Flu Update 2009
This flu season has the risk of being one of the more deadly flu
seasons we have known in a long time. Reports say that the H1N1 flu
is more seriously affecting people with other medical conditions.
Overview
"Health officials say they are particularly concerned about children
with disabilities who present with flu-like symptoms. Of the 36
children who died from swine flu by early August, two-thirds had a
chronic illness or developmental disability such as cerebral palsy,
developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, respiratory troubles or
cardiac problems. With that, officials at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention are calling for children with
disabilities to be among the first to receive the new vaccine."
- Q: Who's at highest risk of severe illness or even death?
A: Children under 5. Pregnant women. People 65 or older. And people of any age with asthma or other lung disorders; diabetes; heart, kidney, liver or blood disorders; neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy; or a weakened immune system.
Symptoms are the same regardless of age: Fever, aches, cough, sore throat, sneezing or runny nose, sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. The CDC says to seek immediate care if a child has difficulty breathing or is breathing fast, turns bluish, isn't drinking enough fluids, has severe vomiting, is hard to wake up or lethargic, or is so irritable the child doesn't want to be held. Also seek care if the fever breaks and then later returns, sign of a possible bacterial infection.
Q: What are emergency signs for an adult?
A: Difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest of abdomen, dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting or a rebound fever
Prevention
You have heard it before, but the best strategy for avoiding the flu
is to wash your hands. Every time we leave the house the first
thing we do upon returning is to wash our hands. We also have
therapists, an aide, and other healthcare professionals coming to
the house so we have set up a bathroom with anti-bacterial soap and
paper towels and everyone must wash their hands. These folks
are seeing many other clients throughout the day which increases the
chances that they may have been exposed to people who may have the
flu.
Another important strategy is to try and limit your exposure.
All of our therapists as well as family and friends know that if
they even start feeling like they may be coming down with something,
they wait until they are feeling better before coming over. We would rather miss
a therapy session than risk the flu. We have gone so far as to
stop non-essential visits where possible.
Below is one of the better prevention
lists I have seen.
In an effort to protect the public from the 2009, the H1N1 swine
flu, health officials have issued advice that can help prevent and
contain the spread of the disease. Since the virus is spread mainly
from person-to-person, there is a lot you can do.
Dr. Oz and his team of experts suggest these tips to help to protect
you from the H1N1 virus. (Source:
http://www.doctoroz.com/ )
- Get Vaccinated
The National Institutes of Health and manufacturers under contract with Health and Human Services are working to get an H1N1 vaccine ready for widespread use in time to protect against the mid-winter peak. In clinical trials, most adults who got a single dose were protected within 8 to 10 days. Make sure you get a good night's sleep the day before you get your shot. Sleep can boost the effectiveness of immunizations.
Wash Your Hands
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that hand washing is the number one way you can prevent the spread of disease. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Aim for a minimum of 20 seconds. Whistle while you wash: you should be cleaning your hands for the approximate length of time it takes to complete a verse of “Happy Birthday.” An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if a sink isn't nearby.
Sneeze or cough in the crook of your elbow
There are thousands of saliva droplets that contain millions of viruses in a typical cough or sneeze. When you cover your mouth with your hands, the virus lands in your palm, and is easily transferred to everything you touch. You can also cough or sneeze into a tissue, but throw it away immediately. Then wash your hands.
Keep your hands off your face
Germs enter the bloodstream through various mucous membranes. Try not to rub your eyes, put your fingers near your mouth or pick your nose. If your nose is dry, try coating it with an emollient protective barrier such as petroleum jelly or beeswax. Regular use of a Neti pot can keep sinuses and passages clear.
Take Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced in the body during exposure to sunlight. During the winter we tend to get less exposure so vitamin D supplements are recommended. People who take vitamin D supplements have better luck avoiding the seasonal flu; there is no reason to think that it won't do the same for H1N1 virus. Flu outbreaks tend to occur in places where solar radiation is low.
Stay hydrated
During the winter months we have a tendency to lose fluids when our heated homes and dry air rob us of moisture. You'll know if you are hydrated if your urine is a clear pale yellow. Dark yellow is a sign that your urine is concentrated and you need to drink more.
Get out in open space
Cold weather usually brings us indoors, sometimes in close proximity to a crowd of people who may be unknowingly infected. Spend some time outdoors and get some fresh air.
Keep fit
Aerobic activity improves the exchange of oxygen to keep the immune system strong and lungs clear. Just remember to wipe down equipment at the gym before and after using.
Eat your greens … and blues and oranges …
Dark and colorful fruits and vegetables are loaded with immune boosting phytochemicals. Plant a rainbow on your plate and dig in!
Eat probiotics
Probiotics are the good live bacteria found in fermented food products such as yogurt and soy products like miso and tempeh Eating these foods not only promotes the natural balance of healthy bacteria important for digestive health, it can stimulate the production of immune fighting chemicals from cells found in the gut.
Don't smoke
Lining the inside of the nasal passages are tiny hairs whose function it is to whisk away microscopic material and prevent them from entering the bloodstream. If you smoke these hairs become damaged. Smoking also compromises breathing and produces more virus-trapping mucous. For more information on smoking, click here.
Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive drinking of alcohol depresses the immune system and compromises liver function. The heaviest of drinkers are more prone to infections and dehydration.
Stay home if you are sick
You probably won't know if you have the H1N1 flu or seasonal flu by looking at symptoms alone. Widespread testing is just not feasible. In fact, you may not experience any symptoms for a few days. The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever normal without the aid of fever reducers.
Avoid close contact with infected people
If you are a healthcare worker or caring for a loved one with the flu, it is a good idea to stay at least 6 feet away if possible. Currently, facemasks or N95 respirators are only recommended for healthcare workers and at-home caretakers who fall into a high-risk category.
Stay informed
It seems as if public health officials have an update everyday. Sign up for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention e-mail alerts and follow the @CDCFlu on Twitter to receive the most current information about the H1N1 virus.
Vaccines
Vaccination
Protection information from the CDC
Will this year's vaccine protect me against the flu?
The flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that
research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu
season. This year’s influenza vaccine contains three new influenza
virus strains.
They are:
-
• A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1)-like virus;
• A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus;
• B/Brisbane 60/2008-like antigens.
The 2009-10 influenza vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses, or it can make your illness milder if you get a related but different influenza virus strain.
Who should get vaccinated this season?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that certain people should get vaccinated each year. Most of these people are recommended for vaccination because they are at high risk of having serious flu complications or they live with or care for people at high risk for serious complications
People recommended for seasonal influenza vaccination during the 2009-10 season remain the same as the previous season:
-
• Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
-
◦Health care workers
◦Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
◦Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
For more information about the effectiveness of flu vaccine, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
Symptoms
Seasonal Flu
All types of flu can cause:
-
•Fever
•Coughing and/or sore throat
•Runny or stuffy nose
•Headaches and/or body aches
•Chills
•Fatigue
H1N1 (Swine) Flu
Same as seasonal flu, but symptoms may be more severe.
-
•Fever
•Coughing and/or sore throat
•Runny or stuffy nose
•Headaches and/or body aches
•Chills
•Fatigue
In addition to the above symptoms, a number of H1N1 (swine) flu cases reported:
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
Latest News
Below are some links to stories on the Web regarding this year's flu.
H1N1 Flu Vaccine: What You Need to Know -
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,558040,00.html?test=latestnews
Three Billion H1N1 Flu Doses Can Be Made Yearly, WHO Says
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125379349565537399.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Why We All Need to Worry About the H1N1 Flu
http://blog.seattlepi.com/bodyandmind/archives/180458.asp?from=blog_last3
Supplements That May Help
Below are a number of supplements we use to help boost our daughter Ashleigh's immune system. We start a more aggressive regimen heading into the flu season. Below are some of the products we use.
- Sambucus Immune Syrup - For centuries the dark berries of European
black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) have been traditionally used as a
winter remedy. In recent years, medical researchers have proven its
efficacy in clinical trials. Nature's Way® Bio-Certified Sambucus is
the superior black elderberry extract. Standardized, Bio-Certified
extract with proven bioavailability and activity within the body for
optimal effectiveness. From premium cultivar elderberries with higher
naturally-occurring levels of BioActives® constituents Full spectrum,
solvent-free extraction process for maximum potency. Natural formula — no
artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Gluten-free and Kosher
certified Immune System Syrup Formula
This formula is a great tasting natural remedy for adults. It combines standardized, Bio-Certified black elderberry extract, vitamin C, zinc, chinacea angustifolia (root), echinacea purpurea (flower), propolis and natural raspberry flavor in a base of fructose, purified water, vegetable-source glycerin and citric acid.
Vitamin C - high-definition Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it's thought to help prevent more serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.
A recent study published in Seminars in Preventive and Alternative Medicine that looked at over 100 studies over 10 years revealed a growing list of benefits of vitamin C.
"Vitamin C has received a great deal of attention, and with good reason. Higher blood levels of vitamin C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health," says study researcher Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan. "The more we study vitamin C, the better our understanding of how diverse it is in protecting our health, from cardiovascular, cancer, stroke, eye health [and] immunity to living longer."
Vitamin D - The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.
studies have indicated that Vitamin D offers a plethora of health benefits, possibly protecting against heart disease, many forms of cancer, immune system disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and the flu, and perhaps mental illnesses including schizophrenia and depression.
"Vitamin D has a global effect on many systems," said Bruce Hollis, a professor of pediatrics, biochemistry and molecular biology at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Umcka - Clinically tested UMCKA shortens the duration and reduces the severity of throat, sinus and bronchial irritations. It provides effective relief of upper respiratory tract irritations. Unlike other remedies that simply mask symptoms, UMCKA helps you recover faster!
UMCKA originates from the traditional African Zulu medicine for coughs and respiratory ailments. It is made from Pelargonium sidoides- a species of geranium unique to South Africa. Doctor recommendation and user satisfaction make P. sidoides a leading European medicine. Easy dose liquid, original drops, quickly absorbed, delicious flavor, alcohol 13%, homeopathic Pelargonium sidoides 1X.
Lauricidin - The highly purified Lauricidin mini-pellets have been shown to improve the body's optimal health.
- - An active ingredient found in Mothers Milk, Saw Palmetto and
other natural products.
- A USFDA (Generally Regarded As Safe, GRAS) approved food additive.
- 100% nontoxic pure nutrient to improve overall daily health and well-being.
- Helps support the immune system
- Helps regulate bowel function
- Shown in laboratories world wide to inactivate bacteria, viruses and fungi/yeast
- Does not destroy the body's friendly bacteria or form resistant organisms.
- Biochemically balances the body for optimal health and self healing
- Can be taken with most other medications
Colostrum - Protect your health and fight back with Colostrum
PLUS® from Symbiotics Colostrum is nature’s first food provided at birth
by female mammals. Often referred to as “life’s perfect food,” colostrum
contains the perfect combination of immunoglobulins, growth factors,
antibodies, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids to protect the
body and promote healthy immune system function at birth.
Colostrum PLUS® adds back the powerful, natural antibodies and immune
factors that promote healthy immune system function and play a key role
in our everyday health:
-
- Boosts strength, stamina and lean muscle mass production
- Promotes healthy intestinal flora and supports the entire GI tract
- Encourages cellular re-growth for healthy skin, bones, muscles, nerves and cartilage
Flu Related Links
Flu.gov - http://www.flu.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov
State Health Department Websites - hhttp://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/states.htm
New England Journal of Medicine - http://h1n1.nejm.org/
Medline Plus - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/h1n1fluswineflu.html
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