Remember

The media is being flooded with news of a new influenza “flu” outbreak that has been labeled “Swine Flu H1N1”.  Newspapers, TV news, and internet news sources reports often of the number that have fallen ill, the number of those who have died, and the different countries and states that now have confirmed cases of this potentially deadly form of flu.  No one seems to be able to keep on top of the reporting as the news of the spread of this virus is affecting almost the entire globe.

But what is actually the truth? 

Let’s look at the facts, as they have been reported:

The virus is an influenza A virus.  Influenza A viruses are the ones that people dread to get during the cold and flu season; it is the one that people by the millions seek vaccinations against each year.  Viruses can mutate, meaning that its genetic code can change from year-to-year or from person to person.  All viruses are said to “run their course,” meaning that there is an incubation period, a symptoms period, then a recovery period; most people who get the flu become well after 2 to 3 weeks after the first sign of the flu.

Every year, the known influenza viruses get a code; the current Swine Flu is being called H1N1.

Most Influenza viruses begin in the intestines of wood ducks, which then get passed onto other water fowl, then to farm animals (most notably pigs), then to the farmers who handle the pigs.  Humans then spread the virus to each other.

The “Swine Flu” H1N1 has the genetic code from 4 different viruses:  the Avian Flu H5N1, North American Swine Flu, Swine Flu of Asia & Europe, and the human flu. 

A couple of years ago the media covered the outbreak in Asia regarding the Avian Flu H5N1 that infected about 100 people, 58 of which had died.  At the time, there was a great fear that the Avian Flu would become a pandemic and kill 58% of the population worldwide.  The United States began to stockpile drugs to fight the virus should it hit American soil.

But the Avian Flu H5N1 disappeared almost entirely within 6 months.  But the fear of the possibilities of a pandemic caused pharmaceutical companies to begin manufacturing of vaccines.  In late 2008, a pharmaceutical company accidentally sent a flu vaccine to Austria that contained three components:  Avian Flu H5N1, Human Avian Flu and human influenza A.  At the time, the vaccine was just tested on animals—all of which died.  It was then discovered that the animals hadn’t been given plain human influenza but the deadly trio of viruses.

Five months later, Mexico has an outbreak of what was entitled “Swine Flu,” but the genetic code was found to have three of the components of the vaccine that had been sent in error to Austria.

How Is the Swine Flu Being Transmitted?

As the Swine Flu is an Influenza A, it is being transmitted the same way the “normal” seasonal flu would be transmitted:  through contact with saliva and secretions from an infected person.  Coughing and sneezing are the two main ways that the infection is being spread.

Unfortunately, there is a 7-10 day incubation period from when a person is exposed to the virus to when the person has symptoms of that virus.  This is part of the reason that the Swine Flu has spread so quickly throughout the globe:  travelers to Mexico became infected but had no symptoms of an illness; therefore, they went about their usual routine until they became very sick 7-10 days later.  College students from all over the United States were on spring break in Mexico.  When they returned to classes, they interacted with other students; soon, colleges began to report the outbreak affecting so many students.

What is Being Done to Contain the Outbreak?

As mentioned previously, travelers to infected areas didn’t know about the infection until 7-10 days later.  Many people travel to Mexico.  And many travelers that had been in Mexico traveled elsewhere after being infected/exposed to the virus.

President Obama had considered closing the borders to Canada and Mexico, and limiting or banning travel from countries of confirmed outbreaks; however, as the virus is virtually everywhere, there is no reason to close the borders.  Limiting travel is still being recommended however.  Schools are being closed by the dozens if one person becomes ill with Swine Flu; some are closing their doors just to be safe.

Medical Management and Treatments

When the United States had stockpiled an extreme amount of medication when they suspected the Avian Flu was going to spread world-wide, they took from the market the only known medication that could help with any influenza A.  The President has just authorized 20 million doses of this medication to be released for use in hospitals and clinics, for healthcare workers.  Some of this medication was sent to Mexico as well; some researchers are analyzing the drug to make sure it will be effective.

At this time, there is no vaccine for the Swine Flu.  The vaccine for the flu this past winter is not effective as a preventative against the Swine Flu as the virus has mutated to be something that it wasn’t this past winter.  Efforts are under way by virtually every pharmaceutical company to manufacture a suitable vaccine.

Self-Care for Prevention

As this virus is an influenza A virus and is spread like an influenza A virus, the standard preventative measures can be used.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) make the following recommendations:

•    Good hand-washing: the influenza viruses can live on a surface for up to three weeks, although longer times have been noted.  So, wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

•    Avoid someone who is ill:  the chances of getting the flu increases dramatically if you are exposed to someone who has it.

•    Stay home if you are ill:  passing on the flu to others isn’t fun for anyone.

•    Cover your nose & mouth when you sneeze or cough:  germs can spread to multiple surfaces and/or people if you sneeze or cough openly.  As mentioned before, the viruses can live on a surface for a long time.

•    Use facial tissue instead of a handkerchief:  tissues can be thrown away; handkerchiefs retain the germs a lot longer and repeatedly expose yourself and others through touching of it.

Other recommendations that aren’t usually associated with the seasonal flu are:

•    Avoid travel to countries or areas of confirmed outbreaks
•    Wear a mask if going to an area where there are confirmed cases

Symptoms of Flu

•    fever (usually high)
•    headache
•    extreme tiredness
•    dry cough
•    sore throat
•    runny or stuffy nose
•    muscle aches and/or “bone pains”
•    stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 

Natural Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Influenza

There are many natural things you can do to reduce the risk of becoming ill, aside from good hand-washing and some of the methods listed above.

•    Keep your stress level low:  stress has been shown to diminish the function of the immune system, thus increasing the chance of getting ill.

•    Get some exercise:  exercise has been shown to strengthen the lungs as well as the immune system

•    Eat a diet high in vegetables & fruit:  fruits and vegetables, especially if fresh, have substances within them that keep the body working smoothly and enhance immune function.  These also help clear away toxins so that stagnant toxins and mucus don’t cause illnesses to occur.

•    Fresh air:  when air is stagnant over the winter, germs tend to “build up”, thus increasing the chance of getting a cold or flu.

•    Consider the herbs Echinacea and Elderberry:  both these herbs have been shown to increase immune function, and have been helpful during times when a person has a virus.  HOWEVER:  do not take either product if you take a medical drug without first discussing it with a qualified health care practitioner!

•    Pump up the C:  vitamin C has also been shown to enhance immune function.  HOWEVER:  do not take extra vitamin C if you take a medical drug without first discussing it with a qualified health care practitioner!

Homeopathy and Influenza

As homeopathic medicines are different than medical drugs, herbs and vitamins, they are safe to use with your medical drug regimen. 

•    Influenzinum (available only through Homeopathic Doctors & Practitioners)   
     It is suggested that you take a dose of this remedy monthly and more frequently if the flu becomes prevalent or if you are directly exposed to someone who has the flu (daily or weekly if at risk for contagion). Reports and surveys done by homeopathic physicians are excellent with regards to flu prevention all over the world. Physicians deemed Influenzinum good to very good at preventing flu in approximately 90% of the cases. In 5% of the cases, it was not found to be successful for prevention. These statistics are far greater than reported with the flu vaccine and with virtually NO side effects.

•    Oscillococcinum (a.k.a. Oscillo) (available at most drug stores)
     This remedy, first formulated in 1925, has been used successfully for decades for treatment of flu. This remedy is taken every 1-4 hours (depending on the severity of symptoms). It is recommended that you take this remedy for at least 48-72 hours. By the end of the second day, most patients experienced a significant reduction in symptoms and feel remarkably improved.

     As evidenced by four clinical studies, Oscillococcinum reduces both the duration and severity of flu symptoms such as fever, chills and body aches and pains.  The most recent study showed that 63 percent of patients who took Oscillo at the onset of flu-like symptoms showed “clear improvement” or “complete resolution” of their symptoms after 48 hours.
 

If you suspect you have become infected with Swine Flu, seek medical care immediately!  Swine Flu has caused the death of more people than the average seasonal flu would’ve done.  Homeopathic medicines can be used while you are receiving medical care for the Swine Flu; don’t delay medical care.

Best wishes,
Dr. Ronda

Disclaimer:  The information provided by Dr. Ronda is for educational purposes only.  It is important that you not make health decisions or stop any medication without first consulting your personal physician or health care provider.