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Gearing Up for the Influenza Season
by: Dr. Tara Barker
Well, flu season is coming upon us quickly, and most people would love to skip getting sick
this year. The biggest question is…How? Here are the easiest ways to keep yourself and loved
ones free of the nastiest of colds this (and every) year.
First of all, the flu is a virus. A viral infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. A virus
can only overwhelm your defenses and multiply in your body if your body’s defenses are not
adequate to begin with. If you are strong, vital, and have a health immune sysytem, your body
will most likely be able to stave off most colds, flus, and bacteria. The problem comes when you
are stressed, eating poorly, not taking a good multivitamin, or have been recently sick. The
traditional holiday season, with its stress, gift buying, wrapping, travel, visiting, and
overeating, is a perfect occasion for you to fall ill with the flu. Here is what you can do.
1. Take a quality multivitamin. If you are not eating in the most stellar fashion, chances are
you are low on many nutrients. This is just a fact in today’s world. A good, quality supplement
will provide you with the immune enhancing and flu fighting nutrients like zinc, vitamin A,
selenium, vitamin C, and the B vitamins. Keeping your defenses up and your body healthy is the
first line of defense.
2. Do your best not to become stressed. Stress threatens your immunity immensely. It’s just not
worth it to become stressed and sick. Try to remember what your goal is in the highest regard.
Instead of thinking, “Oh no! I’ll be late!” think “My goal is to arrive and do my best. I
will take control and responsibility over what I can and do my best.” If you show up
authentically and remain true to your ideals while not getting bogged down in the stress of every
event in the moment, you can truly do your immune system (and psyche) a service.
3. Eat well as often as you can. Now, we all know that fudge, pies, yams with marshmallow, and
loads of rolls and butter may show up on our plates. They just tend to do that. But as often as
you can, eat your veggies. Lots of veggies of all varieties. Eat whole fruit. If you eat grains,
eat mostly whole grains instead of flour products. Don’t overdo dairy products as they are
mucus producing and hard to digest for some people. Drink lots of water throughout the day and go
easy on the coffee, black tea, and try to avoid sodas altogether. Even diet sodas cause an immune
lowering effect for hours after you consume. Sugar inhibits your immune system for hours after
you eat it (or drink it) and is an invitation to all sorts of viral and bacterial nasties. So
unless you are serious about inviting them in to stay, don’t open that door too often.
4. Exercise daily. Even if you just go for a walk for 20 minutes, get in exercise every day. Your
body needs it. It is good for the soul. Make it fun by going with a friend or your partner and
talking. Or go alone and enjoy your thoughts. Go at sunset or sunrise for an enhanced experience.
5. Wash your hands. Most people get the flu by shaking hands, touching a doorknob, or picking up
a phone in which the virus has been on and then touching their eyes, nose, hair, or mouth. The
virus typically enters by the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth, but could enter through any
mucous membrane of the body. During flu season, be sure to remain conscious of touching your
mouth, nose, or eyes, especially if you recently touched an object that others may have touched.
Wash your hands if in doubt.
6. If you do get the flu, see your naturopath immediately for a quicker resolution. Homeopathic
remedies, herbs, hydrotherapy, and other treatments often help your body to more quickly
eliminate the virus than over the counter products or doing nothing. Some remedies, if begun when
you notice the first symptoms, can even prevent the flu from a full attack. You could also take
home treatments that your family could take in order to prevent them from contracting the virus.
Influenza - its Symptoms and Causes
by: David Chandler
Know more about Influenza
Influenza better known as the "flu" is an infection of the respiratory tract that can
affect millions of people. The influenza virus can be spread from person to person through
coughing and sneezing of an infected individual.
Statistics show about 20,000 Americans die from influenza or influenza related pneumonia each
year. Pneumonia and influenza are the sixth common cause of death in the United States. Elderly
(65+) make up more than 90% of the 20,000 Americans who die from this illness each year.
A person may contract the influenza virus and not experience any symptoms for a few days. The
incubation period for the influenza virus ranges from 1-4 days.
Is there more than one type of Influenza virus?
What is influenza?
There are three different kinds of Influenza viruses: Influenza A, Influenza B, and Influenza C.
Influenza A can attack animals and humans, the remaining two (Influenza B and Influenza C) can
only attack humans. Influenza C causes a very mild infection and does not provoke epidemics.
When observed through an electron microscope, influenza viruses are figured like filaments or
spheres. Immunity to one strain of the influenza virus will not protect you against newly born
strains of the virus, which has undergone minor changes or mutations.
The Influenza B and Influenza C virus may infect only human beings while Influenza A may infect
several different types of animals. Influenza A virus can sicken many various types of animals,
including humans, aquatic mammals, birds, horses, swine, and others.
At times when two different strains of viruses combine in humans or animals, they result in a new
unique strain of virus with more immunity. The modern Influenza Vaccine is made of three strains,
which include two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B.
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