We are exposed to the influenza (flu) virus by touching surface's that are contaminated or by invisible viral droplets in the air that make there way to our lungs typically by infected people coughing or sneezing around us.
Here's the deal: there's virtually no way not to get exposed to the flu virus. There are asymptomatic people who have the flu virus and don't know it. Your job (and mine) is to maximally strengthen the immune system so that our body rids itself of the virus before it penetrates into our lungs and camp out.
What to do:
Don't just vaccinate. I'm not suggesting not to vaccinate. However that alone will likely not protect you from the flu. Have you or someone you know have had the flu vaccine to later get the flu anyway? I know of a few. This is because because it's tough for vaccine companies (primarily Sanofi Aventis for you stock watchers) to predict which strain of the virus is going to be around the year after. So they often get it wrong. Also those with egg allergies should avoid the flu vaccine as the virus is developed in eggs during vaccine production. Here's today's CNN report on the maybe protective benefits of the flu vaccine.
Wash your hands. A little OCD here is not a bad idea.. Use hand sanitizing products like rubbing alcohol or purell.
Skip midnight shows and sleep more. Record the David Letterman show or Nighttime news if that's your thing and get some sleep. You'll find that those around you that sleep less are more vulnerable.
Don't run marathons (literally) during this time. Extreme exercise weakens the immune system. Don't make up your own stories though. I'm not saying don't exercise. I'm saying no extreme ultra endurance exercises until the flu season is over around May.
Consider these foods and nutritional supplements:
Eat garlic in your food. Garlic is an excellent immune-stimulant.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (has to have bioflavonoids) take 1000mg three times a day.
Vitamin D3 take between 2000 and 5000 units of vitamin D with food. Always have your doctor check vitamin D levels.
Zinc 15 to 30 mg a day
Consider a immune enhancing dietary herbs like Immunitone Plus manufactured by Designs for Health. It contains powerful herbs like Astragalus Andrographis Echinacea and Larch arabinogactan that have proven to be excellent immune boosters. You may need to see a nutritionally oriented doctor to help you obtain Immunitone plus DFH website HERE. Elderberry extract is also good. If Immunitone plus is not an option for you formulas with the above mentioned ingredients can be found in any health food store.
When to go to the hospital
Feeling achy and feverish is normal. Having a hard time breathing or a relapse of fever after feeling better is not go to the emergency room. More information HERE on what to look out for before heading to the ER.
I hope this helps.
As always I'm very grateful if you freely share this (LIKE and tweet) with friends and family.
by Geo Espinosa N.D. L.Ac CNS
Geo Espinosa N.D. L.Ac CNS is the Director of the Integrative Urology Center at New York University Langone Medical Center. Before joining NYU Dr. Geo was a clinician researcher and director of clinical trials at the Center for Holistic Urology at Columbia University Medical Center. He is a licensed naturopathic doctor licensed acupuncturist and Certified Nutrition Specialist. Dr. Geo did his residency/fellowship in Urology at Columbia University Medical Center Department of Urology under Dr. Aaron Katz. His research and practice are exclusive to prostate disorders general urology and men's health. Dr. Geo is a member of the American Herbalist Guild the American Urological Association and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Dr. Geo is an author of the naturopathic entry in "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments" by Harper Collins; March 2007 and "Prostate cancer Nutrients that may slow its progression" Chapter 40 in Food and Nutrients in Disease Management - Maryland: Cadmus Publishing 2009. He has authored papers on prostate cancer and BPH in the journal of European Urology and Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice respectively. In addition he has written on integrative approaches for urologic conditions in the Washington Post Body and Soul magazine NDNR Insight - Prostate Cancer Research Institute newsletter and Bottom line health.
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