(also referred to as ...) Flu
Description The flu, as it is commonly known, is a viral infection transmitted from person to person via droplets in the air that are expelled by infected persons while coughing or sneezing. It affects the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tracts and sometimes the lungs. Influenza infection often occurs in pandemics. Two of the most famous cases occurred in 1918, i.e., the "Spanish Flu", and 1957, i.e., the "Asian Flu". Once a strain of the flu passes through a population, most of the people become immune to that particular strain. Thus, a similar strain of virus will not cause an epidemic in that particular population for approximately three years. Within that time, the virus can mutate and go on to cause minor epidemics. Once it mutates enough so it is no longer recognized by the body's immune system, another epidemic ensues. If a particularly virulent strain arises, it can cause a pandemic. These pandemics seem to occur every 10 to 40 years.
Symptoms and Signs:These include a fever (39 to 40oC) for three to seven days. It is often accompanied by a general achy feeling all over the body which can last several weeks. You may have a cough and/or a runny nose. Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms. You may also experience chills, fatigue, and a headache.
Causes: Influenza is caused by the human influenza virus which is part of the orthomyxovirus group.
What to Expect: Recovery is usually spontaneous and rapid. A common approach to dealing with the flu is through the use of antibiotics. However, antibiotics target and kill bacteria and, as such, are useless against influenza, which is viral in nature. Most serious consequences of the flu are not due to the virus itself, but rather a secondary bacterial infection that arises due to a compromised immune system and a raw, exposed, trachea and respiratory tree. Often, the bacterial infection causes pneumonia and can be fatal for some. This was the reason for the large number of deaths that occurred during the 1918 flu pandemic. Those particularly at risk are infants and the elderly.
Remedies
Conventional Approaches As previously mentioned, antibiotics target and kill bacteria and, as such, are useless against influenza, which is viral in nature. Herbs Astragalus is a famous Chinese herb and early Chinese writings refer to it as "The Superior Tonic". It is used to treat a wide variety of conditions and is considered a major Chinese qi (pronounced "Chi") tonic. When treating the common cold, astragalus can be used to stimulate your immune system and provide relief to your respiratory system. It is safe to take for the duration of your cold and can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms in acute common cold treatments. The herb can also be safely used as a preventative, as required. To prepare a decoction, add 3 teaspoons to 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Strain and divide into 3 doses for the day. If supplementing, take 6g three times daily. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily. Echinacea can also be used to stimulate the immune system and increase white blood cell (WBC) counts. In addition, the herb has been found to directly kill bacteria and viruses. Due to its specific immune system stimulating properties, do not use echinacea for more than one month. This will only confuse your immune system into action and thus weaken its ability to fight an actual infection. It is best to take this herb at the first sign of a cold or as a preventative against a known cold source, such as your place of work. If using a tincture, take 20 to 40 drops in a glass of water three times daily. If supplementing, take 300mg powdered extract three times daily. If preparing a decoction, bring 2 teaspoons echinacea root and 1 cup water to a boil. Simmer 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. The taste may be initially sweet, then bitter. Do not give to children under 2 years of age. Older children and those over 65 should start with a low strength preparation and increase as required. Elder promotes sweating, which helps eliminate toxins from the body and lowers fevers. Drink one cup elder flower (NOT berry) tea daily. Elderberry extract contains many antiviral properties and is particularly effective against the flu virus. Take as directed on the label. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties as a result of its incredibly complex molecular structure. Allicin is considered the active ingredient in garlic. You can increase the content of allicin in garlic by crushing the buds and leaving them out for five minutes or more. The oxygen in the air facilitates the conversion of alliin to allicin. Take at least two cloves daily. If supplementing, take 400 to 500mg up to three times daily and look for supplements with a high alicin content. Goldenseal has antibacterial properties that can help fight off a bacterial infection. Note that as with prescription antibiotics, goldenseal is useless against a viral infection -- the most common form of the common cold. NOTE: This delicate, wild herb is becoming increasingly rare as its popularity grows. Use only after you have exhausted other possible courses of antibacterial treatment. To prepare a tea, use 1/2 to 1 tsp. powdered root per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Add honey or lemon to reduce the bitter flavour. If using a tincture, take 10 to 40 drops two times daily. If using capsules, take 250 to 500mg of powdered extract. Do not take internally for more than week and avoid completely if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Ginger is anti-viral in nature. Prepare a tea by adding 1/2 teaspoon of powder to hot water. Drink several times daily. Minerals Selenium enhances immune function. Eat brazil nuts or take 100 to 200mcg daily. Zinc also supports the immune system. Use zinc lozenges. Take 15mg every two hours for the first two days, not exceeding 100mg daily. From then on, take 80mg daily in divided doses. Vitamins Vitamin A helps boost your immune system. Take 15,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed doses of 10,000 IU daily. Vitamin C helps support the immune system. Take 500 to 1,000mg four times daily. Start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance. Also eat generous portions of acerola, bell peppers, cantaloupe, citrus fruits and pineapples, which are all high in vitamin C.
Actions and Remedy Listings
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