The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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 Influenza Virus (Flu)
Influenza: from the French word, influentia, which refers to the belief that epidemics were caused by the influence of the stars
Influenza or flu is an acute respiratory infection capable of sweeping through entire communities. flu season begins in November or December and may last until April or May.
Although the word "flu" is often applied to almost anything that makes us feel unwell, influenza should not be mistaken for the common cold or other airborne viruses. |
| Researchers observed that mortality from ischemic heart disease markedly increases during the flu season, particularly among the eldetly. One teason for this appears to be that patients with influenza A, a flu vims, tend to have much highet levels of CRP. Researchers at Rochester Genetal Hospital and Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry showed that CRP increased 370% during infection and that old age magnified the increase (Falsey et al. 2001; Hotan et al. 2001). |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Take 250 milligrams three times a day for one month before the cold and flu season begins.
¦ To improve respiratory function over the long term, get regular exercise. (See BEGINNING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM in Part Three.) Walking is generally recognized as a safe activity for anyone of any age, but don't overdo it at first. If you are a non-exerciser over the age of fifty, see your doctor before embarking on any exercise program.
¦ When you catch a cold, begin appropriate treatment promptly (see COMMON COLD). This may help decrease the possibility of developing bronchitis. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 Unlike echinacea, astragalus may be taken long-term during cold and flu season,- Chinese studies have found it to be an effective preventive against the common cold. Health practitioners find it particularly
Basic Cold and Flu Tea
This blend combines herbs to soothe the symptoms of the usual cold and flu symptoms with ones that fight viruses and bacteria.
To make 1 cup of tea blend:
% cup dried peppermint leaves
\ cup dried lemon balm leaves
\ cup dried elder flowers
% cup dried yarrow flowers
Store in an airtight jar away from heat and light for up to a year. |
| While it's true that the cold and flu season rides in on winter's coat-tails, it's really not the weather that causes all the misery. It's the time spent indoors, sharing air space with sick people. The viruses that cause colds and flu are highly contagious and there's no denying that they play havoc with our health. Colds and flu are a leading cause of doctor's office visits and missed days from work. Adults get an average of four colds a year. They get more if they smoke or spend a lot of time around small children. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 Cymbopogon citratus, are both high in vitamin C and A, which are needed for extra support during the cold and flu season. These herbs are both very tasty.
Cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia, is added for its warming effect, astringent action and tightening up boggy, congested tissues. It additionally adds a nice taste to the formula.
Lemon essential oil, Citrus limonum, is antimicrobial and adds a nice taste to the formula.
Orange essential oil, Citrus aurantium, adds a nice taste to the formula. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| One suggestion: add an immune-system tonic, such as astragalus or reishi, to your daily regimen during cold and flu season. If you feel a cold or flu coming on, use immune-system stimulants, such as echinacea, and antiviral herbs to help your body marshal its own defenses. If the virus inflicts its symptoms on you, choose your herbs to relieve whatever symptoms you're experiencing. Of course, any remedy works best when you also allow yourself proper rest, increase fluids, and eat nourishing foods.
Drug Treatment
Analgesics
Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| Take 250 to 500 milligrams in the morning three times a week during the flu season.
Note: Do not take this herb if you have a fever.
¦ American ginseng helps to boost the immune system and strengthen the body. Take 200 milligrams one-half hour before breakfast once or twice a week during the winter months.
Note: Do not use ginseng if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or hypoglycemia. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and other stimulants, you may want to consult with a qualified herbalist before using ginseng. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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| A product label for echinacea can say, "Supports the health of the immune system during cold and flu season." It cannot say, "Cures the common cold."
Choosing Among Several Brands
If three or four different brands or varieties of an herb are available, how do you choose which to buy?
Here are some issues to consider when making your decision.
0 Whole plant or standardized extract? Let's say that you want a whole-plant product because it contains multiple compounds that may work together therapeutically or because standardization doesn't seem to offer many benefits for that particular herb. |
| Function: prevent type A influenza when taken daily throughout flu season,- re-
The No-Good, All-Too-Common Treatment
Antibiotics have no place in the treatment of viral respiratory infections-common colds and flu —unless the illness becomes complicated by a bacterial infection. Nevertheless, studies show that doctors prescribe antibiotics to about 60 percent of their sniffling patients with colds and flu. The annual cost of unwarranted use of antibiotics for colds runs about $37.5 million. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for your cold or flu, ask why. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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| It supports the healing process and is necessary for proper immune system function, which is extremely important during the cold and flu season.
FLU FORMULA
Echinacea Compound
Echinacea angustifolia
20-30% purpurea
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
20-30%
Osha
Ligusticum porteri
20-30%
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
15-25%
Prickly ash bark
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
5-10%
Actions:
This is a formula used to support the immune system. It is an immunomodulator with antiviral and antiinflammatory actions. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 LJ During the cold and flu season, use the herb Scutellaria to prevent viral infections. Take one or two 1,000-milligram capsules three times a day.
LJ Learn how to counteract stress. (See RELAXATION TECHNIQUES in Part Three.)
CONSIDERATIONS
LJ Of all the herbal products available for AIDS, curcumin may be the most versatile for stopping the virus at every stage of infection. It deactivates the gene in HIV that takes the virus out of its dormant state. |
| Russian studies involving tens of thousands of participants found that taking Siberian ginseng for eight to ten weeks before the beginning of the cold and flu season reduces the incidence of these diseases by more than 95 percent. This herb stimulates the activity of several immune-system components: B and T cells, which direct the immune response to infection; macrophages, "germ-eating" cells that attack bacteria; and interferons, which "interfere" with every stage of viral infection. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 You can take this for several months during flu season.
IP-6: A Virus Killer
The supplement IP-6, short for inositol hexaphosphate, is thought to stimulate the natural killer cells of the immune system, which are true to their name, says Dr. Downing: They kill flu viruses. Take two capsules twice a day as long as you're sick, she advises.
THYMUS EXTRACT: More Help for T Cells
Supplements of thymus gland extract are thought to help the body generate hormones that spark the formation of T cells, which work as important virus killers. |
Attaining Medical Self SufficiencyDuncan Long
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| Simply staying away from public places during the flu season can minimize your chances of catching this disease or, if you do catch it, may decrease the severity of the symptoms you suffer. Likewise talking to someone who has a bad cold while you're both outside will be pretty safe since the numbers of virus in the air you inhale will remain low; going into the sick person's home, on the other hand, is risky since the air is most likely highly contaminated with the virus. |
Gina Kolata
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 A year later, in an official analysis of the swine flu disaster, two medical experts, Richard Neustadt and Harvey Fineberg, wrote: "One death, thirteen sick men and up to 500 recruits who evidently had caught and resisted the disease, all in one Army camp, were the only established instances of human-to-human swine flu found around the world as February turned into March, the last month of flu season in the Northern Hemisphere."
But there was no time to waste if vaccine manufacturers were going to prepare for a swine flu immunization campaign. |
Maesimund B. Panos, M.D. and Jane Heimlich
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 Dosage: one tablet every two to four weeks throughout the flu season. This tablet is made from the combined strains of influenza virus from the major flu epidemics since 1918. The combined strains are then homeopathically prepared and potentized. No ill effects have ever been reported from the "cold and flu" tablet, and the tate of protection has been high. In the flu epidemic of 1918 to 1920, the homeopaths lost only 1 percent of their patients, as opposed to 30 to 40 percent under allopathic care. Fortunately, allopathic treatment today is more effective than in the twenties. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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 Alcohol-Free Hot Toddy
This phytochemical cocktail can offer relief during cold and flu season. The ginger and cayenne pepper act to fight congestion, and the lemon gives it a boost of bioflavonoids and vitamin C.
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1. Squeeze the juice from the lemon half into a small container. Set aside.
2. Pour the water in a small saucepan. Finely slice the lemon rind into slivers and add to the water. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid into a cup or a mug. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| Take one dose of homeopathic Anas barbariae once a week during the cold and flu season.
¦ Make it a rule to eat a low-sweets diet with no fried foods. During the cold season, prepare soups of chicken and vegetables, and add the herb astragalus to the soup to help boost your immune system.
¦ If you are experiencing emotional distress, you will fall ill more easily. Emotional upset may be caused by stress at work, home, school, or anywhere else. Try to be aware of and work through your problems. Seek support during emotional crises. (See STRESS. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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| This enables the body to protect, support and heal itself during the cold and flu season.
Indications:
This formula is used for coughs in general and other disorders associated with respiratory irritation like colds and flu.
COUGH ELIXIR FORMULA I DOSAGE CHART
1/2-1 teaspoon as needed, up to 8 teaspoons per day
Contraindications, cautions and words of wisdom:
This formula is contraindicated in pregnancy. Do not give any honey, propolis or other bee products to children under 1 year of age or to individuals with severely suppressed immune systems. |
| It supports the natural function of the respiratory tract and enables the body to protect, support and heal itself during the cold and flu season.
Indications:
This formula is used for coughs in general and other disorders associated with respiratory irritation such as colds and flu.
COUGH ELIXIR FORMULA II DOSAGE CHART
1/2-1 teaspoon as needed, up to 8 teaspoons per day
Contraindications, cautions and words of wisdom:
This formula is contraindicated in pregnancy. |
| It supports the natural function of the respiratory tract and enables the body to protect, support and heal itself during the cold and flu season.
Indications:
This formula is used for colds, influenza and general respiratory tract support for prevention against viral infections.
RESPIRATORY TEA FORMULA DOSAGE CHART
TEA
ACUTE
1 cup, 4-6 times per day
Contraindications, cautions and words of wisdom:
This formula is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Adjunct therapy:
• Lung Infection Formula
• Immune system section formulas.
• Consider mustard or onion poultices. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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| Avoid infections by practicing good hygiene, especially frequent hand-washing, and by calling ahead to make sure anyone you are planning to visit is healthy during cold and flu season. Try to avoid extremes of temperature as well. Learn and practice techniques to help you deal with stresses you cannot avoid, whether yogic breathing, meditation, yoga, or any other such discipline.
¦ Consider joining a support group. There are MG support groups throughout the country, as well as online support resources.
Myocardial Infarction
See under cardiovascular disease.
Myxedema
See hypothyroidism. |
| During the flu season, prepare lots of vegetable and astragalus soup to help boost your immune system (see THERAPEUTIC RECIPES in Part Three).
¦ People under stress may fall ill more easily. Both physical and emotional stress can create imbalances that make the body more vulnerable to illness. Learn to deal with unavoidable stress in a constructive manner. Avoid exposure to dust and chemicals, too much sugar and/or fat in the diet, and even sudden and extreme temperature changes.
¦ Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, taken daily, help to prevent colds and flu. |
| Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula supplying 500 milligrams of echinacea and 200 milligrams of goldenseal twice weekly during the cold and flu season.
• Siberian ginseng helps to strengthen immune function. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 milligrams in the morning and again in the afternoon.
• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids make an effective preventive combination. If you don't always eat as many fruits and vegetables as you should, supplement your diet with 500 milligrams of each twice daily during the cold season. |
the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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 When cold and flu season next rolls around, many experts say reach for a blanket and some mushrooms. Certain chemicals in shiitake mushrooms help fight the flu virus as well as the top man-made drugs. And they seem to increase your resistance to fungi, parasites, and other viruses, too. Extracts from shiitake and maitake mushrooms may also jump start your immune system into making more natural killer cells. |
Natural Prescriptions: Dr. Giller's Natural Treatments & Vitamin Therapies For Over 100 Common AilmentsRobert M. Giller, M.D.
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| This means taking special precautions during cold and flu season: avoid people who are sick; wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your nose and mouth; be sure to get a flu shot each season. If you do feel a cold coming on, treat it immediately: Take extra vitamin C, get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids.
Despite what you may have heard, exercise is beneficial to asthmatics. I recommend mild aerobic exercise like walking and swimming. |
Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D.
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 Fighting the Flu
Sometime in the fall we start to hear the first predictions of the flu season and the name of the latest viral mutation. By December or January we have the grim flu watch on the news, telling us which state is hardest hit so far, and how it's spreading across the country. All this is accompanied by vivid advertisements for cold and flu remedies, which are now a multibillion dollar enterprise, though many of them are ineffective. Well, we all assume that it has something to do with the cold weather. |
Michael Castleman
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 I recommend taking it throughout the fall and winter flu season."
A British study showed that this homeopathic medicine, available over the counter at many health food stores, provided significant relief of flu symptoms (fever, body aches and loss of appetite and energy). Oscillococcinum comes in tiny beads packaged in a capped vial,- one dose is a capful of beads.
Outwit Cold and Flu Viruses
A robust immune system certainly helps defeat any cold viruses you encounter. But why tempt fate? With a little information on cold transmission, you can often avoid cold viruses altogether. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Every fall Americans are put through the annual flu season vaccination ritual. The ritual goes like this: You go to your physician, he or she tells you that the flu can be deadly and that a flu shot will prevent it. You get the shot, feel terrible for a week, and a couple of months later, you get the flu along with everyone else. The next year rolls around and you ask yourself, should I or shouldn't I get a flu shot? That's a decision only you can make, but I'd like to give you a few facts about flu shots that you're not likely to hear from your physician. |
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