It is inevitable every year that a flu epidemic occurs. According to statistics from the Beneveda Medical Group in Beverly HIlls, California, annual flu epidemics affect about 3 to 5 million people and up to half a million deaths, mainly among infants, the elderly, the chronically ill, and the immune suppressed.
PreventionThe best flu prevention is to strengthen the immune system. This can be done by eating a proper diet, reducing stress, and taking supplements, getting plenty of rest and taking sufficient amount of fluids including water and juice. Supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and Zinc are helpful. Studies have shown that the herbal gold standards for building immunity are goldenseal and echinacea. Other important preventive measures include frequent hand washing with soap and water, not touching your nose, mouth, or eyes, and disinfecting fomite surfaces. Getting a flu vaccine every year is effective prevention. Even though the vaccine does not cover every flu strain, it reduces the chances of getting the flu or pneumonia. At first sign of illness, stay home and away from crowds.
Causes and Symptoms of FluThe flu (also called influenza) is caused by the influenza virus. The two main types of the flu virus are type A and B. The flu virus changes continually over time and this results in reinfection. That is why people do not ever become immune to the flu. Flu season usually starts in the fall and peaks in the spring. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, and runny nose. Flu is spread through microscopic "droplets" from an infected person who coughs, sneezes or talks in close proximity. The droplets are suspended in the air long enough to be inhaled by others. An infected person can spread the virus as much as two days before showing any signs of illness. The course of the illness may last for a week or so.
TreatmentsConservative treatments include antivirals such as Tamiflu, Relenza, and Symmetrel. These are available by prescription only. They work best if taken within two days of becoming ill. For those who feel that natural treatments are best, there are a few. Echinacea, goldenseal, licorice, and astralagus are generally used. A popular homeopathic remedy is one called Oscillococcinum. Some other treatments are being studied, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Aromatherapy. As with any illness or treatment, seek a medical professional immediately at first signs of illness.
Swine Flu (H1N1)This most recent flu outbreak is caused by Influenza A (H1N1), a virus of swine origin. It is a new virus, so most people will not be immune to it and the illness will be more severe than other flu. This is now widespread with deaths reported in Mexico and the United States. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions travelers against travel to Mexico. Eating pork does not put the individual at risk. According to the CDC, it is also starting to wane. They report there have been 6764 cases and about 10 deaths nationwide. Does this mean the end of the epidemic? A spokesperson from the CDC states that this could mimic the swine flu epidemic of 1918 which killed millions of people. This started with an outbreak in the spring and the following fall, a more devastating epidemic occurred.
The important thing is not to panic. Seek professional medical advice if you have any questions or concerns.
Sources:
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov
Alternative Medicine-The Definitive Guide Edited by Larry Trivieri, JR.
Sandra Gardner - Sandy is a registered nurse at Veterans Administration Medical Center in Missouri. She received her RN training at Saint Luke's Hospital ...
