The flu is here. Very early in the season, it’s already at epidemic proportions, hitting those most vulnerable to its ravages — kids and the elderly — as it does each year. The virus mutated early, greatly limiting the efficacy potential of the flu vaccine.
That said, the vaccine has had limited efficacy for years now. And we’ve known this. Influenza-like activity has been on a steady incline for the last decade, resulting in more hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the elderly.
I remind you of the statements made by Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, et al, from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, in 2012:
“The perception that current vaccines are already highly effective in preventing influenza is a major barrier to game-changing alternatives. Indeed, hundreds of influenza vaccine efficacy and effectiveness studies have been conducted since the 1940s, and vaccine efficacy in healthy adults of 70% to 90% is frequently cited. However, the preponderance of the available influenza vaccine efficacy and effectiveness data is from studies with suboptimal methodology, poorly defined end points, or end points not proven to be associated with influenza infection.” [Osterholm ea.The Compelling Need for Game Changing Influenza Vaccines. 2012 ]
As cited in the New York Times in 2012, Osterholm stated:
“We have over-promoted and overhyped this vaccine. It does not protect as promoted. It’s all a sales job: it’s all public relations.”
In early 2013, I experienced the flu for the first, and hopefully last, time. It wasn’t fun. I blogged all about it, with a particular focus on the influenza vaccine.
But, you know what? This blog isn’t about the vaccine. It’s about what we can do. Now. Today. Immediately, to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our patients. As Osterholm suggests, the perception that the flu vaccine is enough, just isn’t enough.
I’ve updated a table that I created some years ago. Add your suggestions in the comment section below. While I don’t mention any medications in the table, it does appear that Tamiflu may help IF you start it at the very first signs. Which, incidentally applies to the nutrients listed below: The earlier the start with treatment, the better the outcome.
2014-2015 Treatment Ideas for Influenza and Influenza-Like Illnesses – Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Healthy people fare well with influenza. Not surprisingly then, those with nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, don’t do well. But fear not. Integrative medicine shines in this arena. Just think: change your lifestyle, improve your tolerance of influenza. I created this table in response to the H5N1 avian flu scare in 2007 for Metametrix Clinical Lab staff. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a place to start. Discuss botanical and supplement dosages with your physician. Homeopathy is always safe and can be particularly helpful in some cases. When I had the flu (2013), I used Eupatorium with good results. It didn’t get me out of bed, but it reduced my severe body aches enough to comfortably stay in bed. And it might’ve shortened the duration of the flu somewhat.
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2014-2015 Treatment Ideas for Influenza and Influenza-Like Illnesses – Kara Fitzgerald, ND |
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| Specialty testing consideration – optimize wellness
(Genova Diagnostics) |
Basic good, health habits | Immune-boosting supplements: use on-going and at onset of flu season as needed | Influenza treatment considerations | Homeopathic Remedies specific for influenza-like symptoms. Use the remedy most specific to the presenting symptoms.
Consider using 30C and dosing hourly. Benefit should be noted relatively quickly (a couple of hours); if not, try a different remedy. Consult with your clinician as needed. |
| Best: ION/NutriEval | Treat nutritional deficiencies, use on-going nutrient support as directed by healthcare provider/ testing | Vitamin D | Andrographis
Elderberry extract Astragalus Berberine Echinacea Arabinogalactan |
Genus epidemicus. The first priority in homeopathy is to discover the “genus epidemicus,” that is, the remedy most suited to the symptoms specific to this year’s flu.
Read about the concept here: http://www.wholehealthnow.com/homeopathy_pro/wt10.html |
| Good: Organix Comprehensive Profile | Good hygiene:
Wash hands Wear mask in season to reduce exposure and transmission |
Antioxidant support: A,C,E, selenium, zinc | Nebulized glutathione or NAC (with or without supportive herbs) | Gelsemium-: marked debility, weakness, sleepiness Oscillococcinum: a long-used influenza remedy; a nosode from duck liver and heart
Aconite: sudden onset after exposure or shock Eupatorium Perfoliatum: high fever; severe, unbearable aching |
| Minimum:
Oxidative stress markers, Organix basic or Organix dysbiosis markers |
De-stress activities: Adequate sleep
Meditate Have fun |
Probiotics,
EPA/DHA |
Very high-dose short term vitamin A
Zinc: Apply to throat using lozenges or spray. Zinc is locally antimicrobial: Kills on contact. |
Arsenicum: influenza with gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhea |
| Amino Acid 20 | Exercise — it’s immune boosting | Immune polysaccharides, such as, cordyceps, arbinogalatan (add mushrooms to your diet, even button mushrooms have good polysaccharides) | Broth: chicken, veggie, bone. Add garlic. Lots of it | Carbo Vegetalis: copious expectoration, severe apathy, difficulty breathing, cold but averse to being covered; paroxysm of cough |
| Fatty Acid profile or blood spot fatty acids | Dietary considerations: Decrease simple carbohydrates (prepared foods, sweets), minimize caffeine and alcohol intake.
Lots of fresh veggies & low sugar fruits. Good protein and fats. Drink clean water and green tea. |
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