Introduction: Illness and death from the swine flu is a possibility for any of us. The news, media, and current conversations constantly remind us. Yet, fear of the unknown creates unnessary stress. Instead, let us use this epidemic as an opportunity to improve our wellbeing. This article aims to relieve some fear by imparting the facts and options available. It is hoped you will feel prepared to face the weather. To stay updated on the information, visit the website http://www.thelancet.com/H1N1-flu.

Facts/Symptoms: According to world-wide studies of swine flu (H1N1 virus), we learn flu season is early this year. Currenlty, swine flu is prevalent in the US and is similarly severe as other influenza viruses. The difference is it binds directly to the lung tissue, so a cough develops soon after infection (incubation is between 1-4 days). Often, headache and GI symptoms also occur with the swine flu such as nausea and/or diarrhea. Symptoms similar to other influenza viruses include fever/chills, sore throat, body aches, loss of energy and appetite. Some people experience emotional symptoms such as anxiety and sadness with the swine flu, perhaps because it attatches to the lungs so rapidly.

Vaccine: So what do we do about this contagion? People want to know if the vaccine is a good idea. My approach to vaccines is it is a deeply personal issue for each individual. I encourage people to trust their gut instinct and follow it. I, personally, choose not to vaccinate because the vaccines contain toxic ingredients and are not effective against the flu. One of the main toxic ingredients is the mercury-containing preservative called thermasol. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal linked with autism. It causes nerve and liver damage and cancer. Other toxic ingredients include ethylene glycol (used as antifreeze), carbolic acid (caustic poison), formaldehyde (embalming fluid), and aluminum (linkid with Alzheimer's disease, seizures, and cancer). Despite all these negative possibilities, chances are you will be okay if you decide to get the vaccine. If it gives you peace of mind, then maybe it is worth it. In my opinion, there are clearly better ways to prevent the flu.

Prevention is the best cure. You have heard the basics, but I will repeat them to emphasize their importance. The flu is transmitted from person to person by respiratory droplets. The droplets are easily passed from the hand of a sick person to an object to the hand of a healthy person. If the healthy person touches their mouth or nose, they will become infected. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sick people and crowds if possible. Since this can be difficult, make sure you wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. This will especially protect family members of sick people.

Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle will help prevent infection. This includes drinking plenty of pure water, eating organic foods (especially vegetables), exercising, getting lots of sleep, and reducing stress. Beyond these basics, natural medicines are available to build the immune system and reduce one's susceptibilty to getting sick. I will mention some options of many available. It is best to take medicines according to the individual needs. See a professional for an optimum health program.

Supplements: Vitamin C is so simple and important in preventing and treating the flu. At very high doses, it has cured almost fatal cases. A preventative does for adults is 3-4 g/day. Take more if you are sick. Vitamin D3 (2000IU-5000IU/day) also prevents and treats the swine flu. Colloidal silver or gold are great infection-fighters to have in your arsenal.

Fungi: Medicinal mushrooms are potent immune system tonics. These include reishi, shitake, and maitake mushrooms to name a few. There are several products on the market you can get at your local health shop or from your practitioner. These are Garden of Life's RM-10 and Golden Flower's Five Mushroom Formula.

Herbs: Chinese and Western herbs both offer protection against infection. Western herbs include echinacea (best to be taken at onset of illness), osha, garlic, and elderberry. Chinese herbs include astragalus and Jade Windscreen formula. See a professional for an individualized formula and dosing instructions.

Homeopathy: Oscilococcinum can be found at your local health food store. You may also find products by the brand Celletech including Winter Balance 1 and Winter Tonic (version 1) which are anthroposophical homeopathics of the latest flu strains. If you get sick, I recommend consulting a practitioner to get the best homeopathic remedy for your specific case.

Onset: An adult is usually only contagious 24 hours after their fever has reduced to 100F/38C (without the use of fever-reducing drugs). A child may be contagious up to 7 days after the fever has reduced. If you know you have been exposed to the virus and you start feeling a little bad (what Dr. Schultz calls the "uh-oh, achey, scratchy sore throat, sweaty feeling"), it is critical to catch the virus as soon as possible. You have between 24 and 72 hours until the virus reaches its peak of replication to use antiviral therapy. Afterward, it is no longer effective. There are Chinese herbs that have strong anti-viral properties (neuraminidase inhibitors) including sophora root (ku shen) and isatis root (ban lan gen). There are some Chinese formulas that contain these herbs plus others that clear heat during this initial phase. Dr. Schultz also has a protocol using an herbal "shot", www.herbdoc.com.

Fully-engaged: Once the virus is fully replicated, which happens very quickly, the full onslaught of symptoms come including a bad cough. The strategy at this point is to support the immune system, clear heat and phlegm. There are great Chinese herbs to dislogde the virus from the lung tissue including Mulberry and Lycium formula. Ren Shen Xie Fei Tang is useful for bronchitis, pneumonia, or copious phlegm.

Conclusion: These are only suggestionsto to use if you feel comfortable. There are many more options and resources available. Again, I stress the importance of seeing a practitioner for expert guidance. If natural remedies are not working and you get worse, consider going to the hospital where you can be monitored closely and treated with IV fluids and other medications if necessary. Remember, the disease can be very serious and it is best to be conservative.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with me, please contact me.