Yesterday, the US government declared a health emergency after confirming over 20 cases of Swine flu found in California and New York. A few cases were also found in Kansas, Ohio and Texas so far. I just sent an e-mail out to all of my patients to let them know what to do to reduce their risk of acquiring swine flu or any other flu. Generally by this time of year, there are very few cases of colds and flus and our practice switches from viral and bacterial infections to allergies of spring. However, this year, we are staying in Winter cold/flu prevention mode for much longer and I wanted to share with you typical treatment protocols that I use to prevent and treat colds and flus.
First off, I'd like to remind you of the common sense behaviors that reduce immune system function as well as increase likelihood of transmission of a cold or a flu. Since this is a new strain of swine flu, last year's flu shot will not give you sufficient immunity so please do not be lulled into a false sense of security if you got last year's flu shot. Here is my list of common sense behaviors to reduce risk of infection:
1) Avoid sodas, alcohol and sugar in your diet. The amount of sugar in one 12 ounce soda can reduce your immune system's function by 90% in for up to 8 hours. This does not include the sugar from your favorite desserts like cookies and cakes, sweet tea, fruit juice and energy drinks. This is an easy way to help your immune system.
2) Make sure you get plenty of rest at the first onset of any sign of cold or fatigue. If you listen to your body carefully, you can stave off a cold or a flu by getting lots of rest and avoiding #1 above.
3) Wash your hands with soap and water regularly and after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose or coughing.
4) Keep your stress low. Minimize unnecessary stress on your body like too much partying, drinking, doing drugs or taking unnecessary drugs. Emotional stress is included in this so peace is the key here.
5) Avoid unnecessary contact with common germ pools like airplanes, crowded public areas and hospitals if you can. At the very least avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes after being in these places and wash your hands carefully and repeatedly. Generally, I don't like to be an alarmist but we are talking about a very serious and very contagious flu that can become a world pandemic if we aren't careful. In cases like this, it is more important to be careful than to be a hero.
There are a lot of homeopathic remedies that can be used as a preventatives for influenzas. They act on the energetic system that the body has and are extremely effective. My favorite is Mucococcinum, a homeopathic remedy that you take once a week to prevent colds and flus. I have cold/flu protocols that I have written for my patients and have sent out en masse. If you are interested in my cold/flu protocol. Drop me an e-mail and I will send it to you. I have a child version and an adult version. As you know, I firmly believe in prevention as the best medicine.
For more information about the status of the swine flu, click
here and
here. More later when I know more of what is going on...
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