Many people are frustrated when they go to their doctor’s office or the hospital emergency room when they have the flu. They are usually sent home, and told not much can be done, unless they develop complications. In this article I hope to give busy people some advice on how to prevent the flu and what alternatives there are if you catch the flu. With the current Flu epidemic throughout the United States, we must educate ourselves on how to prevent catching the flu, what to do to if we catch it, and know the warning signs to get help if the situation gets worse. Also, with the threat of the deadly H1N1 flu looming over us, it’s better to be prepared for the worst.
Prevention:
It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. The best way to deal with the flu is not to catch it. That means to rest properly, eat well, exercise, avoid stress and maintain healthy emotions. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid inhaling the mist when another sneezes or coughs, is a good idea. If there is a flu epidemic as dangerous as H1N1, it is best to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, along with disposable gloves and avoid being outside in crowded places.
A flu shot can help, but at times, the vaccine is not available, or the strain of the influenza virus does not match the type of flu going around, rendering it a waste of time. Vaccines also have mercury and formaldehyde, which are known toxins. People with lowered immunity should consider twice before having the shot. People with allergies to eggs should avoid flu vaccines because the virus is cultured in eggs. Patients on long-term aspirin treatment might want to get the flu shot. If you’re pregnant, women should consider a flu shot, particularly if they are in their second or third trimester. Having a flu shot does not mean immediate immunity, as it takes about two weeks for full protection.
Natural herbal supplements like Astragalus, Golden Seal, Ginger and Isatis can boost the immunity to prevent the flu, or keep symptoms mild. Although herbs and other supplements may be natural, they may be dangerous when used incorrectly and self prescribed. Most herbs are available in extracts of liquid or powdered form, so it is easy to take.
These herbal supplements are available in most health food stores and drugstores. Astragalus is an important herb in boosting immunity in Chinese Medicine and is best in preventing colds for the young, old, or immuno-compromised. Goldenseal is an effective natural antibiotic and is recommended when there is yellow or green phlegm, which indicates a bacterial infection. Goldenseal is available in liquid extract form.
Ginger is often used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, as well as commonly used in Western herbology. Ginger is used as a diaphoretic herb, which means it induces sweating. It can also be used to gargle with for sore throats. Chinese medicine looks at it as a warm herb, and would not traditionally recommend it as such, but both Ayurvedic and Western herbalists get good results and that is what is important. It can also alleviate some of the nausea you might have with the flu.
Isatis Root, also known as Ban Lan Gen, is used in Chinese Medicine to boost the immunity in cases of common cold or flu. In fact, when the SARS epidemic in China hit, sales of Isatis went up to prevent catching any respiratory ailments. Isatis is available in a sweetened powder form that is dissolved in water to make tea. They are readily available in Chinese Herbal stores.
What to look out for:
Symptoms of the flu include fatigue, headache, fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, muscle aches and pain, and serious complications include bacterial infection or pneumonia, can prove fatal for those who are over 65 years old, have heart and lung disease, including asthma and chronic bronchitis, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and chronic anemia, or whose immune system is already compromised by existing disease like HIV or Cancer.
If you have the flu:
It is rarely helpful to take antibiotics when one catches the flu, but they may help with complications, such as bacterial infections.
Large doses of Vitamin C can speed recovery, or even prevent a cold or flu entirely. It helps in building collagen to aid in preventing colds and flus.
Good old mom’s chicken soup helps also, as it is easily digestible and contains many compounds to fight off infection. Of course, if you catch the flu, it is best to get plenty of rest, bundle up, induce sweating, and take plenty of fluids, and eat easily digested foods.
A humidifier or vaporizer with the use of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can help ease stuffy noses and congestion. Simply add 3-6 drops of the essential oil to your vaporizer and let scent of the essential oil mix with steam.
Acupuncture can be very effective and you can get an immediate response after being needled in a few points. The insertion of acupuncture needles has an effect on the autonomic nervous system and homeostatis. The needles are hair-thin, and may feel like a tiny prick or pinch upon insertion. Sterile disposable needles are always used. The needles are typically retained for 20 – 45 minutes, depending on the ailment. Some people experience sensations of a “tingling”, “distended”, “electrical” or “full” feeling, whereas others may feel numbness or nothing at all. Most find the sessions relaxing, and fall asleep during the treatment, waking up refreshed and feeling great.
Chinese herbal medicine can cure the flu in a few doses. It is best to consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist or licensed Oriental Medicine practitioner and get customized herbal formula prescriptions under their care. Proven herbal formulas such as Cinnamon Twig Formula (Gui Zhi Tang), Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Factors Formula (Renshen Bai Du San), Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder (Yin Qiao San) and Minor Bupleurum Formula (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) are prescribed for runny nose, muscle aches and pains, sore throat, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting. Formulas are available in pill or powder form. These formulas are unique, because they can be modified and tailored for the individual.
Homeopathic remedies are available in lactose sugar pills that are safe and effective. It is best to consult a licensed alternative medicine practitioner. Homeopathic brands such as Hylands, Boiron, and Heel are available in health food stores and some pharmacies. Aconite is good for the onset of colds, Belladonna is good for onset with a high fever, Gelsemium is good for flu with cold, achy limbs. For those with early stage cold with clear mucus, and cold sores, should take Natrum mur. For those prone to ear infections, or have a nagging nighttime cough, Hepar Sulph is a good choice. Follow the directions on the package and administer as directed. Most will find it very agreeable to dissolve the little sugar pills under their tongue.
Serious Complications:
See your physician immediately if you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, persistent high fever for more than four days, bluish tinge to your skin, vomiting, diarrhea, or inability to keep fluids in, sluggishness, irritability, seizures, painful swallowing, persistent cough or persistent congestion and headaches.
If you have these symptoms, and they do not go away with the supplements or herbals suggested here, you may need to be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or other medications, and they may be indicative of some other disease. See your doctor if these symptoms persist.
Conclusion:
Worry only if your flu symptoms go away and then come back worse, or if you have an underlying medical condition that gets worse. Most recover from the flu in a few days, and from colds in a couple of weeks. Taking these steps can help you from seeing your doctor.
Robert Chu, PhD, L.Ac., QME
1028 N. Lake Avenue, Suite 107
Pasadena, CA 91104
U.S.A.
(626) 345-0441 Clinic
(626) 487-1815 Cell/VM
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