Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Flu – Influenza
flu. Almost everyone has had a bout or two with the flu and for most it is just a minor inconvenience, unless you fall into one of the high risk categories. Doctors encourage everyone to get their flu vaccinations, especially those that fall in the high risk categories. But the flu continues to evolve making it difficult for researchers to match the vaccines with the many different stains of flu virus. But exactly is the flu and are their any steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of catching this potentially serious virus? Influenza is infection of the lungs and airways with one of the influenza viruses, causing a fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches (myalgias), and a general feeling of illness. Every year, all over the world, widespread outbreaks of influenza, take place during late fall and winter. Influenza occurs in epidemics, in which many people get sick all at one time. In each epidemic, usually only one strain of influenza virus is to blame for the disease. Strains are often named after the first location (for example, Hong Kong flu) or animal (for example, swine flu) in which it was found. There are two types of influenza virus, type A and type B, and many different strains within each type. The illnesses produced by the different types and strains are comparable. The strain of influenza virus causing outbreaks is forever changing, so every year the influenza virus is a bit different from the previous years. It often changes a sufficient amount that previously effective vaccines no longer are effective. Influenza is distinctly different from the common cold. It is caused by a different virus and produces symptoms that are more severe. Also, influenza affects cells much deeper down in the respiratory tract. Influenza virus is spread by inhaling droplets that have been coughed or sneezed out by an infected person or by having direct contact with an infected person’s secretions. Handling household articles that have been in contact with an infected person or an infected person’s secretions may on occasion spread the disease. Symptoms and Diagnosis Symptoms begin 24 to 48 hours after infection and can begin unexpectedly. Chills or a chilly sensation are often the first indication of influenza. Fever is common during the first few days, and the temperature may rise to 102 to 103 degrees. Many people feel adequately ill to remain in bed for days; they have aches and pains throughout the body, most evident in the back of the legs. Headache is often severe with aching around and behind the eyes. Bright light may make the headache worse. At first, the respiratory symptoms may be relatively mild, with a scratchy sore throat, a burning sensation in the chest, a dry cough, and a runny nose. Later, the cough can become severe and bring up sputum. The skin may be warm and flushed, particularly on the face. The mouth and throat may redden, the eyes may water, and the whites of the eyes may become bloodshot. The ill person, especially a child, may have nausea and vomiting. A small percentage of people with influenza lose their sense of smell for a few days or weeks; rarely, the loss is permanent. Most symptoms subside after 2 to 3 days. However, fever sometimes lasts up to 5 days, cough may persist for 10 days or longer, and airway irritation may take 6 to 8 weeks to completely resolve. Weakness and fatigue may persist for several days or occasionally for weeks. The most common complication of influenza is pneumonia. This can be viral pneumonia, in which the influenza virus itself spreads into the lungs, or bacterial pneumonia, in which unrelated bacteria (such as pneumococci) attack the person’s weakened defenses. In both cases, the person may have worsened cough, difficulty breathing, persistent or recurring fever, and sometimes bloody sputum. Pneumonia is more common in older people and in people with heart or lung disease. It has been estimated that up to 7% of older people in long term care facilities that develop influenza have to be hospitalized, and 1 to 4% die. Younger people with chronic illnesses are also at risk of developing severe complications. Because most people are familiar with the symptoms of influenza, and because influenza occurs in epidemics, the illness if often correctly diagnosed by the person who has it, or by family members. The severity of the illness and the presence of a high fever and body aches help differentiate influenza from a cold. Test on samples of blood or respiratory secretions can confirm the influenza virus but are useful only in special circumstances. Prevention Vaccination is the best way to circumvent the contraction of influenza. Influenza vaccines contain inactivated (killed) influenza virus or pieces of the virus. Modern vaccines protect against three different strains of influenza virus. Different vaccines may be given every year to keep up with the changes in the virus. Doctors try to forecast the strain of virus that will attack each year based on the strain of virus that predominated during the previous flu season and the strain causing disease in other parts of the world. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are likely to become very ill if infected. People in this group include the younger, those older than 50, and anyone with a chronic illness such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease. Other than occasional soreness at the infection site, vaccine side effects are rare. In the United States, vaccination takes place during the fall so that levels of antibodies are highest during the peak influenza months: November through March. For most people, about 2 weeks is needed for the vaccine to provide protection. Several antiviral drugs can be used to prevent infection with influenza virus. Doctors may prescribe these drugs when a person has a clear, recent exposure to someone with influenza. In addition, these drugs are used during epidemics of influenza to protect unvaccinated people who are at high risk of complications of influenza: older people and people with chronic illnesses. Amantadine and rimantadine are older antiviral drugs that offer protection against influenza type A but not influenza type B. These drugs can cause stomach upset, nervousness, sleeplessness, and other side effects, especially in older people and in those with brain or kidney disease. Rimantadine tends to cause fewer side effects than Amantadine. Another drawback of both Amantadine and rimantadine is that the influenza virus rapidly develops resistance to them. Two new drugs, oseltamivir and zanamivir, can prevent infection with either influenza virus type A or type B. These drugs produce fewer side effects. Conventional Treatment The main treatment for influenza is to rest adequately, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid physical exertion. Normal activities may resume 24 to 48 hours after the body temperature returns to normal, but most people take several days to improve. People may treat fever and aches with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as aspirin. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used in children if needed. Other measures often suggested for the common cold such as nasal decongestants and steam inhalation, may prove helpful in relieving symptoms. The same antiviral drugs that prevent infection (Amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir) are also helpful in treating people who have influenza. However, these drugs work only if taken in the first day or two of illness, and they shorten fever and respiratory symptoms only by a day or so. Nonetheless, these drugs are very effective in some people. Most doctors recommend zanamivir and oseltamivir, which work against both influenza type A and type B. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics are added. Nutritional Supplements (Smart Medicine for Healthier Living) * Thymus glandular extract boost immune function by increasing the number of activity of infection fighting white blood cells. Take 250 to 500 milligrams twice a day. This is especially important for people over forty, as thymus function declines with age. * Vitamin C has anti inflammatory properties and helps to ease the course of respiratory illness. Bioflavonoids have potent antiviral properties and can be useful at any stage of an infection. Take 500 to 1000 milligrams of each five times a day to one week. * To help boost your immune system, take 5 to 10 milligrams of zinc five times daily for five days to one week. Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. Herbal Treatment * At the first sign of the flu, begin taking the Chinese botanical formula Yin Qiao. This remedy typically is not helpful after the third day of symptoms. Take two or three tablets three times a day, up to twelve tablets in a 24 hour period, during the acute phase of the flu. After the symptoms start to ease, reduce the dosage to one tablet three times daily for one week. * To help you rest and relax, take a cup of chamomile tea twice a day. * Echinacea and goldenseal stimulate the immune system. Goldenseal also helps to soothe mucous membranes. Take one dose of an Echinacea and goldenseal combination remedy supplying 250 to 500 milligrams of Echinacea and 150 to 300 milligrams of goldenseal three times daily for five days. * In a 1995 Israeli study, elderberry extract was found to reduce both the severity of symptoms and the duration of flu (two to three day in the treated group verses six days in the placebo group). Choose an extract standardized to contain 5 percent total flavonoids and take 500 milligrams twice daily. * Garlic helps to detoxify the body. Take 500 milligrams (or one clove) three times a day for up to 5 days. * Ginger tea is excellent if the stomach is affected. Take a cup as needed. Dietary Suggestions * Avoid dairy products, which have a tendency to increase and thicken mucus. * Getting sufficient fluids, including soups, are particularly important. Fluids help to thin secretions, making it easier for the body to clear them, and also help to prevent constipation and flush toxins from the body. * If you are not hungry, don’t force the issue. When you do feel hungry, choose easily digested foods such as juices, lemonade (hot or cold), herbal teas, applesauce, and lots of nourishing broth and homemade soups. Miso and chicken soup are good choices.
Vitamin A – This vitamin is important in the body’s overall defense system. If used in moderate doses vitamin A is rarely toxic. Some medical professionals refer to vitamin A as the anti-infection vitamin. Note: Be vigilant of dosage. Some recent studies have connected high dose usage of vitamin A with kidney and liver damage. Vitamin C – This vitamin is important for the formation of adrenal hormones and the production of lymphocytes. It also has a direct effect on bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C should be taken with bioflavonoids, which are natural plant substances that enhance absorption and reinforce the action of the vitamin. Vitamin E – This vitamin interacts with the vitamins A and C and the mineral selenium, acting as a primary antioxidant and scavenger of toxic free radicals. Vitamin E activity is an important part of the body’s defense system. Zinc – When zinc intake is kept under 100mg per day this mineral is known to boosts immune response. It also works to promote the healing of wounds Natural Herbal Supplements Helpful for Influenza (Flu)
BaniFlu temporarily protects against flu virus and germs without toxic side effects. Taken at the start of winter, or just before international travel, BaniFlu will protect the body against attacks of the flu strain for the current year. Continue FluGo - Relief from Symptoms Flu or Cold; cough; runny nose; fever; sore throat and fatigue. FluGo is a safe, non-addictive, FDA-registered 100% homeopathic remedy containing ingredients especially selected to temporarily relieve symptoms of the flu or cold like cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat and fatigue. Continue
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| Preventing Influenza With a Vaccine Who should receive the flu vaccine? * Anyone 50 years of age or older. * Residents of nursing homes. * Adults and children 6 months of age with diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, or immune system problems. * Family members and caregivers of people in the above groups. * Doctors and health care workers. * Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season (women who have medical conditions that increase their risk for complications from influenza should be vaccinated before the influenza season, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. * Children younger than 18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy (who are at risk for Reye's syndrome if they develop influenza). Who should not get the flu vaccine? * People with severe allergy to eggs * People who have Guillain-Barre syndrome * People who currently have a febrile illness (other than mild cold). Check with your doctor for the latest information on flu shot recommendations and safety! |
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