H1N1 Influenza Virus

H1N1 influenza A virus, H1N1 Novel Virus, New H1N1 or Swine Flu is in every publication from newspapers, to magazines, to tiny 3-page newsletters. The theme is always the same; panic, but don’t really panic, count the number of fatalities and anticipate the worst. The media’s reactive headlines and body of words are the same, fear, fear, fear, a followed by a couple of suggestions as to what to do, then more fear, wear masks and hoard prescriptions of certain drugs just in case.

In France, the government is suggesting the long tradition of “la bise” (greetings of a kiss) may no longer be acceptable if we are to curb the potential increase of the H1N1 Virus. I’m getting the feeling of an International reactive state to something that we have the ability to control and manage.

There is a different approach to the issue and everything else that becomes pandemically oozing as headline news. Become a proactive warrior to all that ails.

What does it mean to be proactive? Taking preventative steps to your health, such as protecting yourself from H1N1 and other illness, before a pandemic.

H1N1  is not that much different than any other flu. Some people die from the flu. According to wrongdiagnosis.com:

“Deaths from Flu: An estimated 100,000 hospitalizations and about 20,000 deaths occur each year from the flu or its complications. (Source: excerpt from Focus On  The Flu: NIAID) … average of 20,000 to 40,000 deaths per year. (Source: excerpt from Microbes in Sickness and in Health – Publications, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: NIAID) … in the United States more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and more than 20,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year. (Source: excerpt from The Flu, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID).  In an average year, flu leads to about 20,000 deaths nationwide and many more hospitalizations. (Source: excerpt from What to Do About the Flu – Age Page – Health Information: NIA)”

According to The Center For Disease Control, U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection (As of May 10, 2009, 11:00 AM ET) States* Laboratory confirmed cases Deaths TOTAL 44, 2532 cases 3 deaths including the District of Columbia. International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection,(see World Health Organization). During the week of August 30-September 5, 2009, a review of the key indicators found that influenza activity increased in the United States compared to prior weeks. This is expected as children return to school and naturally with the stress of a new regime and inadequate nutritious meals to boost the immune system, there will be a tendency for illness.

I recently conducted a webinar lecture on preventive measures to H1N1 by boosting the immune system. I had a few interested, which was great, but was surprised by the number of people who were not interested. It further engaged my thoughts and hypothesis of reactive as opposed to proactive. Most would rather sit around in actual hysteria, wear masks, bathe in Purell and live in fear waiting for the first symptom to strike us down rather than take a proactive approach of prevention. The actual proactive approach would be cost effective and would actually put you in a preventive state so that you would not have to buy into the mass hysteria of spending hundreds of dollars on just-in-case medications and over the counter relief aids.

How do we become proactive? Don’t live in fear waiting for the first symptom to appear. You have the cost effective tools to take a proactive approach. Sleep, good nutrition, stress management, avoiding excesses, hand washing and looking for natural alternatives to boost your immune system to provide extra support during the naturally occurring flu and cold season,

Not convinced? Getting 6-8 hours of sleep each night helps to assimilate nutrients that boosts your immune system. It is during our deepest sleep that immune cells are regenerated and natural killer cells are activated. Natural Killer cells are specialized to kill target cells that are infected with viruses, such as the H1N1.

The average American processed and refined diet is high in fats, refined sugars and sodium and devoid of immune system building nutrients. These foods produce free radicals that create toxicity and weaken the immune system. Choosing whole fruits and vegetables, grains and quality protein provide us with antioxidants and phytonutrients that destroy free radicals which foster a weakened immune system increasing susceptibility to illness. If there is vomiting, diarrhea and fever, dehydration will set in quickly, Water helps to transport nutrients to the cells and transports wastes out of cells and out of the body.

Omit alcohol caffeine and tobacco. Alcohol and caffeine rob your body of key nutrients needed for repair growth and a healthy immune system. If your immunity has been compromised it makes it tougher to combat viruses and other illness. Cigarette smoke damages the lining of the respiratory tract. There are minute hair-like organelles called cilia that beat in rhythmic waves that constantly sweep out germs inhaled. Any damage to these delicate hair-like substances results in the inability to combat viruses, germs and bacteria at the point of entry.

Did you know that many illnesses and diseases could be nonexistent from

simple hand washing?

The Center for Disease Control prescribes to wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. More effective; wet your hands, lather

Wash hands with soap

your hands with soap for 20 seconds, scrub your wrists, fingers, front and back of your hands and wash your rings (rings can contain bacteria in the settings and design). Under warm to hot water, wash your hands again for another 20 seconds; dry your hands with paper towel. If you are in a public restroom, take two pieces of paper towel; use one to turn on the tap, and the other to dry your hands, turn off the tap and to open the door.

Some Physicians (not all) are of the opinion that nutracueticals, natural herbs or, homeopathic have no effect on illness. As a Nutritional Functional Medicine Consultant I beg to differ and here is why; most medical physicians have no education in nutrition and supplements. However, I commend Dr. Mehmet Oz for his enlightened views of the importance of alternative and natural therapies and the integration into mainstream medicine. With that said, here are some over the counter natural remedies that may provide extra support and have been extensively studied. Vitamin D, is naturally made with 15 minutes of sun exposure and important for immune function. Studies suggest that the sunshine vitamin may significantly lower respiratory infections, colds and flus.

Vitamin C, offers cellular protection by stabilizing cell membranes. It acts as an immunostimulant in that it boosts immunity by actually activating neutrophils that are responsible for cleaning up viruses, bacteria and anything else that is not supposed to be in our blood. During illness, neutrophils are rapidly transported to sites of infection releasing interferon which combat viruses.  Numerous studies have shown people taking vitamin C can actually lessen the transmission of viruses.

Zinc supports mucosal integrity and boosts immune function by supporting white blood cells and natural killer cell protection. Zinc in lozenge form can actually battle viruses in the mouth, throat, palate and nasopharyngeal.

Important friendly intestinal bacteria Lactobaccillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus faecieum are the facets of a healthy immune system. Your immune system is your gut health. Acidophilis acts as a natural antibiotic and has antibacterial activity. With regular use it may replace harmful bacteria in the colon and improve immunity. Bifidobacterium bifidim inhibits the growth of coliform bacteria and possibly pathogenic bacteria. If you are thinking about yogurt-forget it, there is not enough in yogurt to re-inoculate your bowel health and it is high in sugar, which suppresses the immune system.

Garlic’s active ingredient allicin is responsible for its name, the Stinking Rose. Allicin is the essential oil released that studies have shown to protect against flu viruses and enhance antibody production.

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy that, when taken with the first onset of symptoms, may reduce the severity and length of flu.  Homeopathy works on principles of dilution of similar; taking minute doses of the actual substance causing illness stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.

Reactivity is to do nothing and to live in fear of contraction. Be proactive; educate yourself for the prevention of flu and illness. There are many options out there to protect you from this year’s pandemic and many years after.  The choice is yours. Which do you prefer? A reactive approach or a proactive approach to your health?

Karen Langston is a Chief Body Reorganizer