My Nursing Uniforms - H1N1 Beyond Vaccines – What Can you do to Protect Yourself and Your Family Naturally?

The news continues to grow – the second wave of H1N1 is here. The news is reporting that there has been an increase in the number of cases over the last month. In fact, as of October 11, 2009 the World Health Organization has reported that there have been more than 399232 lab confirmed cases of the pandemic flu and over 4735 reported deaths. If you think the flu only kills the weak and elderly, think again. The CDC has confirmed that 90% of the deaths from the H1N1 flu have been in people under the age of 65!

As much as we read the news and run to the doctor’s office for vaccinations and wash our hands, is there anything else we can really do to put our best defenses forward? Perhaps. And what about the people who don’t trust or plan to get the vaccine? Here are some tips to naturally fight off colds and flus, although not a guarantee that any of these methods will prevent or increase your chances of contracting the H1N1 virus.

Eat it to Beat it!

Most people would agree that eating a healthy diet is one of the first and best lines of defense against illness. Healthy and natural foods will reduce the impact of stress on the body and help cells repair themselves during times of stress. The right foods can help boost your immune system.

There are several vitamins and minerals that are important to the immune system:

Vitamin A

This vitamin, along with being important to your eyes, also boosts your body’s ability to create infection fighting antibodies. Great sources include carrots, broccoli, mangoes, cantaloupe and spinach.

Vitamin C

Who hasn’t heard of the benefits of Vitamin C? Not only will healthy doses of Vitamin C help you avoid most colds and flu, but should you become sick it will help you shorten the time you fight the flu. Vitamin C has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Try adding the following to your diet: oranges, pineapple, berries, tomatoes, broccoli, sweet potatoes, potatoes, cauliflower.

Vitamin E

This is another Vitamin with incredible anti-inflammatory properties which will help boost your immune system. Imagine having the flu and having Vitamin E building natural killer cells to destroy those pesky flu germs! Some great sources include dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.

B Vitamins

The collection of B Vitamins is important to your immune system because they help protect your entire body by increasing the production of antibodies and You can boost your B Vitamin content in your diet by concentrating on whole wheat bread, red bell peppers, crimini mushrooms, shellfish, romaine lettuce, beans, and even fortified cereals.

Zinc

Zinc helps reduce infections in your body. Got a tendency to catch a sinus infection every winter? Make sure you’re eating zinc rich foods to prevent it! Try adding some of the following to your diet – beans, nuts, oysters, summer and winter squash, collard greens, and swiss chard.

Selenium

Selenium is well known as an immune system booster. It’s an antioxidant well known to help prevent several forms of cancer, heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. It also helps the body produce glutathione peroxidase, which is an enzyme that helps detoxify your body. Most people can get adequate amounts of Selenium through diet alone, such as eating fish and shellfish and whole grain snacks.

Omega-3

Omega-3 is a well known essential fatty acid (as is Omega-6). Some people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and other illnesses where inflammation is a problem have found that Omega-3 supplements have actually brought relief. This is because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Imagine someone fighting a bad cold or even H1N1. Inflammation in the airwaves can cause severe breathing problems. There is a chance that boosting your intake of Omega 3’s may help reduce inflammation and help you fight off those viruses.

Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids have natural antiviral and anti-finlammatory properties. Found in the colorful part of vegetables, herbs and grains, they go after your cell receptor sites and make home there, so flu germs can’t lock in to your cells and make you sick. Most people love foods high in bioflavonoids. Garlic, cherries, red grapes, wine, green tea, blueberries and citrus fruits are just a few. Oh, and ladies…dark chocolate! Go for it!

Go Herbal or Go Home!

So we went through the standard vitamin routine. What about the more alternative remedies out there? There are several herbs that may outwit the virus.

Elderberry

Did you know that Elderberry juice was actually used to treat the 1995 flu epidemic in Panama? For centuries this amazing berry has been used to treat coughs, colds, flu, and both bacterial and viral infections. This is because Elderberry is really high in bioflavonoids. The Elderberry anthocyanins also boost the production of cytokines which help regulate your body’s immune response. Elderberry is even listed in Mosby’s Nursing Drug Reference guide.

Licorice Root

Who doesn’t love licorice? This amazing root has a list of benefits a mile long. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and has been reported to be useful for colds, flus, coughs, viral infections, sore throats, and more. Apparently, licorice root boots the body’s natural level of interferon, which helps fight off viruses. In addition, licorice root is known to calm respiratory irritation and inflammation, and eases chest congestion and coughing.

Ginseng

Ginseng is famous. Everyone has heard of it and has heard that it’s good for you. What you may not know is why it’s good for you. Ginseng helps fight against viral infections and protects the body with it’s antioxidant properties. There are different types of ginseng, however. It is the Panax ginseng that has been studied for its effects on the immune system. It was found that it helped relax the lungs, making it easier for those with colds and asthma to breathe a little easier.

Echinacea

If you want to prevent a cold or flu, you should run out right now and get yourself some Echinacea. Echinacea, in a nut shell, turns your cells into fighting machines. Viruses, bacteria, and other nasty abnormal cells don’t stand a chance. Echinacea boosts your T-cell activation, helps new tissues grow, reduces inflammation and inhibits hyaluronidase, an enzyme bacteria uses to gain access to your healthy body cells.

Cold FX (others)

Similar to Echinacea but with added benefits in pill form, there are a variety of immune booster pills you can purchase at your pharmacy. Cold FX is one of the most popular in Canada. It has been clinically proven to boost your immune system if taking right when you feel sickness coming on. What we don’t understand is how come the dosage changed from 3 pills a day when it first came out, to 1 a day today….

What Else Can You Do to Outsmart The Flu?

As nurses, we are surrounded by people who are sick – all – day – long. The recommendation that people avoid being around sick people and avoid places where there are a lot of people gathered together is simply impossible in the case of healthcare workers. Can you wear a face mask and gloves and still function in your daily job and avoid getting sick? No one is really sure.

What we are sure of is the fact that a healthy body with a healthy immune system has a better chance of avoiding illness. Getting a lot of rest, maximizing your vitamin and mineral intake to make sure you’re boosting your immune system, washing your hands often, and avoiding unnecessary situations which expose you to the viruses might be your main line of defense against the H1N1 virus.

Educating those around you about what they can do to help prevent the flu from spreading is critical. While many think that all you need to do is wash your hands, they may not realize there is more they can do:

• Teach your entire family to be clean and flu-smart
• Learn to sneeze/cough properly
• Understand good hygiene
• Learn how to clean your home properly
• Learn about the role of bleach as a cleaning agent

While it is important not to live in a state of paranoia, it is important to live in a state of “smart”.

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