Immune Systems Advisor

In May 2026, a resurfaced video from the late Vladimir Zelenko (“Dr. Zev” Zelenko) went viral again on X, generating more than 1.5 million views and reigniting debate about zinc, vitamin D, and low-cost antiviral strategies. In the 2-minute clip (video below), Zelenko explains a concept he promoted heavily during the COVID-19 pandemic: many dangerous viruses share the same replication machinery, and therefore may share similar therapeutic vulnerabilities. The video specifically references: COVID-19 Influenza RSV Ebola virus disease Marburg virus disease Hantavirus infections His argument centers on zinc, zinc ionophores, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), the enzyme many RNA viruses use to replicate. But does the science support the claim? Here’s a balanced, evidence-based review. What Is Hantavirus? Hantaviruses are rodent-borne RNA viruses that can cause severe human disease. Depending on the region and viral strain, infection may lead to: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) H...

Two separate viral outbreaks aboard cruise ships in May 2026 have drawn international attention: a rare and deadly hantavirus cluster linked to the expedition ship MV Hondius , and a large norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess . While the diseases are very different, both incidents highlight how cruise ships can amplify infectious disease transmission in confined environments. Rare Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to MV Hondius Cruise Ship A multinational outbreak of Andes hantavirus infection aboard the Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship MV Hondius has resulted in at least eight confirmed or suspected cases and three deaths as of May 2026. ( World Health Organization ) The outbreak began after the ship departed Ushuaia, Argentina, in April 2026. Initial symptoms among passengers included fever, respiratory distress, fatigue, and rapidly progressive lung complications. The cruise later became stranded off Cape Verde before eventually docking in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Island...

On 2 May 2026, a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). The vessel was carrying 147 passengers and crew members. As of 4 May 2026, seven cases — including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases — had been identified. Among these cases were three deaths, one critically ill patient, and three individuals with mild symptoms. Illness onset occurred between 6 and 28 April 2026 and was characterized by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and shock. Further investigations remain ongoing. The outbreak response includes coordinated international public health measures such as in-depth epidemiological investigations, case isolation and medical care, patient evacuation, and laboratory testing. Human hantavirus infection is primarily acquired through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected ro...

The McCairn Protocol (Edogawa–McCairn Protocol): Overview and Mechanistic Rationale The McCairn Protocol (also referred to as the Edogawa–McCairn Protocol ) is an experimental, two-phase treatment approach promoted by Kevin McCairn in collaboration with Edogawa Hospital. It is primarily proposed for individuals with Long COVID and post-mRNA vaccine–associated syndromes , targeting hypothesized drivers such as persistent spike protein, amyloid-like fibrin microclots, autoantibodies, chronic inflammation, and associated vascular or neurological dysfunction. Phase 1: Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP) / Plasma Adsorption (“Cleansing”) Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a specialized form of therapeutic apheresis currently used in parts of Asia, including Japan, for selected autoimmune, neurological, and metabolic conditions. Procedure Blood is withdrawn, often via a large-bore catheter (e.g., internal jugular access). It is passed through a dual-filtration syste...

Dr. McCullough explained (1) that the spike protein is an engineered, synthetic molecule roughly 1,200 amino acids long and resistant to degradation by the body’s normal proteases. He described how the protein was modified in laboratory settings (notably at the Wuhan Institute of Virology) to tightly bind to the ACE2 receptor, which is found throughout the body—in the lungs, heart, endothelium, kidneys, and brain. Because this receptor regulates angiotensin metabolism, older individuals with fewer ACE2 sites catabolize the spike less efficiently, leading to worse outcomes. Whether introduced by infection or by genetic‑code‑based vaccines, McCullough asserted, the persistent spike damages tissues directly and through chronic inflammation, micro‑clotting, and autoimmune cross‑reactivity. He cited more than 300 papers documenting spike deposits in the heart, brain, and vascular tissue, relating these findings to post‑vaccine myocarditis, strokes, and clotting disorders. A chief diagnostic...

Dr. Peter McCullough is an internist, cardiologist, epidemiologist, a full professor of medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine in Dallas, USA. He also has a master's degree in public health and is known for being one of the top five most-published medical researchers in the United States and is the editor of two medical journals. McCullough Protocol 2022 Update: Azelastine Nasal Spray for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial ( JAMA 2025 ) Everyone is familiar with nasal and oral swab testing for COVID-19. It should be obvious the virus is replicating in the nose, and with Omicron, the speed of replication has become much greater than the prior strains of the virus. Thus, there is a wonderful opportunity to reduce viral replication, in fa...

Do nasal sprays actually work against COVID-19? There has been quite a lot of activities in the COVID nasal spray space.  Two old-school nasal sprays—one antihistamine (azelastine) and one seaweed-derived barrier (iota-carrageenan)—now have randomized human data suggesting they can lower the risk of infection when used regularly during high exposure events (such as air travel, parties, etc). Below, we look at some of the best nasal sprays for COVID-19 and summaries of the rationale and evidence for each category. Do note that some of them are available as an over-the-counter medication but some are still under clinical trial stage. Best Nasal Sprays for COVID-19 There are lots of great nasal sprays out there, and this list is by no means complete. We’ve included nasal sprays with proven anti-COVID-19 ingredient, you can buy over the counter or online. 1. Povidone   Iodine Nasal Spray   and COVID-19 Povidone...