The COVID Advisor

The recent emergence and spread of avian influenza strains, notably H5N1 and H7N9, have raised significant concerns among health experts and the public alike. These viruses, traditionally confined to bird populations, have begun infecting mammals, including cattle and humans, prompting discussions about potential pandemic threats and preventive measures. Transmission from Birds to Mammals Historically, avian influenza viruses primarily affected bird species. However, recent reports indicate that these viruses have crossed species barriers, infecting mammals such as cattle, sea lions, dolphins, and seals. In the United States, the H5N1 strain has been detected in dairy cattle, leading to significant outbreaks and raising concerns about human infections. While human cases remain rare and have not resulted in human-to-human transmission, the potential for the virus to adapt further poses a serious threat. ( Houston Chronicle ) Recent Human Cases and Mortality The first human death fro...

Broad Killing Power Against H5, H7 and H9 Avian Influenza A Viruses with Nasal and Throat Sprays A new outbreak of H7N9 avian influenza in the U.S ., has been detected on a farm of 47,654 commercial broiler breeder chickens in Noxubee, Mississippi, March 13, 2025, as the Paris-based World Animal Health Organisation said in a report on Monday, citing U.S. Authorities. H7N9 is thought to be considerably more deadly than H5N1. I wondered if standard-of-care nasal and throat sprays and gargles with dilute povidone iodine would continue to have protective effects. Hiroshi Ito, Toshihiro Ito, Muneo Hikida, Junko Yashiro, Akira Otsuka, Hiroshi Kida, Koichi Otsuki; Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Japan and Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Povidone-Iodine Products. Dermatology 1 February 2006; 212 (Suppl. 1): 115–118. https://doi.org/10.1159/000089210 Ito et al reported in in 2006: The in vitro antiviral activity of PVP-I products (2% PVP-I solution, 0.5% PVP-I scrub, 0.25% PV...

Please enjoy this brief update from the Steve Gruber Show (below) on Real America’s Voice. You may think the claim that twice daily nasal sprays and gargles are better than vaccines is overstated however consider these observations: On demand sporadic Vicks First Defence and Saline nasal sprays reduced the rate of viral upper respiratory tract infection by ~20% as shown in the Immune Defence Study (below). Balmforth et al , demonstrated a 71% risk reduction in COVID-19 illness with a xylitol nasal spray done on a regular basis through the pandemic Influenza vaccine efficacy is running 24-40% in four CDC networks for 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine efficacy is negative in four studies, meaning continued vaccination is associated with greater risk of recurrent acute illness. I told Steve Gruber that I have interviewed multiple individuals and have panned my patients. Twice daily ...

Over the past year, Dr. Peter McCullough and team have been following the bird flu outbreak. There hasn’t been much reason for concern—or alarm. Until now. Enter the D1.1 genotype Since 2023, the majority of cattle and human infections have been associated with genotype B3.13, resulting in mild illness. In contrast, genotype D1.1 has been detected and associated with one death in Louisiana and a severe case of H5N1 in Canada. This genotype has historically been associated with a 50% mortality rate in humans. (1) What makes this genotype different than the B1.13 genotype circulating in dairy cattle is the potential for severity of symptoms in humans. D1.1 genotype of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has been the predominant genotype that has been infecting wild bird populations globally over the past 2+ years. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified D1.1, a new genotype of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in dairy cattle in Churchill County, Nevada on January...

By Nicolas Hulscher, MPH and Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH In addressing the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, public health measures should emphasize accessible preventive solutions, such as iodine-based nasal sprays and gargles, which hold promise in preventing zoonotic avian influenza transmission and human infection. Regular use of iodine nasal sprays by farmers, poultry workers, and veterinarians could help reduce viral carriage in the upper respiratory tract, lowering the risk of infection from direct animal exposure. Sriwilaijaroen et al conducted a preclinical study of influenza virus strains on chicken egg cells and demonstrated that dilute povidone iodine (PVP-I) was effective at neutralizing the two pathogenic parts of the influenza virus—hemagglutinin (binding) and sialidase (catalytic hydrolysis). Of note, these effects were complimentary to the modest effect of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in these experiments.  As we outlined in a recent article , iodine-based antiseptics should al...

CofixRx Nasal Spray was developed by a board-certified anesthesiologist with the assistance and advisory information of seven other physicians. They also worked with a compounding pharmacist and pharmaceutical-grade manufacturer. The initial formula was tested at Utah State University Institute of Antiviral Research and found to have amazing (95% or greater) antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2, Delta, Omnicron, Influenza, Rhinovirus (common cold), RSV, and HRV 14. The spray lasts for hours in the nasal passages because of another special characteristic of the product’s ingredients. The ingredients also create a polysaccharide solution, which is a mucoadhesive. The mucoadhesive does three things. It creates a physical barrier to prevent viruses, bacteria, and allergens (like pet dander, pollen, mold spores, etc.) from adhering to and irritating the mucous membrane. Then, it allows the povidone-iodine to NOT get absorbed for hours, keeping it on the surface of the nasal passages wh...

Bird flu is no longer a distant concern. It’s here, it’s mutating, and it’s becoming a serious threat to human health. Dr. Peter McCullough, Chief Scientific Officer of The Wellness Company, has issued a stark warning. “I think bird flu is about ready to make a turn for the worse,” he said. “We could see more serious human cases and death.” This isn’t speculation — it’s already happening. A 17-year-old girl in Canada was put on life support. A Louisiana man lost his life. A toddler in Southeast Asia succumbed to the virus after being in close contact with chickens. These aren’t isolated incidents. They are red flags signaling that the virus is adapting — and spreading. Even more alarming? Dr. McCullough believes human-to-human transmission is now imminent. If that happens, we won’t just be dealing with scattered cases — we’ll be looking at the next major pandemic. Reports of severe cases in Canada, US, and Cambodia thus far have not mentioned use of nasal sprays and gargles and ...