Flu

Flu season is upon us. According to the CDC between 5% and 20% of the population gets the flu. The 2005-06 flu season has seen a possible vaccination shortage and emergency rooms over run with patients seeking treatment for their flu symptoms. According to the CDC deaths related to the flu and pneumonia are well below baseline levels. There are a number of things we can do for our patients to help them stay healthy during flu season, to shorten the duration of their illness, and to decrease the severity of symptoms. And lessen trips to the ER.

  • Common flu symptoms:
      Moderate to high fever (101 or higher)
      Headache
      Muscle aches
      Extreme tiredness
      Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
      Stuffy, running nose
      Sore throat
      Cough
  • Patients at high risk for complications and secondary infections
      People with chronic health conditions
      People aged 6-23 months and 65 and older
      Residents in long term care facilities
      Pregnant women
        Healthcare and daycare providers
      Traditional Treatment The CDC recommends vaccinations for those interested in avoiding the flu and for those in the high risk groups. For those who do become ill, typical recommendations are rest, increased amounts of fluids, and OTC medicines to treat symptoms.
        Acetomenophen for muscle aches, headaches, and as a fever reducer
        Cough suppressants, expectorants
        Decongestants
        Humidifiers for cough, congestion, and sorethroat

      Antivirals are prescribed for treatment as well as for prophylaxis. The most commonly used are amantadine and rimantadine which are used for influenza A, Oseltamivir and zanamivir used for influenza A and B.

      This flu seasons it has been recommended not to use the antivirals amantadine and rimantadine due to the developed resistance to these drugs.

    • Common suggestions for flu prevention
        Avoid close contact to those who are sick
        Stay home when you are sick
        Cover your mouth and nose
        Clean your hands.
        Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
        Antivirals
      • In addition to these recommendations there are many other things we can do to stay healthy during the flu season.
    • Some alternatives treatments for flu prevention, in addition to a good multivitamin
        Increase levels of vitamin C 1grams daily
        Increase dietary fiber – ground flax seed, apple pectin
        Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, and caffeine, and alcohol
        Herbs

      • Astragalus membranaceus - supports immune function Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) - enhance the stamina of the body the mind when a person is under stress, an immunomodulatory effect, increased NK cell activity and number of T cells, Ligusticum porteri (Osha)- enhance stamina and protect against illness, immune modulating, anti-viral, affinity for the lungs

        ? Homeopathy A number of combination remedies are available OTC and are effective Ex. Boiron oscillococinum

      • Once you start to feel the onset of flu or flu-like symptoms
          Increased intake of Vitamin C 3 grams a day to bowel tolerance
          Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, and caffeine, and alcohol
          Eat food that are easy to digest – broth based soups, lightly steamed vegetables, avoid red meat and limit consumption of all meat.
          • Herbs

        Eupatorium perfoliatum- used during the influenza epidemic in the 1900’s, relieves the deep muscle and bone ache and the fever associated with flu, decreases mucus production Tabebuia avellanedae (Pau d'Arco) – shown to be antiviral specifically against influenza Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - fevers associated with viral and bacterial infection, reduce mucus in the upper respiratory system, Inula helenium - lung tonic, stimulates and supports immune function, anti-viral, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) – expectorant, the treatment of viral illnesses like bronchitis, colds and influenza to enhance the ability of the patient to recover from the illness more quickly

          ? Homeopathy

        Rhus toxicodendron: fever, bone and muscle aches felt all over, better from warmth and movement, worse upon waking and after staying still for a long period Eupatorium perforliatum: bones feel broken, eyeballs hurt, great thirst for cold drinks, restless, worse from motion, fever preceded by chills, vomits after drinking/eating Arsenicum album: feels hot but is cold to the touch, thirsty but drinks small amounts aften, dry wheezing cough, watery, running nose, burning pains, exhausted from the slightest effort Nux vomica: high fever, extreme cold with violent chills, painful cough, extreme irritability, over-sensitivity to light, sounds and smell, worse from cold

          Essential oil Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) – antispasmodic, antiseptic Mentha piperita (Peppermint) – antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) – antiseptic, stimulating Eucalyptus globules (Eucalytpus) – decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial, expectorant

        Edited and revised by Sherry VanGoethem, Dr.Christine Brass-Jones OBGYN, and Dr. Denise Quance Grobe N.D. If you have any questions or comments contact the office at (480) 539-6646 or through email at info@trueharmonywellness.com

    		•