Swine Flu Prevention and Overall Immune Boosting
Presented by the Naturopathic Physicians of West Seattle Natural Medicine
Q and A Session on Swine and Seasonal Flu Prevention and Treatments
Our fall season and beginnings of the school year are upon us once again. After our glorious Seattle summer it’s hard to imagine that soon we could be fighting the colds and flus of the colder months. One of the best ways to avoid these illnesses is via immune boosting- natural medicines provide ample ways to do this, from vitamins and minerals and homeopathics to lifestyle and dietary suggestions.
Additionally, it has been difficult to escape the media frenzy over the 2009 Swine Flu (or H1N1) outbreak. While it’s valid to have concern over possible endemics, the research is suggesting we should treat this potential outbreak much in the same way we do the typical fall/winter flu. Research from Britain has shown that Tamiflu, the drug used to treat H1N1, should not be given to children as the side effects outweigh the benefits and potential complications from this drug (BMJ, online first August 10, 2009.). On August 12, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement that “Adults and children who are severely ill with H1N1 flu or at high risk of complications should be treated with antivirals like Tamiflu, but otherwise healthy people with mild flu-like symptoms need not be given the drugs to combat swine flu.”
Therefore, taking immune boosting steps to keep yourself healthy should be a high priority on your to do list for the fall. There is also ample medical research to support this philosophy. For example, a recent study in the journal Pediatrics supports the use of probiotics to prevent colds, fevers and coughs in children (Pediatrics. 2009;124:e172-e179) and decreased the days of missed school and antibiotic use overall for these children.
The Naturopathic physicians at West Seattle Natural Medicine have developed immune boosting protocols for both children and adults. We encourage you to visit your ND to get an individual plan that addresses your specific needs for immune boosting and flu prevention. We will also be offering a weekly informational session on our immune protocols. Below are some basic guidelines.
Prevention is the best flu medicine. Follow these lifestyle recommendations to minimize your chance of getting this year’s flu:
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water regularly and avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms (sore throat, fever, chills, body aches, severe fatigue, loss of appetite and non productive cough).
Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (or Listerine like mouthwash). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show
symptoms. Simple gargling can prevent proliferation. Also clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water with a Neti pot.
Get adequate sleep
Stay very well hydrated. ½ your body weight in oz (i.e. if you weigh 140 drink 70 oz of water)
Eat healing/immune supportive foods such as: garlic, onions, cooking herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, etc), ginger, medicinal mushrooms (shiitake and reishi)
Ensure intake of adequate protein with each meal
Decrease stress levels through exercise, intake of B vitamins, and proper sleep.
Exercise on a daily basis. Stretching, walking, swimming, working out at a health club, yoga, etc will assist in maintaining a healthy body.
At the first sign of infection do the following:
Eat light meals. Give the body a break from digestion and let it fight the infection. Eat foods that are easy to digest- soups, steamed vegetables, etc.
Do not eat sugar, refined carbohydrates, or dairy until you feel better! These foods will lower your immune system
Avoid mucus-producing foods: dairy, wheat, citrus.
If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit exposure to others and allow your body time to recover!
Drink plenty of fluids and rest!
When should I see a provider?
You should only make an appointment at our clinic if you or your children are experiencing severe flu symptoms such as high fever for several days, dehydration (this will often manifest as dizziness when standing, no urination or lack of tears when crying), intense vomiting for more than 24 hours, difficulty breathing or chest pain, purple or blue lips or passing out/seizures. If you are having mild to moderate flu symptoms (mild dizziness, cough, body aches, mild nausea/vomiting, 24 hour fever) please stay home until you have improved. It is vital to contain yourself to not expose others if at all possible. If you do make an appointment we will ask you to wear a mask while in the clinic. We will begin offering question and answer times weekly throughout the fall and winter where you can learn about prevention and treatment of the flu. Please to our website for the class schedule.
If you do have mild to moderate flu like symptoms follow this protocol:
1- Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (fever should clear without using fever-reducing medications).
2- Rest as much as possible.
3- Follow our immune protocols listed in this handout with herbs/vitamins and home hydrotherapy.
4- Drink clear fluids (water, broths, miso soup and electrolyte beverages such as EmergenC) to keep from becoming dehydrated. Nurse your infant as much as possible if they are ill.
5- Cover coughs and sneezes with a respiratory mask. Clean hands often with soap and water.
6- Only come to the clinic for evaluation AFTER the fever has cleared or if you are having severe signs that are listed above.
WARNING: DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO CHILDREN OR TEENS WHO HAVE THE FLU TO PREVENT A RARE BUT SERIOUS ILLNESS CALLED REYE’S SYNDROME.
Do I need to be tested?
We do not feel the need to routinely test you for the HINI flu but will have the kits available at the clinic if you would like this to be done. Due to the changing strains a false negative value could result even if you do have this flu.
Who is at higher risk of complications from the HINI flu?
Individuals who are already immune compromised (those with chronic diseases), infants, pregnant women, health care workers and the elderly are considered in the high risk group. The people with chronic disease and children who have neurological issues are at the highest risk for complications from this flu.
Vaccine info and reservations about the vaccine:
The physicians at West Seattle Natural Medicine believe that it is your individual choice to become vaccinated for this flu (or any vaccine). We are providing resources so that you can educate yourself and your family and make the right decision for you.
H1NI resources for more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm?s_cid=tw_epr_68
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
http://www.kingcounty.gov/health/HINI
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Public Health Hotline: 877.903.5464
Classes on immune protocols:
We will be offering a 30 minute free information session on our immune boosting protocols starting in October at our clinic. Please refer to our website for exact days but will aim for one evening weekly from 6:30 to 7 pm as a courtesy to our patients.
Influenza Protocol for seasonal and/or HINI flu:
Vitamins and supplements:
Children (aged 2- 19):
Prevention of colds/flus:
- Vitamin D3 (2000-4000 IU daily);
- Homeopathic Thymactiv (5 drops 3 times a day);
- Berry Well Immune Support (1 teaspoon daily);
- Fish oil/omega 3 fatty acids (1000-2000 mg daily).
- Probiotics
First sign of illness:
- Homeopathic Oscillo (3 tube course);
- Vitamin A (10,0000-25,000 IU daily short term, up to one week only);
- Vitamin C (3000 mg daily in divided doses).
Children under 2 can be given many of these things as well but we typically dose it by ½ to 1/3. Please consult with your physician before starting this protocol on your infant.
Adults:
Prevention of colds/flus:
- Vitamin D3 (4000-10,000 IU daily);
- Larrea Plus (1 x 3 daily);
- Astra 8 (3 x 2 daily);
- Fish oil/omega 3 fatty acids (2000-3000 IU daily).
- Regular probiotics and multivitamin use as well.
First sign of illness:
- Homeopathic Oscillo (3 tube course);
- Vitamin A (50,0000-100,000 IU daily short term, up to one week only);
- Vitamin C (6000 mg daily in divided doses);
- Super Bio Vegetarian (2 x 3 daily).
Physical Medicine:
- Warming Sock treatment: Take a pair of cotton socks and soak them completely with cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out thoroughly so they do not drip. Place cold cotton wet socks on feet. Cover with dry thick wool socks. Keep the socks on overnight or until the wet cotton socks are completely dry.
- Carrot poultice over throat. Grate a large carrot then place it on the center one third a cotton cloth. Fold the other two thirds of the cotton cloth over the carrot, creating a packet. Apply the single thickness side of cloth and carrot packet to the front of neck and cover with plastic wrap and a wool scarf to fasten in place. Leave in place ~30 minutes.
- Neti pot sinus rinse with warm salt water.
- Constitutional hydrotherapy ( at Vitale Medical Oasis)
- Gargle with salt water