The Flu Connection

I decided to see what we know about Flu and gut bacteria on PubMed.

• ” Aquatic birds are the evolutionary hosts of influenza viruses; they harbour many distinct forms or subtypes of influenza A, which are usually present as harmless gut infections.” The influenza viruses.
• ” many humans infected with H5N1 present with gastrointestinal tract symptoms, … In this study, we demonstrated that the human gut expresses abundant avian H5N1 receptors, is readily infected… Our results provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that H5N1 can directly target human gut tissues.”  Avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses can directly infect and replicate in human gut tissues.
• “These results demonstrate that oral administration of selected lactobacilli might protect host animals from Flu infection by interactions with gut immunity.” Oral administration of lactobacilli from human intestinal tract protects mice against influenza virus infection
• ” Our findings have demonstrated a unique pattern of host responses in human gut in response to H9N2 subtype influenza viruses, which will broaden our understanding of the pathogenesis of AIV infection in both humans and animals.” Human intestinal epithelial cells are susceptible to influenza virus subtype H9N2

So studies seems to suggest that the gut bacteria are a significant factor for flu. Probiotics may protect someone from getting the flu, and the gut is a “petri dish” for the influenza virus to grow in.

The many reports of getting CFS after a “flu like disease”, may need to be updated to, “after the flu”.

This may also applies to other infections…