we still will be entering the height of the flu (Influenza) time of year. It is of interest that this time generally surrounds the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons suggesting that perhaps a combination of over-indulging, lack of rest, and 'holiday stress' can combine to weaken our immune systems thus making us more susceptible to the onset of flu.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MINIMZE YOUR RISK OF FLU?

1 - The Influenza vaccine - is the most commonly recommended preventative action mostly because, in modern Western Medicine, it is the ONLY preventative action available. Unfortunately, it is probably not the most appropriate action for a lot of people for a number of reasons;

a - as you may notice in the disclaimer and warning attached to the vaccine, you will not reduce your chances of contracting the flu but rather it reduces the chances of transmitting it to others.

 

 b - additionally, the flu vaccine has been found to be modestly effective for seniors living in long term care facilities but less effective for those seniors living  in the community.

 

c - the flu vaccine is still preserved with thimerosol, a mercury compound, while     there  are claims that this is safe, there is a reduced thimerosol vaccine for   the very young which would seem to acknowledge the potential toxicity present. The World Health Organization has advised against the use of preservative for this very reason.

 

d �?there is a subtly increased incidence (2 cases per million vaccinated) of Guillain Barre syndrome ( or CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing weakness of the legs and, to a lesser extent, the arms. It is cause by damage to the covering of the nerves, called myelin. It can start at any age and in both genders. Weakness occurs over two or more months.)

2 �?COLD FX is a well researched and studied herbal concoction that has been approved as safe and effective in the reduction of risk of colds, flu’s and respiratory illness (89%), as well as reducing the number of days of symptoms (40%), severity of symptoms (31%) and recurrent illness (56%).  This does require a daily dosage and is not covered by health care so costs may add up.

3 �?HOMEOPATHIC VACCINES -  - the vaccination concept is actually based in homeopathic theory (that like cures like) so it is no coincidence that homeopathic prevention of the flu is available in the form of harmless homeopathics. Mucococcinum, Oscillococcinum and Influenzinum are three such products available at some pharmacies and clinics such as IMI. The indications are that using such products periodically during the flu season may reduce your chances of contracting the flu and shorten the duration and  if it is contracted.

4 �?As recommended by Health Canada, some basic steps to reduce the possibility of contracting the flu include;

 a �?Eat healthy foods and get plenty of rest to maintain a healthy immune system. This would ideally include  avoiding excessive drinking and certainly smoking is a risk factor.

b �?because the flu virus can live for up to 48 hours on surfaces, it is  recommended that frequent washing of hands is beneficial to minimize contracting the virus from an external source.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET THE FLU?

 Some one in four to one in ten Canadian will historically contract the flu. This has resulted in between 500 and 1500 deaths per year which may be linked to the flu. Of these, on average, 0 to 4 deaths are in children.

As soon as you suspect  cold or flu you may want to get on one of the complementary approaches as soon as possible. (usually most effective in the first 24-48 hours of symptom onset).  In addition, some immune enhancing supplements may speed recovery such as Vitamin C, echinaccea and others that can be recommended individually in your instance by a naturopathic doctor or other practitioner qualified to make a proper diagnosis and prescribe specifically for your situation.

Rest, plenty of fluids and minimal stress are important in allowing the body to heal.  Sometimes FIR (Far Infra-red) sauna is helpful in creating an artificial elevation of body temperature to assist in eliminating the virus.  FIR is contra-indicated in some medical conditions so it is best to consult with a qualified practitioner.

Intravenous vitamin C �?in very large doses is a little known but well researched modality since the 1930’s.  As we can only absorb about 400 mg of vitamin C orally, we are limited  in the dose obtainable. However, using  intravenous technique, upwards of many grams may be supplied which is well known to have a tremendous antiviral effect with very little adverse reaction.  Once again, qualified physicians or naturopathic doctors should be consulted in this regard and earlier is better.

Acupuncture and the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach can often alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery by enhancing the flow of life nourishing energy through out the body.  Similarly, certain herbs (Cold Fx is an example) may prove beneficial but really need to be customized in most cases.

There are conventional anti-viral medications (including tamiflu) which are prescribed in more serious viral illnesses and which also have side effects.  It is of interest to note that Tamiflu has not demonstrated any reduced risk of contracting the flu and has been observed to only shorten the incidence of symptoms by a few hours on average.  It is intended to reduce symptoms if taken early on after onset.  There have been several incidents of severe side-effects associated with Tamiflu as it is being used in other countries on a preventative basis.

Every symptom is a ‘message�?from the body that something is out of balance or needs attention.  A cold or flu is no different than any other symptom and typically it is signaling it is time for a rest to let the body get back up to speed or that we are debilitated enough that the virus can take hold.  It behooves one, then, to acknowledge the presence of the symptoms and take note and appropriate action.  The ‘press on regardless�?attitude only works for a short time until the symptom gets ‘louder�?and more significant.

(References will be posted on the website after the holidays owing to construction of the new website www.imicalgary.com)