranberries, and other antioxidant superfoods
• Legumes (peanuts, beans, peas, lentils) for fiber, minerals, protein, and B-complex vitamins
• Carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes for A, B, and C vitamins, and minerals
• Black pepper, dark chocolate, tea, capers, peppers for bioavailability enhancing polyphenols
• Leafy green veggies (kale, spinach, collards) for minerals, polyphenols, and vitamins A & E
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia) for minerals, fiber, and vitamin E
• Elderberry wine, tea, jam, cordial, and other preparations for RIP antivirals

• Italian wedding style soup with a chicken broth base, beef meatballs, spinach, garlic, onions, carrots, and mushrooms, seasoned with black pepper, rosemary, and parsley.
• Chicken and broccoli stir fry (use coconut oil, olive oil, or butter -- no soy or corn oil), with carrots and peppers, with an herb rice side that includes lentils and chia seeds.
• Hearty chili with beef, pork, several kinds of beans, hot peppers, garlic, onions, and mushrooms. Perhaps a glass of turmeric/ginger milk to tame the spiciness.
• Turkey and cranberry sauce with a side of gravy-smothered potatoes and steamed beans with butter.
• Blueberries and raspberries in a low-sugar, whole-fat, live-culture yogurt (sweeten with stevia if needed).
• Kielbasa and chicken simmered in a 50/50 mix of fresh red cabbage and barrel-fermented sauerkraut plus onions, garlic, dried cranberries, capers, and black pepper. A small glass of beer may go well with this. Beer, the darker and hoppier the better, contains lots of antioxidants, B-vitamins, and minerals. But be sparing with alcohol.
• Western-style omlette with 4 whole eggs, onions, green and red bell peppers, cubed ham, Swiss cheese, milk-soaked chia seeds, thyme, parlsey, and black and red pepper, cooked in butter. Serve with a side of dark-roast coffee with cream (no sugar -- sweeten with stevia if needed).
• Hearty steel-cut oatmeal with walnuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, milk, and some real maple syrup, which is high in manganese and zinc, but also high in sugar so just a little bit. Perhaps with a small glass of mulled cider.
• Greek-style chef salad with thin-sliced spinach and arugula, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, ham and/or chicken cubed, fire-roasted red bell peppers, pepperocini pickled peppers, cherry tomatoes halved, grated carrots, several eggs halved, Greek olives, capers, dill, parsley, oregano, and cracked black pepper, smothered in a red wine, feta brine, and olive oil vinaigrette (no soy or corn oil based dressings). Small glass of red wine on the side.
• Shirred eggs with smoked salmon -- Brie, eggs, heavy cream, and chives layered over smoked salmon and sauteed Swiss chard and shallots and baked for 20 minutes.
• Chicken salad made with shredded chicken breast, low-sugar Greek yogurt (instead of mayo), sweetened with a cubed apple (including skins!) and grape halves, and including some green onions, mustard, roasted almonds, sea salt, parsely, dill, and cracked black pepper, served on a bed of spinach.
• Grilled halibut topped with a kale-pistachio pesto (kale, basil, pistachios, garlic, lemon, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and parmesan cheese blended), served with a side salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Small glass of oak-aged white wine would go well with this.
• Spinach dip -- shredded, cooked, squeezed-dry spinach, minced garlic, dried chili peppers, water chestnuts, coriander, onion, black pepper, and turmeric simmered in low-sugar, whole-fat yogurt for 3 minutes, and then chilled. Served with slices of carrots, bell peppers, celery sticks, and broccoli for dipping.
• Chicken marsala -- lightly breaded chicken breasts, garlic, and mushrooms cooked in chicken broth and marsala wine. Served with potatoes, steamed veggies, or herb rice that includes lentils and chia seeds.
• Coleslaw -- shredded red & green cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, onions/scallions whisked together with low-sugar Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, with some shredded apple (with skins!) and maple syrup to sweeten. Salt and pepper to taste. Great for topping pulled pork, cold cuts, or a cheeseburger.
• Pizza, heavy on the Italian seasonings and garlic.

Supplement	Amount	Frequency
General Multivitamin	one tablet	several times per week
Whey protein isolate powder	one scoop in milk	after working out
Probiotic lactobacillus/bifidus supplement	one capsule	once daily until established, then maintain with food
Vitamin D3 fish oil (with omega-3)	2,000 IU softgel	once daily during winter only
Antioxidant forumla (zinc, manganese, selenium, copper, vitamins A & E)	one tablet	once weekly with fatty/oily food
MSM with Organic Sulfur Complex	1,000 mg capsule	once weekly
Super B complex	one tablet	once weekly, unless you have an energy drink habit, in which case you get enough

Supplement	Amount	Frequency
General Multivitamin	one tablet	once daily
Whey protein isolate powder	one scoop in milk	once daily
Probiotic lactobacillus/bifidus supplement	one capsule	once daily
Vitamin D3 fish oil (with omega-3)	2,000 IU softgel	once daily
Antioxidant forumla (zinc, manganese, selenium, copper, vitamins A & E)	one tablet	twice daily with fatty/oily food
Super B complex	one tablet	once daily
MSM with Organic Sulfur Complex	1,000 mg capsule	once daily
Vitamin C & bioflavonoids	1,000 mg tablet	twice daily

Supplement	Amount	Frequency
General Multivitamin	one tablet	once daily
Whey protein isolate powder	one scoop in milk	three times daily
Probiotic lactobacillus/bifidus supplement	one capsule	once daily
Vitamin D3 fish oil (with omega-3)	2,000 IU softgel	twice daily
Antioxidant forumla (zinc, manganese, selenium, copper, vitamins A & E)	one tablet	three times daily with fatty/oily food (e.g. chicken soup)
Super B complex	one tablet	twice daily
MSM with Organic Sulfur Complex	1,000 mg capsule	twice daily
Vitamin C & bioflavonoids	1,000 mg tablet	6-8 times daily
Echinacea arial extract	400 mg capsule	6-8 times daily
Sambucus elderberry syrup	one teaspoon	6-8 times daily

HOW TO AVOID EBOLA'S SOCIAL/GOVERNMENT IMPACTS

• Supplements:
  • General Multivitamin
  • Whey protein isolate powder
  • Probiotic lactobacillus/bifidus supplement
  • Vitamin D3 fish oil (with omega-3)
  • Antioxidant forumla (zinc, manganese, selenium, copper, vitamins A & E)
  • Super B complex
  • MSM with Organic Sulfur Complex
  • Vitamin C & bioflavonoids
  • Echinacea arial extract
  • Sambucus elderberry syrup
  • Sea salt (for electrolyte replacement)
• Protective devices/articles:
  • Antiviral or N95 particulate face masks
  • Boxes of nitrile gloves in sizes for every household member
  • Chemical splash goggles (impact resistant, anti-fog, indirect vent)
  • 6 Mil flame retardant clear poly plastic sheeting (10'x100')
  • Duct tape
  • Heavy duty plastic sheeting zipper doors
  • Tear-resistant large trash bags
  • Human waste containment bags
  • Biohazard waste disposable bags
  • Biohazard waste polyethylene safety can with foot lever
  • Roll of adhesive biohazard warning labels to affix to designated waste cans, bags, and isolation rooms
  • Tyvek protective coveralls for interacting with an isolated patient or for leaving the house
  • Vinyl waterproof apron for interacting with an isolated patient
  • Medical booties shoe covers for entering isolation room and preventing spread of germs on soles of shoes
• Soaps/cleansers/chemicals:
  • Touch-free hand sanitizer dispensers (several of them)
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Hospital grade soap (e.g. Hibiclens 4% chlorhexidine gluconate solution)
  • Hospital-grade quaternary disinfectant / virucide
  • Peroxide-based color-safe disinfecting laundry detergent
• Medical supplies/devices:
  • Intravenous hydration supplies-- disposable IV sets, IV start kits with Chloraprep, sterile saline bags, and the knowledge to use them successfully. Don't be afraid to do this -- if there are no healthcare professionals available in the middle of a pandemic, even a hack job at getting an IV inserted is better than letting a loved one die from dehydration. You can't kill someone worse than dead, which is what they'll be if their circulatory system collapses from lack of fluid.
  • Lots of gauze
  • No touch thermometer to detect fever without spreading germs
  • Folding cot beds for patient isolation room, especially if using a bathroom
    • Waterproof mattress protectors for patient beds
    • Waterproof pillow protectors for patient beds
  • Mylar thermal blankets
  • Bedpan
  • Acetaminophen for pain relief and fever reduction without anticoagulation of NSAIDs
  • Pharmaceutical grade Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and/or Sulfamethaxazole antibiotics (for fish or humans is the same stuff)
  • The Merck Manual
  • The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way
• Bug out / bug in location far from the city
  • wood or solar heat
  • solar, wind, or human-powered electricity
  • well or rainwater collection
  • septic system
  • garden, orchard
• General supplies/devices:
  • Clean water supply (bottled water, filtration system perhaps)
  • Several months worth of food and necessities (esp. canned meat, broth, and soups)
  • 12VDC rechargeable LED flashlight
  • Emergency hand-crank solar AM/FM/NOAA radio, flashlight, phone charger