The Walls Are Thinning:

Why the Unvaccinated May Now Need Protection from Ancient Enemies

December 12, 2025

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A Message from Dr. McMillan

Masking has largely been rejected by many unvaccinated individuals, often because of confidence in natural immunity and a low perceived risk from COVID itself. But what if the primary risk has shifted? 

Emerging research suggests that repeated COVID infections and immune disruption may be altering how other pathogens circulate in the population. In that context, protection is no longer just about COVID - it may be about reducing exposure to a wider range of infections that behave differently in an immunologically altered environment.

Strong personal immunity remains important, but it may not always be sufficient on its own. Sensible precautions are about situational awareness rather than fear.

Try not to let your ego get in the way of protecting your health.

Dr. Philip McMillan

In this week's December 12th, 2025 update:

  • Covid-19: Why the unvaccinated may now need protection

  • Vejon: This week’s featured Vejon video

  • Health: The science behind staying positive and living longer

  • Infographic: The walls are thinning

  • News: Medical news in brief

  • Education: McMillan ROOT spike detox protocol

    Read time: 6 minutes

FEATURE ARTICLE

COVID-19

  • COVID infection may cause persistent immune suppression, weakening the granuloma structures that contain latent tuberculosis bacteria.

  • Pakistan research shows reduced key immune markers persisting up to 37 months after COVID-19 infection.

  • South Korea reports 47% more TB cases than projected and 60,000 monthly pertussis cases, suggesting widespread immune fatigue.

  • The unvaccinated may not realize this, but everyone may now need protection from those vaccinated individuals whose compromised immunity is likely to restrict their ability to contain reactivated pathogens.

Why this is important: Billions of people carry dormant tuberculosis bacteria, safely imprisoned by their immune systems. New evidence suggests widespread immune fatigue may be weakening these biological defenses, potentially releasing ancient pathogens we thought were contained. The implications for global public health could be profound and long-lasting.

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HEALTH

The Science Behind Staying Positive and Living Longer
Author: Jolanta Burke, University of Medicine and Health Sciences

  • Dick Van Dyke turns 100 on December 13, crediting his longevity to staying positive and never getting angry.

  • Studies show optimistic people live 10–15% longer, with positive emotions linked to reaching their 90s.

  • Anger triggers stress hormones that strain the cardiovascular system and accelerate cellular aging through telomere shortening.

  • Calming techniques like slow breathing and yoga work better than "letting out" anger for heart health.

Why this is important: Your emotional habits may influence how long you live. Research suggests that cultivating optimism and managing anger can protect your heart, slow cellular aging, and add years to your life. Simple practices like mindful breathing and staying present offer accessible ways to support both wellbeing and longevity.

INFOGRAPHIC

EDUCATION

The McMillan Community is home to the ROOT Approach - a clear, structured system for understanding inflammation, health timelines, and recovery.

We are building a 12-week guided course designed to help you apply ROOT principles to your own health first, and then safely support others through education, insight, and pattern recognition.

This is for those who want understanding — not shortcuts.

MEDICAL NEWS IN BRIEF

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

🚥 Could Hidden Infections Be Fueling Long COVID? Researchers propose that long COVID symptoms may stem not just from the coronavirus itself, but from dormant infections like Epstein-Barr virus reactivating when COVID weakens immunity. If true, existing antibiotics and antivirals could potentially treat millions who currently have no proven therapies. [SOURCE]

🚥 Sugar Starts Corroding Your Teeth Within Seconds: Understanding how sugar triggers rapid acid production and bacterial buildup in your mouth empowers you to protect your teeth through simple daily habits. By timing when you eat sweets, limiting sugary snacks, and brushing after meals, you can prevent cavities before they start.

🚥 Ultra-processed Foods: Leading Cause of Chronic Disease Pandemic: Forty-three scientists are urging governments to regulate ultra-processed foods the way we regulate tobacco. These industrial products now comprise half of what people eat in the US and UK, are linked to obesity, heart disease and early death, and the food industry is actively blocking protective policies. [SOURCE]

🚥 Kimchi May Boost Immune Function: Fermented foods like kimchi may do more than support gut health. New research shows kimchi can prime specific immune cells to respond faster to threats while avoiding excessive inflammation. This targeted effect suggests adding fermented foods to your diet could be a simple way to support immune balance.

🚥 Parenting Styles Play a Key Role in Shaping Teen Mental Health: How parents raise their children directly shapes adolescent mental health. Research from Nepal reveals that supportive, balanced parenting reduces depression, anxiety and stress in teens, while strict or hands-off approaches increase risk. These findings offer clear direction for family interventions and school programs to combat youth mental health crises. [SOURCE]

🚥 Key Chemical in Dark Chocolate May Slow Down Aging: Higher blood levels of theobromine, a compound in dark chocolate, correlate with younger biological age markers in DNA. This suggests certain dietary compounds may influence how quickly our bodies age at a cellular level, opening new avenues for understanding the relationship between everyday foods and longevity. [SOURCE]

BOOK NOOK

Set within a child’s nose, ‘Humming Heroes’ features a family of Lymphocytes led by a wise Mother, brave Father, determined Brother, and heroic Baby, confronting invading microorganisms. The story takes an imaginative turn, when a humming melody combines with the Lymphocytes’ song to repel the invaders and restore inner harmony.

"Disease X: Are You Prepared?" is your comprehensive guide to navigating the uncertain future of global health. Drawing from experience and the latest scientific insights, this book offers:

  • Practical strategies for personal and community preparedness.

  • Lessons learned from COVID-19 and other outbreaks.

  • Actionable steps to boost resilience against emerging health threats.

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