Swine Flu Health & You
In the U.S., seasonal flu virus(Influenza) kills about 36,000 people and hospitalizes more than 200,000. The flu season is between November to March google.org/flutrends. The seasonal flu will soon start and the swine flu(H1N1) isn't gone yet.
The fear is the Swine Flu will mutate and worsen as the regular flu season progresses. Flu.gov. Regular Influenza doesn't mutate much season to season. So virulence or deadliness is relatively low and complications arise from secondary health issues. The Swine Flu is different however. Genetically it is a recombinant virus, it has borrowed genes from different species. Human, swine, duck to be exact. To our immune system this virus doesn't exist. It therefore is stealthy and causes the immune system to react in undesirable ways.
The good news is that although contagious it has a low virility and currently with early diagnosis and treatment the outcome is healthy. The bad news is it is currently mutating and may become highly virulent. In the pig, swine flu attacks the respiratory system and pigs become lethargic, cough, etc…In humans the swine flu infects the entire lung tissue. On top of typical flu symptoms the lungs are inundated with a natural immune response that hurts us. The chemical immune response releases Chemokines and Cytokines which causes undue inflammation and other secondary symptoms responsible for the deaths so far. In fact the CDC advised physicians to consider swine flu in their differential diagnosis of patients presenting with seasonal flu and respiratory symptoms. These Chemokines and cytokines are chemical mediators from the immune system basically directing the immune response. The difference is the swine flu is brand new to our immunity and therefore causes a hyper reaction in the lungs and a "Cytokine Storm" with respiratory distress.
What this means to you? There are actions you can take to protect yourself and minimize risk and exposure. One to prevent infection and two, to better deal with the respiratory symptoms since this is the real threat to your health. Your current health state does play a role because the healthier you are the secondary respiratory effects are better handled. Because the swine flu is new even healthy individuals will contract it.
Prevention
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. (Leave the soap on the hands for at least 10 seconds).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. (If you have allergies avoid rubbing the eyes).
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (If you are child-caring wear an N95 disposable respirator).
- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. (this is one of the most distinguishing indicators combined with early respiratory symptoms).
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. (Not dining out during a local outbreak is social distancing).
Five Other Healthy Habits
- If you share toothbrush stands, consider separating toothbrushes this flu season
- Clean household items more frequently. Books, toys, door knobs, phones, keyboards and mouse, lines, etc…a study found the seasonal cold can live on keyboards
- Wash hands / wrists more frequently and longer than 10 seconds.
- Don't rub your eyes or touch your face, sneeze into a tissue and dispose of immediately
- Don't get run-down. Sleep, diet, exercise strengthen immunity
- Don't be complacent, H1N1 isn't gone yet
Who is at risk?
People less than 25, history of respiratory problems , asthma, diabetes, suppressed immunity, kidney disease, neurologic or neuromuscular disease, or if pregnant are statistically at increased risk for contracting H1N1 and having more secondary complications. Think of 15 to 50 and those with other risk factors.
The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine are separate vaccinations. A seasonal vaccine is distributed routinely every year, the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine is in development for the fall of 2009.
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.aspx?c=aqKGLXOAIlH&b=1015035
Pandemic flu Kit
So if H1N1 swine flu breaks out in your neighborhood you doctor will likely offer a neuramidase blocker such as Tamiflu and medical attention to reduce the cytokine storm in the lungs. If an epidemic breaks out it is probable that these pharmaceuticals' will be administered on a limited basis. I believe that certain herbals that have been researched but not tested offer afforded protection and is definitely better than doing nothing. I have put together a Swine flu kit that helps address the cytokine storm associated with the swine flu and the flu virus replication. Remember it is this undesirable immune response that causes secondary symptoms and respiratory distress. Research demonstrates certain supplements can one reduce systemic cytokines and two, slow down flu replication . Some of the ingredients are curcumin, tumeric, GARLIC, YIN CHIAO. Other mild anti-virals' are skullcap( scutellaria tea) and Resveratrol. Alternative Medicine Review u Volume 11, Number 2 u 2006, http://med- owl.com/health/H5N1-Virus-Therapy.html, I am keep a kit handy just in case.
Remember to always refer to your primary physician if you suspect swine flu or other respiratory symptoms first. These supplements should not be taken if you are pregnant, or in pediatric patients.
We will include an update to the kits supplements and other health benefits in our next posting.
Curtis Haake D.C.
