The current outbreak of the deadly swine flu H1N1 in Mexico, some American states, Canada, New Zealand, and elsewhere threatens to reach pandemic levels unless the virus is contained and cases sequestered. Traveling, which has become part and parcel of modern lifestyles, heightens the spread of the virus, making its prevalence difficult to control. Though called swine flu, the H1N1 virus is the result of mutation of the North American avian flu infecting European and Asian pigs to become humanly communicable. That is how this intercontinental mix differs from the 20th century swine flu that killed between 20 and 50 million people worldwide.
Since it is difficult to suppress the transmission of the fast-spreading virus, we are left with no other alternative than to arm ourselves with robust immune systems to stave off the virus or to fight it effectively should we contract it. This is the subject of our discussion today: building strong immune systems to fight this and other diseases.
The first step is to protect ourselves against bacteria and contagions by maintaining personal hygiene. Because we are exposed to shaking hands, kissing, touching door knobs, others’ coughing and sneezing, and breathing contaminated air in elevators and workplace, we need to wash ours hands often with soap and water or wipe them with alcohol-based disinfectants to kill germs. Mouth and nose should be covered with a tissue when sneezing and coughing. Touching eyes, nose, and mouth with bare hands spreads germs. Hands should be protected with disposable tissues when touching door handles and elevator buttons. Hard surfaces (door handles) should be wiped often. Wearing a mask in congested public areas (hospitals, malls) can be a prophylactic measure. There is a need to aerate rooms and renew air often. Because the sun is a good source of disinfection, sun rays should permeate rooms and dry wet laundry.
The second step is to strengthen the immune system with diet and supplements (health stores). The most effective protection is strong immunity. Don’t you wonder why some people are resistant to viruses while others are always sick? When the immune system is fully functional, not even the plague can harm. Here are some nutrients and suggestions to fend off disease and fight it.
The ACES is a necessary supplement. It is composed of vitamins A, C, and E plus selenium and if it comes with zinc it is even better. When combined, the nutrients become strong immune boosters. For more protection, vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids (1,000-2000 mg) enhances the number and quality of white blood cells. Selenium, 200 mcg, prevents the bird flu and 400 mcg fights active infections.
A multivitamin and mineral supplement boosts immunity, speeds healing, and enhances cellular and enzymatic functions. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 1,000mg or more twice daily was found by Dr. Silvio de Flora of Genoa to be a potent antioxidant against the avian virus.
L-lysine, 500 mg taken on an empty stomach with fresh juice or water (not milk), was found by Chinese researchers to suppress virus proliferation by bolstering immune cells.
Maitaki, shiitake, reishi, or cordyceps extract supports the immune system and fight viral infections.
Other immune boosters are goldenseal (natural antibiotic, for a week only), Echinacea, ginger, chamomile, cinnamon, clove, astragalus, and slippery elm infusions. They reduce flu symptoms and cat’s claw decreases its duration. Boswellia gum (nature’s antibiotic) supplement, oliban (luban shihri), eliminates and expectorates mucus, disinfects and decongests the sinuses, and detoxifies the body. A lump of the gum in a burner fumigates living areas and kills germs and viruses. Inhaling eucalyptus oil in hot water relieves congestion and improves breathing. Fenugreek and slippery elm break up phlegm and eliminate it. Messegue, the famous French herbalist, recommended tea infusions of thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary to relieve flu symptoms. Honey enhances their benefits and heals.
Elderberry capsules and tea are particularly effective at the onset of a sore throat. A combination of elderberry, Echinacea, and vitamin C, 1,000-2,000 mg supplements has very potent effects on the flu.
Olive leaf extract strengthens the immune functions to fight viral infections.
Chicken soup cooked with four onions, a garlic head, ginger, whole black pepper, and cayenne powder has very powerful effects on flu symptoms. It acts as a decongestant, mucus dissolver, fever reducer, and headache reliever. Cayenne powder is good for flu side effects and can be used freely with food or infusions. Citrus fruits, lemon in particular, and vitamin C rich fruits (kiwi, papaya, berries) and vegetables (tomatoes, cabbage and family, peppers) protect cells from invading viruses. Fresh organic fruit and vegetable juices increase bioflavonoids in the body to detoxify and boost resistance against infections.
During the anthrax scare, scientists found that organic wild oregano, Oreganum vulgare, essential oil a potent remedy against deadly flu viruses. It dramatically reduces symptoms. Personal experience showed me the effectiveness of essential oils (thyme, rosemary, oregano) on flu symptoms, shortening recovery time. These oils are very powerful and can be misused or abused. Therefore, they become dangerous if taken more than two drops (with a sugar lump or honey) at a time or used for extended periods (exceeding a week). Their powerful compounds can damage the liver. Undiluted essential oils burn skin, eyes, lips, tongue, and mucous membrane. Using vegetable oil brings relief. Sleep and rest are mandatory to help the body repair, recover, and build immunity. Water, fresh juices, hot herbal teas, and clear soups hydrate, cleanse, and heal. Dairy products, meat, and refined sugar increase mucus; they should be avoided. A light liquid diet relieves the digestive system, allowing the immune system to focus on fighting infections.
Elevated body temperatures help destroy viruses and bacteria. It is the body’s natural defense. Fever above 38.5 degree requires antipyretic, painkiller medication. Sweating helps the recovery process. We should welcome summer; heat kills germs and viruses, preventing prevalence. On the other hand, cold air-conditioned rooms counteract heat benefits.
Children, pregnant mothers, the chronically ill, and the elderly should be treated cautiously by a physician. Some of the above suggested remedies may not agree with them. With any signs of a cold (sore throat, sneezing, cough, fever, chills, headache), children and adults should remain at home, rest, start treatment with the above cures and call a doctor. The health-care provider should wear a mask for protection. Avoid going to hospitals, public places, or traveling to prevent spreading the virus.
Authorities should take precautionary actions to limit virus prevalence like screening passengers for fever and symptoms upon entering the country; putting up health checkpoints at entry ports; and restricting traveling. In-flight air ducts and filters should be cleaned before take-off and antiseptic spraying should be used during the flight and in terminals. Awareness campaigns should be conducted to allay the fears of the public.
With the Tamiflu and Relenza vaccines lacking effectiveness and availability, our best protection against viruses, pathogens, and disease is bolstering immune systems with natural methods. It is wiser to build natural defenses rather than taking medical drugs that kill viruses and weaken immunity. Prevention should be our course of action. However, unless governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) combine efforts to contain the H1N1 virus, we may be facing a catastrophe. May the Almighty have mercy on us!
