Staying Safe from Swine Flu
Andrew L. Rubman, ND
Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines
esterday, the World Health Organization raised the influenza pandemic alert to phase 5 on its "pandemic alert" scale, meaning that there is "widespread human infection" in at least two countries. "At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities." Whether or not swine flu will become a full-blown pandemic remains unclear -- but there’s absolutely no question that everyone would benefit from measures to strengthen their immune systems to minimize the likelihood of infection.
I have written numerous times about flu prevention with regard to both the "standard" flu viruses as well as avian flu, so I have pulled together the most significant and helpful information to help you protect yourself. These are good strategies at all times but especially important and relevant right now. It’s vital to follow all the same commonsense advice we’ve ever heard about staying healthy during the annual flu season: Wash your hands often... avoid exposure to infected people... try not to touch your face, as this is a common way germs are transmitted... cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze... and get plenty of fresh air. IMMUNE-BUILDING STRATEGIES According to Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, there are a number of particular strategies that are helpful in boosting your immune system in order to be strong enough to fight off the assault of germs. He is quick to point out that the real danger has less to do with exposure than with the state of your health at the moment -- being exposed to a virus doesn’t mean you absolutely will get it. Organisms are able to cause disease only when they can get past the body’s defenses. A strong immune system will help limit the duration and intensity of symptoms. Dr. Rubman’s favorite immune boosters to fight viral infections: Selenium: A Powerful Antioxidant This essential trace mineral is a valuable antioxidant that prevents cell damage from free radicals. Selenium helps the immune system recognize viruses and block them from entering cells, explains Dr. Rubman. He recommends a dose of 400 micrograms (mcg) to 500 mcg a day divided into three parts -- that is about four times the usual. Lomatium Another potent and powerful weapon against flu is a plant called Lomatium dissectum, a member of the parsley family that grows in the northwestern US. This herb was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat upper respiratory infections and is thought to possess antimicrobial properties as well. Specialized formulations of Lomatium are available to physicians, but consumers can purchase Lomatium - Osha throat spray (Eclectic Institute). Lomatium is most effective if used as soon as possible after a known exposure (such as a person with whom you work or attend school). Vitamins Supplemental vitamin C and D are both very helpful -- C in improving mucous membrane resistance, which is how the virus is most commonly transmitted, and D in reducing risk of infection (and if you do get sick, severity). Red-Hot Chili Peppers: A Spicy, Immune-Boosting Tea Another of Dr. Rubman’s flu-fighting favorites is a spicy tea concocted from echinacea, goldenseal, slippery elm bark and just a touch of the red-hot pepper capsicum. Echinacea, goldenseal and capsicum team up to fight off germs, while slippery elm allows the tea to coat the back of the throat, where viruses are most likely to take hold. Here’s how to make it: At your local health-food store, purchase one-half ounce of powdered goldenseal root... one-half ounce of powdered echinacea root (not the whole plant)... two ounces of slippery elm bark powder... and one teaspoon of capsicum. At home, put ingredients in a brown paper bag or plastic baggie, close tightly and shake. Transfer the contents to a screw-top jar. Give this jar a shake each time you use it in order to remix the ingredients. To make the tea, pour one cup of very hot water into a mug over one-half teaspoon of the powder. Cover and steep for five minutes. Sip up to several cups daily throughout flu season. LAST BUT NOT LEAST... It is important enough to repeat -- wash your hands. It’s age-old advice that remains critical. Wash hands before eating... before leaving the bathroom... and indeed, anytime they are dirty. Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms Symptom | Cold | H1N1 Flu | Fever | Fever is rare with a cold. | Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. | Coughing | A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. | A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough). | Aches | Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. | Severe aches and pains are common with the flu. | Stuffy Nose | Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. | Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu. | Chills | Chills are uncommon with a cold. | 60% of people who have the flu experience chills. | Tiredness | Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. | Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. | Sneezing | Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. | Sneezing is not common with the flu. | Sudden Symptoms | Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. | The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. | Headache | A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. | A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases. | Sore Throat | Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. | Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu. | Chest Discomfort | Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. | Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. |
The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness.
|