It is Flu Season - What should you know
It is flu season. Already there are several deaths attributed to this season’s virus.
First, what is influenza and how do you know you may have it…
The flu is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus.
The flu usually begins abruptly, with a fever between 102 to 106°F. (An adult typically has a lower fever than a child.) Other common symptoms include a flushed face, body aches, and lack of energy. Some people have dizziness or vomiting. The fever usually lasts for a day or two, but can last 5 days.
Somewhere between day 2 and day 4 of the illness, the “whole body” symptoms begin to subside, and respiratory symptoms begin to increase. The flu virus can settle anywhere in the respiratory tract, producing symptoms of a cold, croup, sore throat, bronchiolitis, ear infection, or pneumonia.
FLU SYMPTOMS:
–Rapid onset of symptoms
–High fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38.3 degrees Celsius)
–Severe body aches and/or headache
–Dry cough
–Congestion
–Chills
–Extreme fatigue
–Sore throat
TIPS FOR INFLUENZA PREVENTION:
–Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
–Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based cleanser.
–Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hand) when coughing or sneezing.
–Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
–If you do become sick, please keep your distance from others and if possible, stay home.
I also think it is a wise idea to increase the amount of antioxidants you are taking – particularly Vitamin C. There are some great Chinese and western herbal formulations that can boost your immune system. Be sure to get adequate sleep and exercise. Drink plenty of water and fluids – this helps keep your upper respiratory passages moist.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE EVEN YOU CATCH THE FLU?
First keep your distance and stay at home if possible. Get plenty of rest and fluids. Make some chicken soup and rent some movies.
You need to do something about it in the first 24-48 hours of the exposure and or onset of symptoms. There is a homeopathic medicine in most grocery stores and pharmacies called “Oscillococcinum”, being one of the hardest names to pronounce – most people call it “Oscillo.” This medicine is wonderfully effective if used in the first 48 hours of getting flu symptoms.
For the record the three studies that have confirmed the efficacy of Oscillococcinum are Ferley, 1989; Cassanova, 1992; Papp, 1998. Each of these trials was relatively large in the number of subjects (487 patients, 300 patients, and 372 patients), and all were multi-centered placebo-controlled and double-blind (two of the three trials were also randomized). Each of these trials showed statistically significant results.
I have been told by several patients that they had good results with Zycam. I haven’t experienced it myself – but if you have it, try it out. Also – see the article I have just posted on Homeopathic remedies for influenza. Though I don’t really like patients being their own doctor, I think the remedies are good and I have seen them be very effective I have experienced the effectiveness myself.
There are also great Chinese as well as western herbal prescriptions you can get from me or your own naturopath/Chinese medicine practitioner. I prefer to not list the names because the formulations really depend on your individual presentation.
In any case – if your symptoms persist and get much worse – you need to get evaluated by a physician.
