In the first segment Art Bell, filling in for George Noory, opens with a greeting to listeners across various time zones. He announces an upcoming segment with Dr. Gary Ridenour, who will discuss the bird flu, a topic that Art finds quite alarming. Art then shares news about the beginning of Solar Cycle 24, marked by the emergence of a magnetically reversed, high-latitude sunspot, signaling a gradual build towards a solar maximum expected around 2011-2012.
Art expresses his dissatisfaction with Fox News for excluding Ron Paul from a debate, despite Paul’s significant voter interest and fundraising success. He encourages listeners to voice their opinions to Fox News, questioning their fear of new ideas and the potential impact on other Republican candidates.
The political scene is also touched upon, with Art mentioning the contrasting visions of Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama for the White House, as demonstrated in their speeches to New Hampshire Democrat party activists. He also notes a complaint filed by Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich with the FCC against ABC News for excluding him from debates.
Art reports on a severe storm in California, causing widespread power outages, downed trees, and evacuations. He also mentions Al Qaeda’s increasing desperation, indicated by their use of women as suicide bombers. Lastly, Art briefly touches on the possibility of an economic stimulus package from the Bush administration and Britney Spears losing custody of her children, before moving to unscreened open line calls.
In this segment, Art provides contact information for listeners who wish to call in, including different numbers for those west or east of the Rockies, first-time callers, and international listeners. He emphasizes the show’s format of unscreened calls, where he personally picks up the phone, and reminds callers to turn off their radios when on air.
Art then shares his personal political stance, revealing that he is a registered Libertarian, which may add enthusiasm to his earlier comments about Ron Paul’s exclusion from the Fox News debate. He maintains that it’s wrong to exclude Paul, regardless of his own political leanings.
Shifting to astronomical news, Art discusses a mysterious cosmic explosion detected by six spacecraft, which occurred in a region of empty space, far from any nearby galaxy. This event, involving a volley of gamma rays, puzzles astronomers as it deviates from typical patterns observed in massive stars collapsing into black holes.
The conversation then turns to environmental concerns, specifically the rise in carbon dioxide levels and the corresponding decrease in atmospheric oxygen. Art cites a 20-year study by the Scripps Institute, highlighting the alarming rate at which oxygen is being depleted in comparison to the increase in carbon dioxide.
In technological news, Art talks about Toshiba’s development of a new class of micro-sized nuclear reactors designed to power individual buildings or city blocks. These reactors, measuring only 20 feet by 6 feet, are touted as failsafe, totally automatic, and capable of lasting up to 40 years. Toshiba plans to install the first reactor in Japan in 2008 and market it in Europe and America by 2009.
Art also mentions that the British government is set to release classified files about UFO sightings, a topic that he finds very interesting and plans to discuss with Nick Pope, a UFO expert, in a future show.
The segment concludes with Art taking calls from listeners, including a discussion about Ron Paul’s campaign and the possibility of writing him in as a candidate. One caller mistakenly reaches the show while trying to order pizza, leading to a light-hearted exchange before moving on to the next caller.
Art continues to engage with callers on various topics. He addresses a caller’s suggestion about boycotting Fox News due to their exclusion of Ron Paul from a debate. Art expresses his lack of enthusiasm for boycotts, preferring to encourage listeners to express their dissatisfaction directly to Fox News.
A caller then asks Art to inquire about the “kimchi cure” with Dr. Ridenour in the upcoming segment. Art is skeptical about the theory but agrees to bring it up. He plans to start the conversation with Dr. Ridenour by explaining what a virus is, to lay a foundation for understanding the discussion about the bird flu.
Another caller thanks Art for bringing up the issue of Ron Paul’s exclusion by Fox News, expressing surprise that it hasn’t been more widely discussed. The caller questions the motives behind Fox News’ decision, suggesting it might be due to Ron Paul’s revolutionary ideas, which could make other candidates uncomfortable.
Art agrees that Ron Paul’s exclusion is unjustified, especially given his current level of public interest and support. He speculates that Fox News might be concerned about the impact of Paul’s ideas on the political landscape.
Art then teases the upcoming segment with Dr. Gary Ridenour, warning listeners that the topic of the avian flu pandemic will be frightening. He reads a letter from Dr. Ridenour, which outlines the severity of the situation, including the potential for a high death toll and significant disruptions to infrastructure and medication supply. Dr. Ridenour’s book, which he sent to Art, discusses survival strategies in the face of such a pandemic.
A caller named Cornelius wishes Art a happy birthday and expresses interest in UFOs, though Art notes that tonight’s show is taking a slightly different direction, focusing on important issues like the avian flu pandemic.
Another caller discusses Ron Paul’s exclusion from the Fox News debate, suggesting that Rupert Murdoch’s ownership of Fox and his alleged association with the Bilderberg Group might be influencing the decision. The caller and Art agree that Ron Paul’s radical and honest ideas are likely seen as too disruptive for mainstream politics.
Art then reflects on the unusual situation where politics seem to be overriding the potential for high ratings that Ron Paul’s participation in the debate could bring. He muses that normally ratings and money are the driving forces in media, but in this case, political considerations appear to be more influential.
A caller named Steve from South Carolina inquires about Art’s return to regular hosting duties. Art explains that he’s currently taking a break to spend time with his family after decades of continuous work. He emphasizes that the show’s current hosts should take the program in their own direction and let ratings determine its success.
A caller named Dave from the Midwest expresses support for Ron Paul and shares his surprise at Barack Obama’s success in Iowa, considering the state’s demographic. The conversation then shifts to the topic of chemtrails, with the caller describing an unusual amount of activity in the sky. Art speculates about the purpose of chemtrails, whether for climate modification or mass inoculation, and expresses skepticism about government intervention in such matters. He also shares his views on global warming, attributing it more to natural causes like solar activity and undersea volcanoes rather than human actions. The segment ends with Art and the caller discussing the pervasive presence of chemtrails and their potential impact.
A caller from the desert region talks about observing chemtrails, which Art agrees have become more prevalent, turning clear days into hazy ones. He reminisces that contrails in his childhood were temporary and didn’t have the same effect.
Another caller brings up the topic of innovative ideas and actions being suppressed in the U.S., leading to scientists and thinkers taking their work abroad. Art acknowledges this trend, noting that America used to be a leader in innovation but now many ideas have to be pursued elsewhere.
A caller named Tommy from Seattle shares his experience with alien visitations, claiming that crop circles are “religious graffiti” from an alien race. He was told that deciphering these symbols is a challenge meant for humans to solve on their own.
A caller from Nebraska discusses the exclusion of Ron Paul from the Fox News debate, suggesting it reflects a broader issue of media bias and control. Art agrees that excluding a candidate from a debate is unfair and unbalanced.
A first-time caller shares a personal story about his father being severely injured in a traffic accident caused by a truck driver. He emphasizes the importance of road safety and organ donation, sharing his own experience as a double organ transplant recipient. Art responds sympathetically, discussing the complexities and challenges of organ transplantation, including the strict regulations in the U.S. and the possibility of seeking organs overseas in desperate situations.
A caller inquires about a previous discussion on Art’s show regarding a “loop engine” that generated a significant voltage. Art confirms the phenomenon and discusses the potential to harness this voltage for various applications, though he notes the current generated might not be substantial.
The conversation then shifts to a lighter note with a caller discussing Art’s cat, Dali, and her protective behavior towards Art’s family member, Asia. Art shares anecdotes about Dali’s affectionate and protective nature, illustrating his love for cats.
A more speculative discussion arises when a caller suggests that Jesus’ mother, Mary, might have been abducted by aliens, given the virgin birth story. Art acknowledges this as an interesting theory, similar to other speculative ideas presented in recent movies.
Art then introduces his guest for the night, Dr. Gary Ridenour, who has an extensive and varied medical background, including running a clinic for the poor, setting up a critical care fellowship program, and being involved in a leukemia cluster study in Fallon, Nevada. Dr. Ridenour’s current focus is on educating the public about the avian flu threat.
Dr. Ridenour begins by explaining the basics of viruses, describing their size, structure, and behavior as parasites. He distinguishes between different types of viruses, emphasizing the particular danger posed by the avian flu virus, H5N1. The segment sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the avian flu, with Art warning listeners of the potentially disturbing content to follow.
Dr. Ridenour explains that unlike regular flu viruses, which follow the rule of not killing the host, the avian flu (H5N1) is currently lethal for about 60% of those infected. He expresses hope that the virus might mutate to a less lethal form before becoming a pandemic. The danger of the avian flu lies in its ability to trigger an overreaction of the immune system, leading to a cytokine storm that can dissolve lung tissue and cause death within hours.
The conversation then turns to the effectiveness of flu vaccines. Dr. Ridenour points out that the current flu vaccine is always a year behind the circulating viruses. He shares his personal experience of contracting the flu despite being vaccinated, highlighting the mismatch between the vaccine and the actual virus strain. He also discusses the traditional method of producing flu vaccines using chicken eggs, noting its limitations, especially with the avian flu virus, which kills the egg.
Regarding the rumor about kimchi being a defense against the avian flu, Dr. Ridenour is skeptical. He remarks that if kimchi were truly effective, pharmaceutical companies would be selling kimchi pills.
The spread of the avian flu is also a topic of concern. Dr. Ridenour mentions that the virus has appeared in 80 to 90 countries, with new outbreaks constantly reported. He criticizes the Chinese government’s delayed acknowledgment of the flu and their underreporting of cases.
Dr. Ridenour confirms that the CDC has indeed stated that the avian flu is one of the greatest threats to mankind. He recalls the 1918 flu pandemic, initially known as the Spanish flu, which was later identified as an avian flu that killed 50 to 100 million people. He mentions that researchers recovered lung tissue from victims buried in permafrost in Alaska, which helped identify the virus.
A concerning aspect of the avian flu is its high mortality rate, particularly among those with strong immune systems, typically aged 20 to 40. Dr. Ridenour explains that the virus causes the immune system to overreact, leading to a cytokine storm that damages lung cells. This reaction is why the virus is so deadly.
Regarding human-to-human transmission, Dr. Ridenour notes that there have been a few clusters that suggest this mode of transmission, but it’s difficult to confirm due to the situations in the countries where these clusters occurred. He also discusses the challenges of quarantining a country like Indonesia, which fears economic repercussions.
Dr. Ridenour addresses the skepticism surrounding the avian flu, acknowledging that some people believe it’s a hoax to promote pharmaceutical sales. He counters this by highlighting the serious nature of the virus and its potential to mutate into a form that could lead to a pandemic.
The segment concludes with Dr. Ridenour discussing the implications of a pandemic in today’s society, particularly in industrialized countries with dense populations. He points out that many people are unprepared for a scenario where they would need to survive without modern conveniences, contrasting this with the situation during the 1918 pandemic when people were more self-sufficient.
Dr. Ridenour emphasizes that the avian flu is not a hoax, as some conspiracy theorists suggest. He criticizes the U.S. government’s pandemic plan as inadequate, reinforcing the seriousness of the threat. He hopes skeptics are right in dismissing the avian flu’s danger but insists that extensive research indicates it’s a real and significant threat.
The conversation shifts to the global response to the avian flu, including the mass slaughter of poultry in Europe and other regions to curb the spread. Dr. Ridenour confirms that human-to-human transmission has been suspected in a few cases, such as in Pakistan, where a veterinarian contracted the virus and seemingly passed it to his brothers.
Dr. Ridenour asserts that a pandemic is not a matter of “if” but “when,” given the virus’s mutation rate and comparison to the 1918 pandemic. He notes that the virus is no longer seasonal and is spreading through commerce and bird smuggling, making containment challenging.
A concerning development is the combination of the avian flu virus with a pig virus, creating a new threat. Pigs, being physiologically similar to humans, can act as “virus cookers,” potentially leading to viruses that can easily transmit to humans.
Dr. Ridenour discusses the role of experts like Dr. Michael Osterholm in raising early alarms about the avian flu. He also mentions the CDC’s statement labeling the avian flu as one of the greatest threats to mankind, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The segment concludes with Dr. Ridenour explaining how quickly the virus could spread, using the situation in Pakistan as an example.
Dr. Ridenour describes a scenario where rapid transmission of the avian flu could occur, such as a person traveling by airplane and potentially infecting thousands of others in a short period. He predicts that if the avian flu hits the United States severely, there could be a shortage of caskets within the first week due to the high mortality rate and disruption of supply chains.
The conversation then turns to the long-term effects of the 1918 flu pandemic, with Dr. Ridenour noting that survivors often suffered reduced lifespans and chronic health issues. He also discusses the end of World War I, suggesting that the pandemic played a role in its conclusion.
Art Bell brings up the Ebola virus, another lethal virus, and asks why it hasn’t mutated like the avian flu. Dr. Ridenour explains that Ebola’s structure differs significantly from the avian flu, making it less prone to mutation.
Regarding defenses against the avian flu, Dr. Ridenour discusses the limitations of antiviral medications like Tamiflu, which has shown resistance in some patients and caused severe side effects in others. He mentions other antiviral drugs but notes the challenges in distribution and effectiveness.
Dr. Ridenour also comments on a new vaccine, ACCU-Flu, but cautions that it has only been tested on a small number of people and comes with a “safe harbor” statement, indicating that further research is needed.
The segment concludes with a discussion on the speed and pattern of the avian flu’s spread. Dr. Ridenour describes how the 1918 pandemic came in waves, with rapid onset of illness following exposure. He speculates on how a modern outbreak might move through populations, potentially circling back and affecting areas multiple times.
Dr. Ridenour explains that if the avian flu becomes the predominant flu strain, it could come in waves, appearing and disappearing over several years. He advises that staying indoors for about ten days during an outbreak could increase chances of survival, at least for the first wave. However, he warns of the potential damage to infrastructure, particularly power outages, as those responsible for maintaining essential services might be unable to work due to illness, quarantine, or fear of infection.
He highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. power grid, recalling a major blackout in New York and noting that the system’s backup mechanisms are outdated. Dr. Ridenour predicts that first responders and healthcare workers would be among the first affected, leading to a breakdown in emergency and medical services. He also mentions the dependence of the U.S. on foreign drug supplies, which would likely be disrupted.
Dr. Ridenour describes emergency plans in various countries, including the use of stadiums as field hospitals in Hong Kong and plans in England to use buildings as temporary mortuaries. He raises ethical questions about what would happen when supplies like morphine run out.
The conversation then turns to Dr. Ridenour’s medical practice in rural Nevada, where he sees a wide range of patients. He discusses the seasonal patterns of flu viruses and how they often originate in Asia, moving to other parts of the world.
Next Dr. Gary Ridenour discusses why flu viruses often originate in Southeast Asia and China. He explains that in these regions, people live in close proximity to chickens and pigs, increasing their contact with animals that can carry flu viruses. This close contact, combined with the mass production of poultry, may contribute to the emergence and spread of flu viruses.
Dr. Ridenour also contrasts the avian flu with Ebola, noting that Ebola does not have a wide range of animal reservoirs like the avian flu, which is found in almost every bird species. He mentions that Europe expects the avian flu to become endemic by spring, indicating a high viral load and increased mutation potential.
Discussing personal preparedness, Dr. Ridenour advises that in the event of an outbreak, the best course of action would be to isolate oneself and family to avoid infection. He emphasizes the limitations of healthcare providers during a pandemic, as they would be overwhelmed and unable to treat the influx of patients effectively.
Dr. Ridenour also touches on the societal impact of a pandemic. He predicts that power outages would lead to a breakdown in essential services, including healthcare and fuel supply. In such a scenario, people might target those who appear to be well-prepared, leading to social unrest.
Regarding personal protection, Dr. Ridenour suggests stocking up on antivirals, antibiotics, and other essentials. He also recommends a home care influenza toolkit available online, which provides guidelines for preventing infection and caring for sick individuals at home. He notes that simple measures like wearing a mask can significantly reduce the risk of inhaling the virus.
The segment concludes with a discussion on the transmission of the avian flu. Dr. Ridenour confirms that it is primarily spread through respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing, making it highly contagious and likely to become airborne.
Dr. Ridenour explains that the avian flu virus thrives in the lungs, which have a large surface area, making it highly contagious through coughing and sneezing. He contrasts this with viruses like HIV, which have a narrow temperature range for survival and are not airborne.
He discusses the longevity of the avian flu virus outside the body, noting that under optimal conditions, it can survive for up to 39 days. This long survival time raises concerns about the virus spreading through international shipments, including those from China.
Dr. Ridenour also touches on the challenges of controlling outbreaks in communist countries like China, where there might be better control over the population but difficulties in managing military personnel who may want to return to their families.
Comparing the potential modern pandemic to the 1918 flu pandemic, Dr. Ridenour suggests that the death toll could be significantly higher due to the increased global population and intensive animal farming practices in countries like China and Russia.
Addressing prevention strategies, Dr. Ridenour cautions that boosting the immune system might not be effective against the avian flu, as a strong immune response can lead to more lung damage. He describes the cytokine storm, where the body’s immune response to the virus causes severe lung damage.
Dr. Ridenour concludes the segment by discussing modern measures to detect potential flu cases, such as temperature sensors at international airports. These measures aim to identify and isolate individuals with fevers, potentially stemming the spread of the virus.
Dr. Ridenour explains that in areas like Southeast Asia and China, close contact between people and poultry or pigs facilitates the spread of flu viruses. He also discusses the difficulties in testing for the avian flu, as samples often need to be sent to specialized labs in other countries.
Regarding quarantine procedures, Dr. Ridenour suggests that if someone shows symptoms like a fever, they would be quarantined until their condition is clarified. This could lead to missed flights and delays in travel. He also notes that different countries may have varying methods of analyzing the virus, leading to different conclusions about its nature.
Dr. Ridenour touches on the history of the 1918 flu pandemic, noting that two of the three waves were not reported initially due to concerns about morale during World War I. He suggests that the flu significantly weakened Germany, contributing to the end of the war.
Looking at potential modern responses to a pandemic, Dr. Ridenour predicts that international flights would cease, and public gatherings like school sessions and sporting events would be canceled. He raises the possibility of travelers being stranded abroad if a pandemic breaks out.
Dr. Ridenour anticipates that the infrastructure would experience intermittent failures for 12 to 18 months, affecting power, food delivery, medicine availability, and employment. He briefly mentions his book, “Pandemic,” available on his website, which discusses these issues in more detail.
The segment concludes with Art Bell reflecting on the inevitability and brutal nature of a potential avian flu pandemic as described by Dr. Ridenour.
Dr. Ridenour reveals that in 2006, President Bush signed the North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which effectively places the United States under the management of the United Nations in the event of a severe avian flu outbreak. This move was surprising to many and indicates a shift in policy towards international management of health emergencies.
He predicts that if a pandemic occurs, international flights would likely be halted, and public gatherings would be canceled to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr. Ridenour also suggests that countries might take extreme measures, such as shooting down private planes trying to enter or leave the country, to contain the outbreak.
Discussing the rapid breakdown of infrastructure, Dr. Ridenour estimates that electrical power could be lost within the first week or two of a pandemic, leading to a cascade of failures in other services. He uses New York City as an example, where a prolonged power outage would result in the flooding of the subway system and widespread fires.
Addressing skepticism about the severity of the avian flu threat, Dr. Ridenour argues that while his book presents a worst-case scenario, history has shown that such catastrophic events can occur, as evidenced by a volcanic eruption 75,000 years ago that drastically reduced the human population.
Dr. Ridenour emphasizes the importance of being prepared for a pandemic. He suggests practical measures for survival, such as stockpiling food, having a way to cook and prepare food, creating a warm living area, and ensuring a supply of light and heat. He also mentions the need for a defense system, acknowledging the potential for social unrest in such a scenario.
Dr. Gary Ridenour discusses the importance of staying hidden and protected during a potential avian flu pandemic. He emphasizes the need for discretion and security, suggesting that those who are visibly well-prepared could become targets for others in desperate situations.
Dr. Ridenour explains that during cold weather, people tend to congregate indoors, which could facilitate the spread of the virus. In contrast, during warmer months, people might spread out more, reducing close contact. However, he stresses that social isolation is key in both scenarios to prevent infection.
He also discusses historical parallels between the conditions preceding past pandemics, such as the Black Death and the 1918 flu pandemic, and current global conditions. These parallels, including extreme weather events and geopolitical conflicts, suggest that the world might be nearing another pandemic.
Dr. Ridenour shares a personal connection to the 1918 pandemic, revealing that his mother was orphaned at a young age due to her parents’ deaths from the flu. This personal history partly inspired him to write his book and delve deeper into the subject.
The conversation then turns to the potential breakdown of infrastructure during a pandemic. Dr. Ridenour predicts that electrical power could fail within the first week or two, leading to widespread chaos and the inability to maintain essential services. He also notes the potential impact on national defense, as many National Guard members are deployed overseas and would not be available to assist domestically.
Art Bell and Dr. Ridenour conclude this segment by discussing the differences between the H5N1 virus and a new flu strain that could result from human-to-human transmission.
Dr. Gary Ridenour discusses the characteristics of the H5N1 avian flu virus and compares it to the H1N1 virus responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic. He explains that the H1N1 virus mutated into a non-infectious form and disappeared, but there is concern that H5N1 will not follow the same pattern and could continue to pose a threat.
Dr. Ridenour also addresses the controversy surrounding the recovery of the 1918 virus from bodies buried in permafrost. He expresses concern about the virus’s resilience, noting that it remained alive in frozen chickens, which challenges the belief that freezing could kill the virus.
The discussion then shifts to the potential for the avian flu to mutate into a form that can be transmitted from human to human. Dr. Ridenour estimates the chances of this happening in the near future to be about one in three. He emphasizes the difficulty in producing a vaccine for the virus, noting that it would require a massive production effort.
Art Bell and Dr. Ridenour also discuss the book “Pandemic,” which Dr. Ridenour authored. The book is available on his website, pandemicdirect.com.
A caller inquires about the possibility of using sauerkraut as a treatment for the flu, citing its use in Asia. Dr. Ridenour acknowledges hearing about this but has not seen any follow-up studies to confirm its effectiveness.
Dr. Ridenour explains that the H5N1 virus is close to mutating into a form that can be transmitted from human to human. He contrasts this with the H1N1 virus of the 1918 pandemic, which mutated into a non-infectious form and disappeared. He expresses concern that H5N1 may not follow this pattern and could remain a persistent threat.
Responding to a question about whether we have ever cured a virus, Dr. Ridenour clarifies that vaccines prevent infection, and antiviral medications like Tamiflu reduce viral load but do not kill the virus.
When asked about his personal health practices, Dr. Ridenour emphasizes the importance of staying in shape, watching diet, practicing good handwashing, and avoiding exposure to coughs and sneezes. He also mentions the importance of staying hydrated, especially when sick.
Regarding air travel, Dr. Ridenour predicts that wearing masks on flights might become more common. He notes that air circulation on planes has decreased since smoking was banned, leading to less frequent air exchange and potentially increasing the risk of spreading illnesses.
A caller inquires about homeopathic remedies, specifically colloidal silver, for preventing or treating infections. Dr. Ridenour notes that the homeopathic community has been relatively quiet about the avian flu. He acknowledges that colloidal silver can inhibit bacterial growth but cautions against potential lead contamination in some colloidal silver products.
The segment concludes with Dr. Ridenour discussing the use of silver in medical applications, such as in burn creams and for treating diabetic ulcers, due to its antibacterial properties.
A caller inquires about the genetic predisposition to flu viruses, referencing Dr. Ridenour’s family history with the 1918 flu pandemic. Dr. Ridenour explains that susceptibility to viral infections can be analyzed through the GM blood typing system, which is part of one’s DNA.
Another caller asks about natural remedies for mitigating the avian flu, such as acidophilus, mytaki mushrooms, and beta-glucan. Dr. Ridenour responds skeptically, suggesting that if these remedies were truly effective, they would have been commercialized by now. He emphasizes the lack of substantial evidence supporting these alternative treatments.
Dr. Ridenour also discusses the importance of having antiviral medications like Relenza or Tamiflu on hand, as well as antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections that could arise during a flu pandemic. He highlights the potential loss of life due to the unavailability of essential medications like insulin or heart medication during a pandemic.
A caller brings up the topic of chemtrails and their potential link to controlling diseases like the avian flu. Dr. Ridenour does not comment on this theory, as it is outside the scope of the discussion on avian flu.
The segment concludes with a caller sharing a personal experience related to discussing chemtrails on the air and feeling followed afterward. Art Bell redirects the conversation back to the topic of the avian flu, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the immediate issue at hand.
A caller with lupus, a condition that weakens the immune system, asks Dr. Ridenour about her susceptibility to the avian flu. Dr. Ridenour explains that while theoretically, a weaker immune system might not overreact to the virus, lupus complicates the situation due to its impact on multiple body systems.
Another caller inquires about alternative treatments for the avian flu, such as acidophilus and mytaki mushrooms. Dr. Ridenour remains skeptical about these treatments, noting that if they were truly effective, they would likely be commercialized.
Dr. Ridenour also discusses the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. An epidemic is localized, affecting a specific area or country, while a pandemic is global, impacting people worldwide. In response to a question about the avian flu being used as a bioweapon, Dr. Ridenour acknowledges the possibility but notes the risk of self-harm due to the virus’s contagious nature.
A caller who keeps chickens asks about the risk of avian flu. Dr. Ridenour advises staying informed about local health reports and being prepared to take action if the flu is detected in the area.
The segment concludes with a discussion about the drastic measures taken to control the spread of the virus in poultry, such as destroying millions of birds and disinfecting areas. Dr. Ridenour predicts that human reactions to a pandemic could lead to social anarchy, drawing parallels to historical plagues where sick individuals were abandoned by their families.
A Vietnam veteran with hepatitis C asks about the interaction between hepatitis C and the avian flu. Dr. Ridenour explains that hepatitis C primarily affects the liver, while the avian flu targets the lungs. He suggests that someone with hepatitis C who contracts the avian flu might experience a shortened lifespan due to the combined effects of both viruses.
Another caller inquires about the transmission of HIV through needles and blood transfusions. Dr. Ridenour clarifies that HIV can be transmitted through needles due to the minimal temperature drop during the process. He also mentions that blood is now well-screened for HIV.
A caller questions the origin of viruses, suggesting that they did not exist on Earth before vaccine research and that the Spanish flu originated from polluted vaccines given to World War I soldiers. Dr. Ridenour refutes this theory, stating that viruses have been present on Earth for millions of years, as evidenced by virus remnants found in fossils.
A smoker asks if nicotine could protect against viral infections. Dr. Ridenour recounts an anecdote from England where heavy cigarette smoking was promoted in factories to prevent the spread of the virus, but he clarifies that it’s unlikely that tar and nicotine provide protection against viruses. He suggests that the caller’s resistance to respiratory illnesses might be due to a specific blood type less susceptible to viral infections.
The segment concludes with a caller from New York City intending to share information from a holistic perspective.
A caller mentions Sambuca, an elderberry extract, which has been tested in Israel and found effective against the avian flu in cultures. Dr. Ridenour is intrigued by this and plans to research it further.
Another caller inquires about using aquarium antibiotics, like amoxicillin, for humans in an emergency. Dr. Ridenour advises caution, noting the importance of correct dosages and the potential differences in quality compared to human medications.
A caller from Maine asks if having lupus, an autoimmune disease, might offer some protection against the avian flu due to a weakened immune system. Dr. Ridenour explains that lupus complicates the situation, making it difficult to predict how the body would respond to the virus.
Responding to a question about the potential for the avian flu to be used as a bioweapon, Dr. Ridenour acknowledges the possibility but notes the inherent risks of using such a contagious virus.
A caller from Texas asks if the avian flu could be the result of microbial husbandry, suggesting that the way we raise chickens might contribute to the spread of the virus. Dr. Ridenour agrees that modern farming practices could play a role but doubts any intentional manipulation.
Regarding the upcoming Olympics in China, a caller expresses concern about the potential for the avian flu to spread among athletes and tourists. Dr. Ridenour agrees that this could be a starting point for a pandemic.
A caller from Oregon asks about the transmission of the avian flu, wondering if it will spread from bird to human and then human to human. Dr. Ridenour explains that most cases currently involve direct contact with infected birds, but the concern is that the virus could mutate to allow human-to-human transmission.
The segment concludes with a discussion about the feasibility of quarantining the virus once it mutates to be transmissible between humans. Dr. Ridenour expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of quarantine measures due to the vast reservoir of potential carriers, including birds and possibly other animals.
As the show concludes, Art Bell thanks Dr. Ridenour for his participation and insights on such a daunting topic. He reminds listeners that Dr. Ridenour’s book, “Pandemic,” which delves deeper into the subject, is available at pandemicdirect.com.
Dr. Ridenour expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these important issues on the show. Art Bell acknowledges the gravity of the topic but emphasizes the value of being informed and prepared.
The segment ends with a note of appreciation for the knowledge shared, despite the seriousness of the subject matter.