You Don’t Have Time to Flirt with FLiRT

(Spend your summer by the poolside, not bedside)

As the new Covid variant sweeps the country-called FLiRT, (which stands for mutations in the virus's spike protein at positions designated "F for L" and "R for T") summertime is in full force, and the last thing you want is to be sick.

Luckily, symptoms this time around seem to be less severe than with the previous strains. At least that’s what the CDC wants you to believe. It still packs a powerful punch when it comes to symptoms. Ask anyone who has had to deal with this new variant. You may get a different story.

Luckily, just like the other variants of Covid, this one is very treatable, and most likely won’t land you in the hospital.

Similar symptoms as prior strains, except for the nagging cough that won’t go away.

The main symptoms of the new FLiRT variant of COVID-19 are similar to those of previous strains: Shortness of breath, persistent cough (more pronounced with this new variant), runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache, loss of taste or smell, and diarrhea.

Early intervention is key

Breathe easier with medication proven to relieve symptoms and reduce symptoms.

Budesonide was one of the first drugs identified by Dr. Peter McCullough, as safe and effective against COVID-19-both in symptom relief and inhibiting viral replication.

Budesonide- an inhaled corticosteroid- has a proven track record of reducing hospital admissions and severity of symptoms- and much more. Paired with the included nebulizer you are well equipped to take on any new variant that comes your way.

This prescription medication, only offered through The Wellness Company as part of our comprehensive Contagion Emergency Kit has proven efficacy in relieving shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing(one of the most common and long-lasting symptoms of the FLiRT variant).

Research-backed results

Inhaled Budesonide

• Reduces lung inflammation, which in turn can relieve shortness of breath.
• Downregulates viral replication of SARS-CoV-2
• Reduces severity of COVID-19-better symptom control
• Faster recovery time, which may reduce the likelihood of progression leading to hospitalization
• Using budesonide early in the disease course for at-risk outpatients may prevent progression to severe illness requiring hospitalization.
• Prevent rebound symptoms that could require hospitalization
• Sustained recovery: The budesonide group more often remained well after initial recovery. (1,2,3)

However, this lifesaving drug is in short supply- and maybe for quite a while

Budesonide prices have increased by about 75% in the past 9 months. The Wellness Company has locked in supply for the rest of the year so that we can offer our kits at competitive prices for smart consumers.

Reasons for budesonide shortage are:

1. Limited availability: As of June 2024, only one budesonide inhalation suspension solution is available, while 18 are in short supply
2. Discontinuations: Some manufacturers, such as Amneal, have discontinued their budesonide inhalation suspension products
3. Manufacturing issues: Many drugmakers have cited limited supply without sharing specific reasons or expected resupply dates.
4. Increased demand: There was a spike in demand for inhaled budesonide medicines in October 2021 following its recommendation by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce as a COVID-19 treatment
5. General drug shortage trends: The United States is currently experiencing the highest number of drug shortages in 10 years, with budesonide being one of many affected medications
6. Limited suppliers: With some manufacturers discontinuing production and others facing supply constraints, the market has become tight with only a few suppliers available. (4.5)

Prevent getting sick in the first place

Nebulize and kill the virus before it takes hold- with our exclusive iodine saltwater protocol, using the included nebulizer and instructions found in the contagion manual. This protocol was developed exclusively by our Chief Medical Board.

Be Prepared for the next pandemic

The Contagion Emergency Kit is tailored to effectively treat Upper Respiratory Viral Infections such as COVID-19 and Influenza (including Avian Bird Flu) - and much more:

• Ivermectin- a Nobel- Prize-winning anti-parasitic agent on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. Studies have demonstrated Ivermectin’s strong anti-viral properties. (6)
• Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an anti-malarial agent that is also effective in combating several types of respiratory viruses. Studies have shown that HCQ promotes the body’s immunosuppressive system to combat viral infection. (7)
• Azithromycin (generic Z-pak) Azithromycin is an antibiotic in the macrolide class. It has been shown to exhibit both antiviral and immunomodulatory properties that can offer therapeutic benefits to certain viral respiratory infections. Studies indicated Azithromycin may directly inhibit viral load, particularly in the early stages of infection. (8)
• Oseltamivir (generic Tamiflu) is an antiviral medication that disrupts the replication of the Influenza A and B viruses, including the “avian “bird flu” H5N1 variant, within the body to reduce the severity of flu symptoms. (9)

Covid and other viruses are here to stay

New variants will be a long-term reality, like the seasonal flu – even if they have a clever brand name like FLIRT.

Don’t waste your summer being sick - Pick up Your Contagion Kit While Supplies Last

Citations

1. Deng, X., Sugawara, M., Watanabe, O., Nomura, K., Shimotai, Y., Momma, H., Ichinose, M., & Kawase, T. (2022). ProLung™-budesonide Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Reduces Lung Inflammation. Viruses, 14(1), 89.
2. Matsuyama, S., Kawase, M., Nao, N., Shirato, K., Ujike, M., Kamitani, W., Shimojima, M., & Fukushi, S. (2020). The inhaled corticosteroid ciclesonide blocks coronavirus RNA replication by targeting viral NSP15. Journal of Virology, 95(1), e01648-20. Yamaya, M., Nishimura, H.,
3. Halpin, D. M. G., Singh, D., & Hadfield, R. M. (2021). Potential therapeutic role of budesonide to reduce COVID-19 severity. Clinical Medicine Insights: Circulatory, Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine, 15, 11795484211053518.
4. https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/current-shortages/drug-shortage-detail.aspx?id=956&loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly
5. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/17-more-drugs-went-into-shortage-in-may.html
6. Crump, A. (2017). Ivermectin: enigmatic multifaceted 'wonder' drug continues to surprise and exceed expectations. The Journal of Antibiotics, 70(5), 495-505.
7. Rodrigo C, Fernando SD, Rajapakse S. Clinical evidence for repurposing chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as antiviral agents: a systematic review. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2020 Aug;26(8):979-987. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.05.016. Epub 2020 May 26. PMID: 32470568; PMCID: PMC7250111.
8. Pani, A., Lauriola, M., Romandini, A., & Scaglione, F. (2020). Macrolides and viral infections: focus on azithromycin in COVID-19 pathology. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 56(2), 106053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106053
9. Dobson, J., Whitley, R. J., Pocock, S., & Monto, A. S. (2015). Oseltamivir treatment for influenza in adults: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The Lancet, 385(9979), 1729-1737. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)62449-1

Written by Brooke Lounsbury