Since its breakout in Mexico in April 2009 this year, the deadly H1N1 swine flu virus has spread exponentially. Though it has not yet reached a critical stage, it threatens to become so during the winter season, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since it is difficult to suppress the transmission of the fast-spreading virus, it is absolutely necessary to take a proactive stand to limit its prevalence by equipping ourselves with sturdy immune systems to ward off the virus or fight it effectively should we contract it.
Because of the influx of thousands of pilgrims from around the globe during the holy month of Ramadan and millions for the Haj, I find it imperative to revisit the subject. Our discussion today is about fortifying our immune defenses to fight the virus through hygienic practices, natural remedies and taking serious prophylactic actions.
To protect ourselves against pathogens and viruses, we need to maintain personal hygiene. Because we are constantly exposed to shaking hands, kissing, touching doorknobs, coughing and sneezing and inhaling contaminated air in elevators, hospitals, mosques, supermarkets, shopping malls and workplaces, we should wash our hands often with soap and water or wipe them with alcohol-based disinfectants to kill germs before touching our eyes, mouths or noses. I suggest that all public places provide liquid hand sanitizers to minimize the proliferation of the virus. Sanitizers should not be freely used by children who tend to lick them and can get intoxicated by some of their ingredients.
Mouths and noses should be covered with tissues when sneezing and coughing and if tissues aren’t available, cough and sneeze into sleeves rather than hands. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands to limit contamination. Hands should be protected with disposable tissues when touching doors, escalator handles and elevator buttons. Hard surfaces (door knobs) in public places should be wiped often. Wearing a mask in congested public areas (hospitals, malls) can help. It is important to aerate rooms and renew air often. The sun is a good disinfectant; its rays should permeate rooms and dry laundry. Because the sun’s appearance is rare in northern countries during the autumn and winter seasons, some scientists recommend taking a vitamin D supplement. The sun is a germ-destroyer and vitamin D provider. Vitamin D protects against viruses and disease. D-deficient individuals become more susceptible to catching viruses, which is part of the reason why flu is prevalent in the winter months.
The suggestion the H1N1 virus is on the wane is untrue. Unfortunately, the winter season brings a fiercer strain of the virus due to insufficient vitamin D levels and exposure to the sun. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the WHO expect the virus to strike hardest during the period when a large segment of the population becomes D deficient, despite drugs and vaccines. Twenty minutes of exposure to sunlight daily or a D supplement is required during the peak flu season in order to prevent severe attacks of the virus. This country is blessed with sunlight all year round, yet we are still D deficient and exposed to disease and contagion.
An immune-boosting diet and supplements from health stores are essential to strengthen the immune defenses and prevent disease. The following are some nutrients and suggestions to fend off the virus.
The ACES supplement is crucial for immunity; it is composed of vitamins A, C, and E plus selenium, and if it comes with zinc it is more beneficial. When combined, the nutrients become effective immune boosters. Vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids (1,000-2000 mg) enhances the number and quality of white blood cells. Selenium, 200 mcg, helps against contracting the avian flu virus and E 400 mcg fights active infections.
A multivitamin and mineral supplement gives energy and strength, speeds healing and enhances cellular and enzymatic functions. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 1,000 mg or more twice daily was found by Dr. Silvio de Flora of Genoa to be a potent antioxidant against the avian flu 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.
Through Traditional Chinese Medicine, scientists and the pharmaceutical industry discovered the aromatic star anise, Illicium anizatum (zahrat Al-yanasoon in Arabic and shikimi in Japanese), to be very effective on swine flu symptoms. Shikimic acid from star anise is the active ingredient in the flu drug Tamiflu. Star anise is found at health food stores. It should be steeped for at least twenty minutes and taken warm. I pulverize it and add it to herbal infusions (information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikim).
Ayurvedic medicine recommends fresh basil and basilicum (reehan in Arabic) to counteract the seasonal flu virus and speed recovery. It was found to be equally effective on swine flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, stuffy nose, chills, aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Twenty basil leaves should be made into paste or juice and taken on an empty stomach twice daily. The herb energizes the immune system, which helps to prevent catching the virus, and reduces symptoms and the recovery period. Apparently, a basil leaf supplement taken for two weeks can act as a preventative remedy against the flu. My friend Nadia, who enjoyed an ayurvedic detoxification regimen, passed me this information.
Maitaki, shiitake, reishi and cordyceps mushroom extracts support the immune system and fight viral infections.
Boswellia gum (nature’s antibiotic) and oliban (luban shihri) eliminates and expectorates mucus, disinfects and decongests the sinuses and detoxifies the body. The gum droplets should be diluted in a little water and taken on an empty stomach in the morning and before bedtime. A gum droplet in a burner fumigates living areas and kills germs and viruses. Inhaling eucalyptus oil in hot water relieves congestion and improves breathing. 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. 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 speeds healing. During the anthrax scare, scientists found that the essential oil of organic wild oregano, oreganum vulgare, is a potent remedy against deadly flu viruses; it dramatically relieves 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 active compounds can damage the liver. Undiluted essential oils burn skin, eyes, lips, tongue, and mucous membrane. Vegetable oil gives relief.
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.
Power is in fresh vegetable juices (dark leafy greens, cabbage family, roots, gourds, deep red one, sprouts, wheat and barley grasses). Carrots and tomatoes make a good base for juices. They contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and the enzymes necessary to make important immune cells like T-cells, B-cells, macrophages and antibodies to fight and suppress the swine flu. The juice should be taken very fresh and on an empty stomach to go straight to the bloodstream.
Citrus fruits, lemon in particular, and vitamin C rich fruits (kiwi, papaya, berries) and vegetables (tomatoes, cabbags, peppers) protect cells from invading viruses. Fresh organic fruit and vegetable juices increase bioflavonoids in the body to detoxify and boost resistance against infections.
Garlic is an antiviral and antifungal condiment that acts like a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is best taken raw in salads, yogurt, and dips, or cooked with vegetables and chicken soup.
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 in food or infusions. Probiotics are known to enhance the intestinal microflora and the immune system on different levels. However, a particular strain called Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, PTA-6086 appears to provide resistance against the influenza A virus (the swine flu is a variant of the A virus) through boosting the production of T-cell of TNF-alpha, which target such viruses. A recent study showed the effectiveness of this specific strain on the flu virus. Empowered immune defenses can prevent the virus, lower symptoms, shorten recovery time, and reduce hospitalization and death risks. This specific probiotic strain is best taken in supplement form.
Sleep and rest are mandatory to help the body repair, recover and build immune cells.
Water, fresh juices, hot herbal infusions and clear soups hydrate, cleanse and heal. While water dissolves mucus, dairy products, meat and refined sugar increase mucus and acidic conditions that encourage infections. Steer away from such foods. A light liquid diet relieves the digestive system, allowing the immune system to fight infections.
Elevated body temperatures help destroy viruses and bacteria. They are the body’s natural defense. However, fever above 38.5 degree requires antipyretic, painkiller medication. Water and sweating reduce temperature and help the recovery process. Heat kills germs and viruses while the cold encourages prevalence. So keep warm!
Children, pregnant mothers, the chronically ill (heart, lung, or renal condition) 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 the virus (sore throat, sneezing, cough, fever, chills, headache, body aches, difficulty breathing, some cases vomiting, diarrhea), children and adults should remain at home, rest, start treatment with the above cures and call a doctor. Avoid going to hospitals, public places, or traveling to prevent spreading the virus. An infected person may pass on the virus one day before symptoms appear and one week or more after contracting it.
Children should be treated with appropriate antipyretic pain relievers (aspirin is not for children under 14) and should be given plenty of fluids. Drugs like Tamiflu are effective if given within 48 hours from the beginning flu symptoms. They should speed recovery. Relenza is not meant for children. Parents should watch for symptoms like persistent fever, not passing urine, rashes, lethargy, difficulty breathing, turning blue, vomiting or diarrhea.
Authorities should take precautionary measures to prevent virus prevalence, like restricting the influx of pilgrims and screening them before they depart from their country of origin. 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 in the Grand Mosque of Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah to prevent the disaster of a viral explosion.
The biggest concern now is the evolution of the H1N1 virus into a more virulent strain and its resistance to medication. In countries where the antiviral drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir), is over-prescribed, the WHO is expecting the virus to become more powerful and resistant to the drug. Therefore the WHO strongly recommends, “save(ing) Tamiflu for (the) young, old and pregnant,” suggesting that “blanket use of Tamiflu raises chances of resistant strains emerging.”
Though flu drugs and vaccines are currently effective against swine flu, unfortunately with the mutation of the virus they will become absolutely ineffective. Skeptics in the medical profession also fear overmedication with flu drugs and vaccines more than they fear the swine flu itself. Some vaccines used in 1976 produced neurological disorders far more dangerous and disabling than the dreaded virus.
Rather than relying on Tamiflu, Relenza and vaccines, we should encourage bolstering the immune systems with natural methods in order to protect against viruses, pathogens and disease. It is wiser to build the natural defenses than taking medical drugs that kill viruses and weaken immunity. Fully functional immune systems make healthy people. Prevention should be our course of action.
Unless we combine efforts with governments and the WHO and become proactive in containing the H1N1 virus, we may be facing a catastrophe soon.
