Swine Flu Protection And Treatment

INFLUENZA is the most common cause of fever, although the term is often used to include various unidentified viral infections.

All the symptoms are characterized by a raised temperature, aching limbs, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headaches and fatigue.

Flu is caused by a virus, and often occurs in epidemics during the winter. New strains of the virus seem to occur each year, despite the availability of flu vaccines.

A person infected with either seasonal flu or H1N1 may be able to infect others from one day before getting ill to seven days after.

There has been a rush to make a vaccine, questioning some safety precautions, to vaccinate the population before the winter season. Unlike regular seasonal flu, H1N1 vaccines have thimersol and squalene, to make them more effective. Thimersol and squalene have been linked to autism in sensitive individuals.

CAN VITAMIN D HELP?

There have been many studies over the years with vitamin D as a prevention to catching both colds and flu. Studies have shown that those with higher vitamin D blood levels are less likely to contract the typical avian influenza  most of us are familiar with. This is why most people get sick with flu in the winter and spring, when the sunlight and blood vitamin levels are at their lowest. I suspect similiar results with the swine flu.

Studies show that vitamin D stimulate the immune system and desease fighting cells, called macrophages and T cells. We know that macrophages and T cells have vitamin D receptors on them, enhancing their functions, Macrophages and T cells create proteins that have antiviral properties.

In 2006, Dr. John Cannell an expert in vitamin D and a psychiatrist at Atascadero State Hospital in California, along with colleagues, published a paper showing evidence that lower vitamin D blood levels during the winter months accounted for the increased transmissibility of the flu virus among children and adults. This and many other studies about vitamin D started much interest.

Evidence from clinical trials shows, with a wide margin of confidence, that 2000 units of vitamin D a day is the best protection against this potential epidemic and patients with severe immune problems can take 5000 units with safety under doctors supervision.

A person diagnosed with flu should drink plenty of liquids, esspecially peppermint or elderflower teas, and sliced ginger or honey and lemon in hot water, once the fever has subsided, eat foods which are easy to digest such as soups, rice or steamed vegetables. Vitamin D and garlic will aid recovery. Stay in bed and keep warm and contact with other people should be kept to a minimum.

Use tea tree oil, eucalyptus and rosemary oils in vaporizers especially at the onset of the illness.