@Patachu
Antibiotics have 0 impact on viruses per se. And there is only limit evidence that broad spectrum antibiotic treatments can serve as any sort of immuneal booster. More likely, it will weaken the body as it indiscriminately kills gut bacteria.
The theory behind HQ and CHQ is their effect directly on the immune system. Specifically, both compounds are very good at penetrating cell walls and getting into a bunch of hard to reach places. It’ll punch right through lipid bilayers like they’re nothing.
As an antimalarial, it is able to break into the parasites “stomach” (think pouch of acid). HCQ loves loves loves acidic ions. It’ll snatch some electrons, and end up making itself too fat to leave. And there it sits in the parasites gut, weakening the acid and blocking its ability to break down toxins.
As for the immune system, it suppresses the cytokine response. It blocks up lysosomes inside immune cells, preventing them from breaking down proteins into antigens and starting up a storm. Again, by fucking with the PH balancing. It’s the immunial suppression that helps it treat stuff like Lupus.
Neither of those purposes increases the immune response in any way. It doesn’t stimulate the immune system, it suppresses it.
What it can do is alter the PH balancing in cells preventing viral replication plus slowing the cytokine response so the body doesn’t overreact. Meaning taking HCQ to “prevent” or prepare for an infection is pointless. If it works, it would only work on an infected individual.
Even in “safe” doses, HCQ has some nasty side effects with the heart. It can be fatal if you’re on certain heart medications.