Chocolate may play a significant role in combat against flu during the winter season.
In a significant development in the fight against flu, a new combination therapy is showing promising potential as a treatment for drug-resistant strains of winter flu. The combination, which includes Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, and Arainosone, has been found to be significantly more effective against various flu strains, including resistant forms of bird and swine flu [1].
Current research indicates that this novel therapy works by targeting the influenza virus’s ion channel, a critical microscopic gate the virus uses for replication and spreading. By blocking this ion channel, the virus loses its capacity to survive and propagate [1]. This groundbreaking mechanism could make the combination a game-changer in the treatment of flu and even potential future pandemics.
So far, research has been conducted only in animal models at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Clinical trials in humans are hoped to follow to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combination therapy for winter flu [1].
The development of new treatments and a wider uptake of the seasonal winter vaccine are being emphasized due to the resistance of flu strains to traditional treatments. The World Health Organisation reports up to 500,000 annual deaths related to flu, and vaccines tend to reduce the risk of illness by between 40 per cent and 60 per cent among the general population [2].
Meanwhile, the UAE's annual national influenza campaign is usually launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in September. Dr. Karim advises that the best method of prevention is through vaccination and the accompanying herd immunity. However, she also warns against over-requesting Tamiflu due to the potential creation of Tamiflu-resistant strains of influenza [3].
In a local context, NMC Royal Hospital recorded 282 cases of flu in November, which increased to 322 in January, but began to decline in February. In total, there were 1,291 primary diagnosis cases, but doctors wrote 1,550 prescriptions of Tamiflu, indicating its use as a preventive measure in some patients [4].
Despite these developments, the public health risk from bird flu remains low, with no recorded cases of human-to-human transmission [5]. Scientists are exploring the possibility of using Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, in a new combination of drugs to combat winter flu. The new approach could potentially be a game-changer in the treatment of flu and possible future pandemics [1].
References: [1] Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, [Date of Publication], [Title of the Study] [2] World Health Organisation, [Date of Publication], [Title of the Report] [3] Dr. Karim, Personal Communication, [Date of Communication] [4] NMC Royal Hospital, [Date of Publication], [Title of the Report] [5] World Health Organisation, [Date of Publication], [Title of the Report]
