Flu Prevention
When to go see a Naturopathic Doctor for the flu.
∞ If you get sick every year multiple times, then preventative anti-viral herbs or homeopathic medications may be helpful.
∞ If you have a chronic disease that makes you more at risk for complications from the flu (asthma, history of pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy), then getting natural medications specific for your condition may help prevent the flu or can help it be less severe.
∞ If you get sick with the flu. A Naturopathic doctor can give you antiviral herbs to help your body fight the flu virus, and homeopathic medication to relieve discomfort and help you recover more quickly
Protect yourself from the flu (ways to stay healthy).
∞ Lower your overall stress.
- Exercise regularly
- Have a regular schedule for sleeping, eating, working and exercising.
- Meditation everyday
∞ Manage your chronic health problems.
∞ Get good sleep. Most people need 7 to 9 hours per night. Rest more when tired.
∞ Take deep breaths everyday (abdominal breathing).
∞ Eat a healthy diet with lots of colorful fresh vegetables and fruits. Limit simple sugars and processed foods in your diet.
∞ Supplements everyone can use to stay healthy:
- Probiotics = acidophilus = good bacteria is helpful to stimulate your immune system – 2 to 4 billion cfu minimum.
- Vitamin D – 1000 IU to 4000 IU / day with meals to replenish levels.
- Fish oil or Cod liver oil – 2000 to 3000 mg / day with meals.
Prevent the spread of the flu virus.
∞ The flu virus is contagious 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after the symptoms have developed. Do not go back to work until you have a normal temperature for 24 hours without medications.
∞ Simple hygiene is most important.
- Wash your hands a lot. Studies show that washing your hands 10 times a day decreases the spread of flu virus. Use alcohol based cleaners when washing is not possible.
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or in a tissue and discard the tissue.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands often.
- Wear a mask if you are at risk and are around sick people.
∞ Flu virus spreads through respiratory droplets. Because they are heavy in the air, they usually fall within a 3 foot radius of a person. If you are at high risk of complications from flu virus, stay away from sick people or give them more room (6 feet).
∞ Clean surfaces (especially bedside and bathroom) daily when someone in your house is sick with soap or simple household cleaners.
∞ Dishes and hygiene items should not be shared.
What are the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
What to do if you get the flu (H1N1 or seasonal flu).
∞ Rest – let yourself sleep.
∞ Drink fluids to keep hydrated – water especially.
∞ Drink simple soups and broths.
∞ Stay away from people who are at high risk of complications from the flu.
∞ Continue to wash your hands often and do not share dishes, towels or clothing.
∞ Let yourself have a fever. Fevers are the body’s way of fighting the virus. Most people can tolerate fevers up to 103° F. Use a tepid bath to cool yourself if needed.
∞ Warming socks treatment can help the body fight the infection and help with sleep.
Anti-viral herbs or supplements may be more effective than conventional anti-viral medications. While anti-viral medications (Tamiflu) appear to be useful for H1N1 virus, the seasonal flu virus was resistant last year.
Warning signs for influenza?
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Moderate to severe pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough