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The Ultimate Covid Guide: fight the virus, detox the spike, know the vaccine

  • Writer: Alex Kelly
    Alex Kelly
  • Jul 2
  • 23 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

There are recommended supplements throughout this guide, you can shop ~most~ of those here.
There are recommended supplements throughout this guide, you can shop ~most~ of those here.

I have teamed up with Katie Collins, PA-C, MSPAS, a conventionally trained and holistic minded PA to discuss all things Covid.


Throughout this guide we we will take a look at the ins and outs of the vaccine, focus on how to treat some of the more common and milder symptoms at home, and how to mitigate the effects of the spike protein both from natural infection and vaccination.


I agree with Dr. Paul Sears when he said, "the Covid 19 pandemic is the most devastating and far-reaching event of our time. No one has escaped its effects, whether it be the illness itself or our world's response to it. And no disease has caused as much debate and division on every level of society: politics, science, medicine, the economy, education, travel, and family life."


This guide is not meant to dive into those intricacies or condemn anyone for their decision making. There was a lot of conflicting information - making it difficult to know the right thing to do. This guide is meant to help you move forward today. So, let's set politics/agenda aside, and take an objective look at Covid-19 and all things related.


What is SARS-Cov-2?

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19. It is a type of coronavirus that mainly spreads through respiratory drops, and can cause a wide range of symptoms from mild (fever, cough fatigue), to severe (difficulty breathing, pneumonia, organ failure). The virus's spike protein is a key feature that allows it to bind to human cells and start an infection.


What is the Role of the Spike Protein?

A spike protein is a specialized protein found on the surface of certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Its job is to help the virus attach to and enter human cells.

  • The "spike" is like a key sticking out from the virus's surface.

  • It binds to a specific receptor (ACE2) on the surface of our cells—kind of like unlocking a door.

  • Once attached, it allows the virus to fuse with the cell and release its genetic material, starting the infection process.

  • Because the spike protein is the part of the virus that the immune system can “see” and recognize, it’s the main target of COVID-19 vaccines.


What is the mRNA Vaccine?

mRNA (messenger RNA) is a type of genetic material that our cells use every day to make proteins. Think of it like instructions, and in mRNA vaccines, these instructions tell your cells how to make the spike protein.


The Covid vaccine mRNA is wrapped in a lipid nanoparticle shell so the immune system lets it walk right into the cells that are naturally lipophilic. The mRNA enters the nucleus and codes for spike protein synthesis.


Normally, if a foreign mRNA were to enter the body naturally, the immune system would kill it. And that was the theory behind the mRNA vaccine: the mRNA would code for spike protein, and the immune system would recognize and kill it - mounting an immune response that would remember the spike protein later. The lipid nanoparticles were supposed to stay in the arm, and then the mRNA destroyed within a week - but we are now seeing this may not always be the cause. Studies have shown spike protein floating around for over 700 days in some cases (1), and because there is SO much of it, there is a risk of the immune system going haywire.


The good news is, there is a way to test your spike protein levels, as well as "detox" any potential spike protein damage. More on this later.


"Natural" Spike vs. "Vaccinated" Spike

The spike protein used in the COVID vaccine is slightly different from the one found in the actual virus. Certain amino acids (lysine and valine) have been replaced with proline, which helps lock the spike into a stable, inactive shape. This change makes the spike protein more likely to trigger a strong immune response, which helps the body produce antibodies.


The spike protein from the actual virus gets cut at a specific point, which results in smaller pieces. The mRNA vaccines are designed to produce a full-length version of the spike protein that stays intact and isn’t split. While the vaccine version of the spike is good at activating the immune system, it’s not necessarily safer than the one found in the virus itself. This is not meant to condemn or guilt anyone who was vaccinated. While the risk of severity isn't as high, there can be consequences to the natural spike protein as well.


Vaccine Spike Protein Consequences

Exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (both naturally and via vaccination) can disrupt the cardiovascular system, hinder mitochondrial functions in human cardiomyocytes - leading to energy deficits and reduced cardiac output (2).


One study by Yonker et al (3) found that in people who developed myocarditis after vaccination, the spike protein from the vaccine was present in the body without being bound by antibodies—something they didn’t see in healthy individuals.


Another study by Baumeier et al (4). detected the vaccine-derived spike protein in heart muscle cells of myocarditis patients through biopsy, while ruling out infection as a cause. Brogna et al (5). also found that this stabilized version of the spike protein can remain in the body for up to six months after vaccination.


  • While the risk of reported myocarditis is rare, it’s important to note that studies indicate younger males (16-29) have a slightly higher risk of developing myocarditis after receiving mRNA vaccines, especially after the second dose. 

  • One study estimated the risk of myocarditis after a second dose of mRNA vaccine in individuals 12-39 years to be around 12.6 cases per million doses. 

  • Another source highlights data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) indicating that the incidence peaks in young males 15-17 with 105.9 cases per million doses. 

  • Some studies have suggested that the Moderna vaccine (mRNA-1273) may be associated with a slightly higher risk of myocarditis in certain populations compared to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (BNT162b2).


Natural Spike Protein Consequences

Similar long-term presence has been seen in people after COVID-19 infection. Studies by Patterson and Craddock (6,7) showed that spike protein from the virus could still be detected in people with long COVID symptoms for at least a year post-infection. Perry et al (8) concluded that the spike protein—whether from the virus or the vaccine—can have harmful effects.


Altogether, this research suggests that the stabilized spike protein produced by mRNA vaccines may linger in the body for extended periods, resist being broken down, and potentially carry similar, if not greater, risks as the viral version.


When looking at treating COVID-19, Long-Covid, and/or "Detoxing" the vaccine, the spike protein should be at the forefront of said treatment plan.


How to Check Your Spike Protein Levels

There is a LabCorp Roche Elecsys Spike Antibody Test that detects and measures antibodies targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

TEST: 164090

CPT: 86769

  • <0.8 = no spike protein exposure 

  • <1,000 = likely cleared

  • >1,000 = high risk of spike protein disease/damage to the human body  

  • Source: Dr. Peter Mccullough 


Now let's dive into how to treat an active COVID-19 infection at home. We will then cover how to treat Long Covid and "detox" the spike protein, whether from natural infection or vaccination


Treating COVID at Home: Best Practices

Infants

Infants have little to no risk of ever catching COVID, but in the case that one does:

  • Consistently breastfeeding

  • Vitamin D supplementation

  • Frequent contact naps

  • Walks outside

Keep an eye on hydration and energy levels. If they appear lethargic, or are not latching/eating for several hours, head to the ER (very unlikely).


Toddlers/Kids/Teens Under 17

source: FLCCC/IMA

This age group has a very low risk of getting seriously ill. In fact, 95% of children under 17 have already had COVID up to this point.

  • Zinc - inhibits the virus from entering the cells, increases innate immunity. *GIVE WITH FOOD

    • NIH daily zinc recommendation (9)

      • 0-6mo 2mg

        7mo-3yr 3mg

        4-8yr 5mg

        9-13yr 8mg

        14-18yr male 11mg

        14-18yr female 8mg

  • Vitamin D + K2 drops - helps decrease inflammation

    • CDC minumum (10)

      • newborn-12mo: 400 IU daily

      • 1yr-adult: 600 IU daily

    • CHOP maximum (11)

      • newborn-12 mo: 1,500 IU daily

      • 1-8yr: 3,000 IU daily

      • 9yr and older: 4,000 IU daily

  • Vitamin C - antiviral properties, effective for prevention & treatment, may do normal dosing or increase if child is ill

    • NIH daily recommendation (12)

      • 0-6mo: 40mg daily

      • 7-12mo: 50mg daily

      • 1-3yr: 15mg daily

      • 4-8yr: 25mg daily

      • 9-13yr: 45mg daily

      • 14-18yr male: 75mg

      • 14-18yr female: 65 mg

  • Quercetin - aids in killing the virus and contains anti-inflammatory properties; either supplementation or foods high in Quercetin like apples, blueberries, cherries, kale, onion, broccoli

    • potentially interacts with Ivermectin, so take it separately

    • There is not currently a consensus on a safe dose for kids. One study (13) gave children a combination supplement that included 70mg of quercetin per 10kg of bodyweight every day for 26 days. There were no serious side effects noted. 

  • Vitamin A - supplementation or cod liver oil

    • NIH daily recommendations (14)

      • 0-6mo 400 mcg RAE 

      • 7-12mo 500 mcg RAE 

      • 1-3yr 300 mcg RAE 

      • 4-8yr 400 mcg RAE 

      • 9-13yr 600 mcg RAE 

      • 14-18yr male 900 mcg RAE

      • 14-18yr female 700 mcg RAE

  • Probiotics - Covid uniquely attacks the gut, so these provide protection and support

  • Melatonin - anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is a powerful regulator of mitochondrial function

    • not recommended to take long-term, as it can disrupt the body's natural ability to produce Melatonin on it's own

    • Daily dosing according to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (15)

      • 3-5yr: 1-3mg

      • 5-10yr: 2-5mg

      • Adolescents: 5-10mg

  • Ivermectin - This is NOT just a horse dewormer. While not technically FDA approved for treating Covid, it has been FDA approved to treat many parasitic infections in both children and adults. In fact, in 2015 William C. Campbell and Satoshi Omura received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of ivermectin. Most kids will not need to take this as COVID is very mild in children.

    • There is tons of data surrounding the efficacy of Ivermectin in all stages of COVID, long COVID, and vaccine injury. You can view a full review analysis done in December 2024 showing 684 references, as well as the complete safety and efficacy of Ivermectin here.

    • not recommended for pregnant women, as there have been no studies

    • FLCC dosing recommendations (16)

      • 0.4 mg/kg per dose, with one dose given and then a repeat dose given after 48 hours 

      • take separately from Quercetin as there is a potential for interaction

  • Saline mouthwashes and nasal sprays 

  • Those with asthma should continue with their daily steroid inhalers, or have rescue Albuterol inhaler on hand

  • Play outside - natural light and movement aids in healing, will also help prevent kids from getting Covid

  • Lots of rest and hydration


Adults

All of the same recommendations as kids, but with adults you can dose much higher for Vitamin C! You can also consider the following:

  • Hydroxycholoroquine - may be taken by itself or with Ivermectin; antiviral effects and can modulate the immune system’s inflammatory response 

    • HCQ is safe in pregnancy, while Ivermectin is not considered safe in pregnancy

    • 200mg 2x/day for 5-10 days

  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) 6: promotes GSH synthesis. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating mechanisms


Second Line Meds if Symptoms Persist:

  • Nitazoxanide

  • Omega 3s

  • Azithromycin

  • Nattokinase

  • Spironolactone

  • Prednisolone


Treating at Home: Respiratory Symptoms

Avoid Decongestants and Cough Suppressants

Our body produces more mucus when sick to help trap pathogens, while coughing and sneezing helps to expel them. When you take a decongestant, you are drying up the mucus that is designed to trap and expel pathogens. Instead, focus on thinning the mucus so it can easily be expelled. 


It is best to avoid cough suppressants for the same reasons to avoid decongestants. Coughing is how the body removes pathogens, so taking a suppressant can prolong the illness. However, if one becomes necessary due to lack of sleep or unable to eat/drink, Genexa is a good brand. Cough suppressants are typically not recommended for babies. The FDA advises against OTC cough and cold medicines in infants under 2, while others recommend it against children under 4.


Nebulize Saline to help thin out the mucus


Set Up Humidifiers

Maintaining humidity in the range of 40-60% can also reduce transmission of pathogens (17).


Homeopathy & Tinctures for Congestion


Briar Rose for Respiratory Health

  • Briar Rose is a natural form of medicine called gemmotherapy, and is made from plant buds. It supports a healthy sinus passage, eyes, and throat, therefore useful against: runny nose and congestion, ear aches and infections, sore throat, sinus infections, headaches caused by allergies

    • It can be used as a preventative 2-3x a week, or 2-3x a day when battling active sickness

    • Infants: 5-8 drops; 3-8yrs: 15-20 drops; older kids/adults: 25-50 drops


Chest Rubs

Manual Percussion

If your child has chest congestion, you can try manual percussion. This is done by cupping your hand and clapping the child's back to help loosen mucous and move it to the larger airways to allow it to be more easily coughed up.


Non-Medicated Cough Syrups


Homeopathic & Tincture Cough Treatments


Herbal Cough Support

Common Thyme: Research has shown that thyme helps with lung spasms. In this case best taken in the form of a tea or tincture

  • Thyme whole leaf

  • Thyme tea 1

  • Thyme tea 2

  • Thyme tincture: Herb Pharm

  • Wild Cherry Bark: Wild cherry bark helps open up the lower respiratory system, and move mucus up while drying it out. It has calming and :nervine properties, which can help ease coughing spells, especially at night. It is also cooling to sore and inflamed tissues in the sinuses and throat. You can take this as a tea, tincture, or make your own cherry bark syrup. 

  • Mullein: Mullein leaf tea or syrup can help relieve inflammation and coughing spells by helping move stuck congestion. This is a great herb for lung issues, specifically.

  • Onion Method for Coughs: 

    • Slicing up an onion and placing it next to your bed while sleeping can be a powerful decongestant by opening up nasal passages and making it easier to breathe.

    • Slice up an onion, place in a plastic bag, put feet in plastic bag, and cover with a sock overnight. The feet are reflex’s for the chest, head, and abdomen, so this is especially helpful for coughing, congestion, and head colds.


STEAM SHOWERS

Breathing in moist air is another way to relieve symptoms almost immediately. Head into the bathroom, shut the door, and turn on the shower as hot as it can go. Once the room is nice and moist, bring your child in to breathe in the moist air for 10 minutes. You can also use a humidifier in your child’s room while they sleep. 


Know How to Spot Respiratory Distress

Respiratory distress is when your child is working too hard to breathe, and their body is not able to oxygenate effectively—this is when things can escalate quickly. A child struggling to breathe can go from stable to critical very quickly. Their smaller airways, higher oxygen needs, and limited reserves mean once they begin to tire, things can unravel fast.


Example of Retractions



NOT RECOMMENDED: Fever Suppresents

What is a Fever?

A fever is a natural response to an infection or illness. It is a good sign, because it means that your body is fighting off the infection. The increased body temperature from a fever boosts the performance of immune cells and induces stress on pathogens and infected cells, providing a strong immune defense (18).


Why Let a Fever Do Its Job?

Since fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting off illnesses, reducing a fever can actually prolong the illness or infection. Fevers also trigger immune cells to recruit and activate T-cells, which coordinate long-term “adaptive” immune responses such as antibody production (19). By letting a fever run its course, you are also providing better protection for future illnesses.


When to Treat at Home

It is safe to support a fever caused by a viral illness at home in the majority of cases. While your child may be a bit uncomfortable or irritable, fevering is your child’s way of fighting their illness. If your child is not able to eat or drink due to fever fatigue, you can try to reduce the fever to avoid dehydration. If your child is unable to sleep due to fever discomfort, you can also try to reduce the fever. As a parent, you know your child best. Treat your child, not the number on the thermometer.


When to Call Your Pediatrician

If your child is showing signs of dehydration or the fever has been on-going for more than 3 days, you can try calling your pediatrician 


When is a Fever an Emergency?

  • Lethargy, even after medicating 

  • Febrile seizure

  • Fever in an infant under 3 months old 


How High is Too High?

Parents are told that fevers over 104F need to go to the ER, but that is not always the case. If the child is relatively comfortable with a temperature of 104F, you can continue to support their healing at home. If you decide to come to the ER, make sure that you give a fever reducer first. At the ER, your child will receive fever reducers if they are still febrile, then the cause of illness will be investigated. Viral illnesses will typically respond to medicine. A temperature of 102F vs 104F does not change the course of action in the ER. 


Febrile Seizures

Febrile seizures are caused by sudden temperature changes (example: temp going from 99.4 to 101.9 in minutes), NOT by the high temperature itself. This is why it is not recommended to put a fevering child in a cold bath. Instead, put them in a warm bath and let them sit in the water until it cools off


Before Heading to the ER

If you determine that the ER is necessary despite trying natural remedies - medicate first. Do not wait to medicate your child because you want the doctor “to see how high it is.” If the temperature goes down before arriving to the ER, you may save yourself a trip and money.


How to Treat a Fever Without Medication

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can be used as a fever suppressant. Dilute 1-2 drops with 1/2-1 tsp coconut oil and apply to soles of feet and spine. It can also be used for headaches. Apply directly to temples, forehead, behind ears, back of neck whenever you have a headache (if using on child dilute; or if adult has sensitive skin).


Always use your discretion, and consult with your trusted provider before using oils. John Hopkins Medical does not recommend the use of peppermint oil under 30 months, and CHOP does not recommend any essential oils under the age of 3.


Wet Sock Trick

Sleeping in wet socks signals your body to dilate the blood vessels in your feet resulting in blood being moved to and warming, the feet. This increases circulation throughout the entire body. This cycle should continue throughout the night and helps boost the immune system and reduce body temperature - making it great for fevers. You can do this by placing damp cotton socks on your feet followed by thick wool socks.


When & How to Medicate

Medicating a fevering child is up to parents’ discretion as a last resort after supportive care. You can try to reduce the fever if your child is unable to eat, drink, or sleep due to discomfort from the fever.


Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is NOT recommended. It lowers glutathione stores - an antioxidant very important in immune function. By lowering this antioxidant, we are prolonging the illness. 


Ibuprofen (Motrin) does lower glutathione, but not to the extent that Acetaminophen does. If choosing to medicate, try Ibuprofen first (in children over 6 months old). If the fever is still not going down, and you think you may need to head to the ER, then you can try Acetaminophen as a last resort.



NOT RECOMMENDED: Antibiotics, Antihistamines, Aspirin

Antibiotics should be avoided when possible. They destroy the gut microbiome and can lead to antibiotic resistance. If an antibiotic becomes necessary, Azithromycin can be used - but it is not well studied in kids for COVID.


If you must take an antibiotic, consider taking the following during the course of the antibiotic:


How to Treat Long-Covid and "Detox" the Spike Protein

If you are suffering from long-covid, wish to "detox" the vaccine, or are at a higher risk of spike protein disease whether from natural exposure or vaccination, the Independent Medical Alliance has a fantastic protocol.


Immune dysregulation is the primary issue, so the goal is to stop the body from producing spike proteins and to mitigate toxic effects. You don't want to suppress the immune system, so immunosuppressants are not recommended - only in a few occasions for those with autoimmune issues to begin with. We want to retrain the immune system to heal itself!


The following are from the IMA's protocol. Please click here to view dosing and contraindications.

*Listed in order of importance


First Line Therapies

  • The Wellness Company Spike Support (KATIEC gets $ off on their website)

    • Recommended by Katie, not part of the IMA protocol

  • Intermittent fasting - to get rid of dead cells, promote immune system homeostasis, improve mitochondrial health, and increase stem cell production

  • Ivermectin - Ivermectin and intermittent fasting act synergistically to rid the body of the spike protein. Ivermectin binds to the protein, aiding in its elimination.

  • Moderating Physical Activity: for those suffering from long-covid, severe post-exertional fatigue and/or worsening of symptoms are common with exercising. It is ideal to keep the heart rate under 110 BPM, and to identify the activity level beyond which their symptoms worsen and aim to stay below that level

  • Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) - neuromodulator and has anti-inflammatory properties

  • Nattokinase - fibrinolytic and anti-platelet, helps clotting issues caused by spike protein

  • Melatonin - anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is a powerful regulator of mitochondrial function

  • Magnesium

  • Methylene Blue - recommended for patients with brain fog and other neurological symptoms. Induces mitophagy and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antiviral properties

    • NOT recommended if pregnant or breast-feeding

    • If you go to the hospital you need to tell them you’re taking this

  • Sunlight and/or red light therapy  - enhances the activity of cytochrome c oxidase

  • Vitamin D + K2 -

  • Resveratrol or a combination flavonoid

    • Resveratrol: activates autophagy 

    • Quercetin: acts synergistically with resveratrol and increases the bioavailability  

  • Probiotics/Prebiotics - patients with Long Covid typically have a severE dysbiosis with loss of Bifidobacterium


Second Line Therapies

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: combo of EPA/DHA for anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects

  • N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) 6: promotes GSH synthesis. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating mechanisms

  • Cardio Miracle™ and L-arginine/L-citrulline supplements: promotes increased nitric oxide productions

  • Nigella sativa: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties 

  • Sildenafil with or without L-arginine-L-Citrulline: helpful for brain fog as well as microvascular disease with clotting and poor perfusion

  • Bromelain: In Vitro studies have shown that bromeliad cleaves the spike protein

  • Vitamin C: contains important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing properties 

  • Spermidine: preserves mitochondrial function and has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease

  • Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS): has been demonstrated to improve cognitive function in patients with Long Covid 

  • Intravenous Vitamin C: contains important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing properties 

  • Behavioral modification, relaxation therapy, mindfulness therapy: may help improve patient’s overall well-being and mental health


Third Line Therapies

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: potent anti-inflammatory properties, decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing IL-10

  • Low Magnitude Mechanical Stimulation: has been demonstrated to increase bone density

  • “Mitochondrial energy optimizer”

  • Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ): a potent immunomodulating agent

  • Low dose corticosteroid


We hope all of the above has equipped you for handling any Covid infection or Long Covid that may enter your home in the future, as well as mitigating any spike protein damage that could occur from infection or vaccination.


If you have yet to receive the vaccine, or give the vaccine to a child, let's take some time to dive deeper into the ins and outs to better help you make an informed decision.


Note: The CDC no longer recommends the Covid-19 vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women. It is only recommended for adults 18yr and older.


COVID-19 Stats

When weighing the risks vs benefits of giving a vaccine, it can be helpful to look at the stats of the illness itself.


Total Covid-19 Deaths 2020

350,831 where Covid-19 was the leading cause

Total Covid-19 Deaths 2021

416,893 where Covid-19 was the leading cause

Total Covid-19 Deaths 2022

244,986 where Covid-19 was the leading cause

Total Covid-19 Deaths 2023

49,932 where Covid-19 was the leading cause


COVID-19 Deaths by Age (vaccinated & unvaccinated combined 2020-2023) (20,21)

0-17 Years: 1,692 deaths | 16,749,149 cases (.01% fatality rate)

18-29 Years: 7,023 deaths | 19,757,675 cases (.04% fatality rate)

30-39 Years: 19,856 deaths | 16,170,853 cases (.12% fatality rate)

40-49 Years: 46,217 deaths | 13,779,783 cases (.34% fatality rate)

50-64 Years: 202,834 deaths | 18,189,467 cases (1.12% fatality rate)

65-74 Years: 256,326 deaths | 7,323,646 cases (3.50% fatality rate)

75-84 Years: 299,306 deaths | 3,923,863 cases (7.63% fatality rate)

85+ Years: 310,777 deaths | 1,944,882 (15.98% fatality rate)


Total Deaths: 1,144,031 (CDC)

Total Confirmed Cases: ~103,436,829 (WHO)


“All deaths involving COVID” means the the patient could have had just COVID, COVID and pneumonia, COVID and flu, or COVID, pneumonia, AND flu. Unfortunately I am having a hard time finding the stats on just COVID alone. If anyone can find those, please share. 


As you can see the numbers continue to dramatically decrease each year. The vaccines are definitely a factor. However, we cannot forget about natural immunity. We now know that natural immunity is just as great of a protection, if not a greater protection, than the vaccine. And as of 2023, the CDC estimated that approximately 97% of Americans had some level of immunity against COVID-19, either from previous infection, vaccination, or both.


Pediatric Specific Complications & Fatalities from Covid-19 Infection

A pediatric complication worth mentioning is Multisystem Inflammatory Sydrome (MIS-C), where various organs become inflamed. Most children require hospitalization and supportive care with IV fluids and anti-inflammatory medications. Almost all will recover. Tragically, there have been 70 reported fatalities. But virtually most children who contract Covid will not suffer MIS-C (The Vaccine Book by Robert W. Sears).


This is an extremely rare complication reported in about 9,000 children who had Covid in the US.


If you have not yet received the vaccine, you most likely already have immunity due to natural exposure. For newborns and young children the risk of severe illness if contracted naturally is incredibly low, and death is close to 0%. By the time they reach the recommended age for vaccination (18 years) there is a good chance they will already be naturally immune. *Due to the wide spread of natural immunity that has already occurred with most Americans, there is a chance that percentage is lower than it would be back in 2021. However, you can always make the decision to check antibodies and decide from there, but even then the risk of severe illness and death is incredibly low even at 18yr+.


Adverse Reactions: Pfizer

  • More than 1 in 10: injection site pain, swelling, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, diarrhea, fever (more than 1 in 10)

  • Up to 1 in 10: injection site redness, nausea, vomiting (up to 1 in 10)

  • Up to 1 in 100: enlarged lymph nodes, feeling unwell, arm pain, insomnia, Injection site Itching, allergic reactions such as rash or itching, feeling weak or lack of energy/sleepy, decreased appetite, dizziness, excessive sweating, night sweats

  • Up to 1 In 1,000: temporary one sided facial drooping, allergic reactions such as hives or swelling of the face

  • Up to 1 In 10,000: inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or inflammation of the lining outside the heart (pericarditis) which can result in breathlessness, palpitations or chest pain

  • Unknown: severe allergic reaction, extensive swelling of the vaccinated limb,  swelling of the face (swelling of the face may occur in patients who have had facial dermatological fillers), a skin reaction that causes red spots or patches on the skin, that may look like a target or “bulls-eye” with a dark red centre surrounded by paler red rings (erythema multiforme), unusual feeling in the skin, such as tingling or a crawling feeling (paraesthesia), decreased feeling or sensitivity, especially in the skin (hypoaesthesia), heavy menstrual bleeding (most cases appeared to be non-serious and temporary in nature)

  • Source: https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=15502

Adverse Reactions: Moderna

  • Difficulty breathing • Swelling of the face and throat • A fast heartbeat • A bad rash all over the body • Dizziness and weakness

  • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have occurred in some people who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Myocarditis and pericarditis following Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have occurred most commonly in young adult males 18 years through 24 years of age. In most of these individuals, symptoms began within a few days following vaccination. 

  • Additional symptoms, particularly in children, may include: • Fainting • Unusual and persistent irritability • Unusual and persistent poor feeding • Unusual and persistent fatigue or lack of energy • Persistent vomiting • Persistent pain in the abdomen • Unusual and persistent cool, pale skin

  • Side effects that have been reported in clinical trials with Moderna COVID-19 vaccines include: Injection site reactions: pain, tenderness and swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection or in the groin, swelling (hardness), and redness • General side effects: fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea and vomiting, fever, rash, irritability/crying, sleepiness, and loss of appetite

  • Side effects that have been reported during post-authorization use include:  Severe allergic reactions • Urticaria (itchy rash/hives) • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) • Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) • Fainting in association with injection of the vaccine

  • Source: https://www.fda.gov/media/167209/download?attachment


Controversial Ingredients: Fetal Cell Lines

Fetal cell lines are derived from aborted fetal embryonic kidney cells grown in tissue culture. These cell lines are commonly used in the medical world for research and therapeutic solutions (the most commonly used is HEK-293). 


While the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines did not use this, or any, fetal cell line to produce or manufacture their vaccine - a fetal cell line was used in the very early phase to confirm efficacy prior to production and manufacturing. 


Most people who are uncomfortable with vaccines that use fetal cell lines are mostly uncomfortable with the ones that use them in order to produce the actual vaccine by growing the virus in the cells during development and manufacturing. 


The only COVID-19 vaccine that did the above was Johnson & Johnson, which is no longer available. Pfizer and Moderna simply used the cells to confirm efficacy. However, some may still be uncomfortable with this for personal, moral, or religious reasons.


Other Considerations Before Vaccinating

There is evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine might decrease severity of the disease, but at the cost of constant spike protein floating around. People who have received 2 or more shots of the COVID-19 vaccines have been reported to have elevated levels of IgG4 antibodies, which can weaken the immune system and create a higher risk of aggressive cancer growth (22).


When looking at the numbers, the rate of fatality for most age groups is relatively low (minus the 85+ group). Many people are okay with these numbers, and do not feel they need the vaccine - especially if they are young and healthy. Others have already had COVID, and according to multiple studies natural immunity is just as great of a protection, if not a greater protection, than the vaccine (23-25). Others are not comfortable with vaccines that use fetal cell lines in any capacity. While others are simply not comfortable with such a new vaccine in which most trials had a conflict of interest, and the possible unknown longterm effects of the MRNA technology/spike protein.


Many people who are elderly or have underlying health conditions/compromised immune systems may feel more comfortable with the protection of the vaccine. Others have seen loved ones suffer greatly from this virus, and wish to be vaccinated against it. Many work in high-risk positions and find comfort from the added protection. Informed consent is important, and a right we should all be afforded. Every medical decision we make has risks and benefits, even "holistic" treatments.


At the end of the day, if someone understands the risks and decides they still wish to be vaccinated, that's okay! Likewise, if someone w the benefits and decides they still don't want to vaccinate, that's okay! This is a personal decision that only you can make. Let’s not judge others on theirs. We have no idea what others are going through, and why they make the decisions they make. And honestly, it really doesn’t matter. All we can do is worry about ourselves. Do your research, and make an informed decision that’s best for you and your family. That’s going to look different for everyone, AND THAT'S OKAY!



Sources:


2 Hulscher N, Procter BC, Wynn C, McCullough PA. Clinical Approach to Post-acute Sequelae After COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination. Cureus. 2023 Nov 21;15(11):e49204. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49204. PMID: 38024037; PMCID: PMC10663976.


3 Yonker - Circulating spike protein detected in post-COVID-19 mRNA vaccine myocarditis. Yonker LM, Swank Z, Bartsch YC, et al. Circulation. 2023;147:867–876. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.061025


4 Baumeier - Intramyocardial Inflammation after COVID-19 vaccination: an endomyocardial biopsy-proven case series. Baumeier C, Aleshcheva G, Harms D, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23:6940. doi: 10.3390/ijms23136940


5 Brogna - Detection of recombinant Spike protein in the blood of individuals vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2: possible molecular mechanisms. Brogna C, Cristoni S, Marino G, et al. Proteomics Clin Appl. 2023:0. doi: 10.1002/prca.202300048


6 Patterson - Persistence of SARS CoV-2 S1 protein in CD16+ monocytes in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) up to 15 months post-infection. Patterson BK, Francisco EB, Yogendra R, et al. Front Immunol. 2021;12:746021. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.746021


7 Craddock - Persistent circulation of soluble and extracellular vesicle-linked Spike protein in individuals with postacute sequelae of COVID-19. Craddock V, Mahajan A, Spikes L, et al. J Med Virol. 2023;95:0. doi: 10.1002/jmv.28568


8 Perry - Spikeopathy’: COVID-19 spike protein is pathogenic, from both virus and vaccine mRNA. Parry PI, Lefringhausen A, Turni C, Neil CJ, Cosford R, Hudson NJ, Gillespie J. Biomedicines. 2023;11:2287. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11082287



13 Taliou A, Zintzaras E, Lykouras L, Francis K. An open-label pilot study of a formulation containing the anti-inflammatory flavonoid luteolin and its effects on behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders. Clin Ther. 2013 May;35(5):592-602. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2013.04.006. PMID: 23688534.






18 Wrotek S, LeGrand EK,Dzialuk A, Alcock J. Let fever do its job: The meaning of fever in the pandemic era. Evol Med Public Health. 2020 Nov 23;9(1):26-35. doi: 10.1093/emph/eoaa044. PMID: 33738101; PMCID: PMC7717216.


19 Geddes L. The fever paradox. New Sci. 2020 Apr 11;246(3277):39-41. doi: 10.1016/S0262-4079(20)30731-4. Epub 2020 Apr 10. PMID: 32372807; PMCID: PMC7195085.






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