Friday, August 14, 2009

Cold and Flu Remedies or The Flu Shot?

Many people are interested in natural and herbal cold and flu remedies. The reasons vary. Some people are aware that an individual may experience an adverse reaction to flu shots. Other people just prefer to use herbs and botanicals as opposed to chemicals and drugs.

True stories abound about individuals who have had an adverse reaction to flu shots. But, many health care professionals maintain that flu shots are completely safe and that stories about adverse reaction to flu shots are myths. It is hard to know who to listen to. One thing is certain, there are cold and flu remedies that are completely safe and natural. No one has ever reported an adverse reaction to echinacea.

Possibly the most severe adverse reaction to flu shots ever reported came during and immediately after swine flu vaccinations in 1976. People who were hoping to prevent the need for cold and flu remedies took the shots and developed a condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease in which the body damages it's own nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis and sometimes permanent nerve damage. It may be a combination of factors that causes adverse reaction to flu shots in some people.

Health care workers, in particular are strongly advised to have flu shots and other vaccinations and are sometimes not allowed to perform their duties until the vaccinations are complete. There have been more than 14 cases of adverse reaction to flu shots reported by health care workers, including onset of chronic fatigue syndrome, post viral syndrome, chronic viral infections and Epstein Barr virus. In cases where vaccinations are required, it may be that a complete medical history is not taken and that flu shots and other vaccinations are given too freely. It is believed that health care workers should not rely on cold and flu remedies, because they can be contagious before symptoms appear and they may be caring for high risk patients. They are also more likely to be exposed to cold and flu viruses and undoubtedly hospitals and other employers are hoping to prevent absenteeism by preventing the flu.

Most of the cases of adverse reaction to flu shots were reported in the late eighties, early nineties. So, some experts believe that there is no cause for concern now and that if you want protection from the flu, rather than cold and flu remedies, they recommend that the best form of protection is a flu shot. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as other health organizations makes that recommendation. But, they are also quick to point out that if you have had an adverse reaction to flu shots in the past, then you should make your doctor or other health care professional aware of this fact, before you take the shot this year. It may be that in some cases cold and flu remedies are better choices than prevention by vaccine.

The most recent reports of severe adverse reaction to flu shots are possibly the saddest of all. Children who had received the flu shot or whose mothers had received the flu shot while they were pregnant developed Autism at an alarming rate. Children are considered to be at high risk for developing complications of the flu and parents are therefore encouraged to have there children vaccinated, rather than relying on cold and flu remedies. It is believed that the presence of thimerosal, a mercury based preservative, in flu shots led to Autism in the children. Thimerosal and mercury are known to be toxic to the nerve cells of the brain. Because of the adverse reaction to flu shots with thimerosal, New York has banned the use of thimerosal in flu shots and other vaccines to be given to children and pregnant women. But, other states are still allowed to use flu shots with thimerosal, so if you decide to take a flu shot this year, be sure to ask for preservative free.

If you are concerned about possible adverse reaction to flu shots, then skip it. Many people do not take flu shots (this author included) and do not get colds or flu bugs. Natural and herbal cold and flu remedies present no danger and are not believed to be linked to any chronic diseases. Products like echinacea, ginseng, green tea, beta glucans, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese and zinc can all help your body fight off colds, flu bugs and other viruses by boosting your immune system.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Could Swine Flu Affect Our Pets?

By Daphne Reid

Two weeks ago most pet owners had not even heard of the term "Swine Flu". But now, as well as being worried about ourselves, pet owners are concerned that the new strain of flu could affect our pets.

All birds and mammals can be infected with a form of influenza virus, of which there are three types (A, B and C). Humans can be infected by forms of all three, but most flu varieties in animals and humans that cause serious health concerns are Influenza Type A. Viruses can mutate rapidly, and because hosts' immune systems do not initially protect against new mutations, new strains can subsequently cause widespread infection. Often new strains result from the spread of an existing flu virus from one species to another, which provides the virus with the necessary tools to transmit between members of a different species to it's usual host.

Swine Flu

The latest flu strain to hit the headlines (H1N1) - known popularly as "Swine Flu" is a strain of Influenza Type A. While the normal version of "Swine Flu" causes outbreaks of influenza with low mortality rates in pigs, the strain which is currently causing human deaths is not the same virus. The new strain combines genes from human, pig, and bird flu and is similar to the strain that caused "Spanish Flu", responsible for a human pandemic in 1918. "Swine Flu" is an entirely different virus to the "Bird Flu" which was widely talked about last year, and among the most important differences is that "Bird Flu" infected humans who had direct contact with infected birds, where as "Swine Flu" is being transmitted from human to human.

Flu in Horses

Influenza is widespread in horses and is believed to have a nearly 100% infection rate in unvaccinated populations. Flu in horses is primarily caused by the H7N7 and H3N8 strains. In 2007, an outbreak caused the Sydney Races in Australia to be suspended.

Flu in Cats

An avian strain ( H5N1) of Influenza Type A, which was given the popular name "Bird Flu", had until recently posed the greatest risk for a new influenza pandemic since it first killed humans in Asia in the 1990s, but it did not mutate into a form that spreads easily between people. H5N1 is unusual in being deadly to many species, including domestic cats which were never previously susceptible to any influenza virus. Aside from when infected with H5N1, the term "Feline Flu" does not actually refer to infection by influenza, but instead generally refers to the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection. Because cats have little exposure to influenza viruses, any case of flu which was able to transmit between humans or dogs and cats would probably lead to a widespread infection, since cats have no natural immunity to any influenza virus.

Flu in Dogs

Type A Influenza viruses also include equine influenza (H3N8), which in 2004 was discovered to be responsible for Canine Influenza. Because of the lack of previous exposure to this virus, dogs have no natural immunity to this virus.

Flu in Pigs

Although this new influenza is being called "Swine Flu," it is being spread from person to person, not from pigs to people. None of the infected humans in North America have had contact with pigs, and no pigs in North America have been found to be infected with this strain. Pet pigs are therefore not known to be able to contract the strain of "Swine Flu" which is being talked about in the news, however they are able to contract normal "Swine Flu", which does not normally have any more serious consequences than seasonal flu does for humans.

Conclusions

In general, influenza viruses are not transmitted from one species to another. For example, dogs and cat do not develop flu after exposure to owners with a seasonal flu virus. While it is theoretically possible for a new influenza strain to be transmissible between humans and other domestic animals, it is likely that such a strain would be transmissible between only humans and one other animal. Because the "Swine Flu" virus contains genetic elements of human, pig and avian flu viruses, it would seem very unlikely that this strain would have the ability to infect hosts which are not humans, pigs or birds. And, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), "there is no evidence that pets are susceptible to this new strain of influenza; it appears to be transmitted solely from person to person".

Preventive Medicine For Swine Flu

By Dr. Julie TwoMoon

As the threat of Swine Flu dominates the news, many people are becoming concerned about how they would protect themselves against infection and how they might treat such an infection should one occur. This outbreak of Swine Flu offers a unique opportunity for people to consider how healthy they really are and what changes they could make to improve their overall health and immune function. The fact is that people generally survive pandemic illnesses when they have good health practices already in place.

The most important place to start is the health of your cells. On the most basic level, our bodies are cells, put together to form organs and blood and skin. If our cells are sickly, full of inflammation, depleted of essential nutrients or dehydrated, they will be far more susceptible to disease. Viruses depend on the ability to get into and disrupt cell function in order to take hold in the body. In fact studies demonstrate that even a simple deficiency of glutathione increases the ability of viruses to take hold in the body.

There are only a few reliable ways to increase glutathione in the body. One formula Max GXL offers one of the only proven reliable ways to increase cellular glutathione. It is a patented combination of nutrients that support glutathione production and contains a particular compound that helps deliver glutathione into the cell. Since Swine Flu is a virus, it also will exploit the population wide deficiency of glutathione in order to produce magnified infections. However, taking necessary steps to increase glutathione may offer increased protection.

Nutrient depletion is also an extremely important factor in predicting disease outcomes. If basic vitamins and minerals are in short supply, the body will not have necessary cofactors needed to supply immune response, inhibit virus transcription and increase defenses. Many of my patients have demonstrable nutrient deficiencies. Often this occurs even when they have been taking what are considered to be high quality vitamins. This can be due to reduced digestive absorption, insufficient dosage or gut inflammation. One way to bypass that is to use a nanotech liquid multi such as Max N fuze. Vitamins like this have used technology to make the particles small enough to begin to be absorbed in the mouth. This ensures absorption, and thus utilization of the nutrients, improving immune function.

Outside of nutrient levels and antioxidant levels, there are a few necessary health practices everyone should do. Drinking water at an average volume of 1/2 body weight in ounces helps cells retain membrane fluidity. Essential fatty acids like those found in fish, krill, and plant oils should be used to supplement omega 3 levels. Everyone should engage in exercise that is supportive of health such as yoga, tai chi, qi gong, walking, jogging, and moderate aerobic activity.

Pandemic illnesses demonstrate that we live in a global world, where nothing can be contained. The only and best protection that we have is prevention using appropriate nutrient support and lifestyle habits.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Avoiding the Swine Flu

By Angela Heidt

Although this new strain of cure swine flu that is currently making rounds in Mexico and around the world is simply another strain of influenza, due to its ability to easily affect anyone it comes in contact with caution should be taken to avoid becoming sick with swine flu. If you have children, are particularly susceptible to colds and flu, or have any kind of immune problems then you should certainly do everything you can to no come down with swine flu.

Here are a few things you can do to keep from getting the swine flu: 1) Avoid public places: schools, churches, and public transportation are places where people are in continuous close contact, making it the perfect place for illnesses like the swine flu to multiply.

2) Wash and disinfect: wash your hands anytime you come into contact with someone else, as well as before and after you eat. Buy some Lysol disinfectant and use it on your doorknobs, counters and anywhere you touch regularly.

3) Avoid sick people: stay away from anyone who is showing flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever.

4) Stay home: while this may not be an option for most people, the more you avoid contact with others the better chance you have of not picking up the flu. Try heading to public places (like the grocery store) when they are less busy, and take this opportunity to catch up on some housework or home improvement.

5) Be prepared: pick up some Tamiflu and enough food to last a few days, including lots of juice in case you get sick. Locate your nearest emergency center and pay attention to public announcements about the swine flu.

6) Get a mask: wearing an approved filter mask can prevent the transmission of the swine flu from one person to another. Consider getting one to wear if you need to head out to a public area where the flu can spread easily. For most people who get the swine flu they will simply have a few days of flu like symptoms, however it is important to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness. With some precautions we can avoid the spread of swine flu.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

General Symptoms of Swine Flu

By Mirian Guimaraes-Thomas

As is usual with outbreaks of previously unknown or little known about diseases, swine flu has created a climate of fear, panic and uncertainty.

There are many measures which have been taken to quell fears about pig flu, on all levels too; global, region, country, city and community.

It is of course in your own interest to find out the symptoms of swine flu, how it can affect you and what to do if it does. What seems to be a positive aspect of it is the fact the prima facie symptoms are not all that different from regular flu. Nevertheless, you still need some pointers to differentiate. But if in doubt, consult a doctor.

Symptoms of swine flu:

a temperature of around 100 degrees farenheit
fatique
loss of apetite
coughing
diarrhea
Runny nose
nausea or vomitting
Please note though the above are not all of the symptoms that maybe present in the flu, neither may you display any of the above to have become infected. Please just treat it as a guide and consult your practitioner for further advice.

As with many other diseases, if diagnosis is early, the less chance you have of escalation and worst, complications. Don't panic though, don't go believing that every sneeze you make indicates pig flu infection.

The last thing you want is to contract something like pneumonia on top of swine flu. If you were to become a casualty of pneumonia, or indeed any other respiratory infection - your in for a very rough ride.

To learn more about the symptoms of swine flu and other Swine Flu Facts you really should read the latest guide which tells you The Truth about swine flu, information you won't get from the press or politicians but nevertheless it's info you NEED to know.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

How to Prevent the Flu and Block Swine Flu

By Eddy Sear

I know I am not going to get the swine flu, bottom line. And I live in New York City and I am not even worried. Not even worried a bit. So the question is how to prevent the flu and block swine flu? Here is the answer.

It is such a trip as you see so many people here in New York wearing these surgical mask to prevent themselves from getting the swine flu and you know the swine=e flu is only the beginning. There are going to be so many other flu's out in the coming years. Why?

Why, because it is business. Whether you believe that or not it is true. It is business and it is big business at that. The more people who are sick the more people who have cancer the more people who have this disease and that disease the more people who have swine flu the more money the pharmaceutical companies make in the United States and around the World.

It is a trillion dollar business. Trillions of dollars World Wide, this is a huge, this is global. So here I am riding the subway, I am from New York City born and raised and lived in Europe for a while and lived on the West Coast of the United State for a while and been to many places in the world and let me tell you one thing.

We are all the same and that is so represented in New York City and it is unbelievable and yet believable the biggest outbreak of the swine flu is right here in New York City.

People are scared and people are dying and people are wearing masks and people are staying away from each other and this will happen in your town or city in your part of the world also because this is a fact, if it is happening here it will happen in your town also, in your part of the world whether you are in Spokane Washington or Mumbai India it just does not matter.

So it is kind of funny to me the whole thing. Not funny in the sense that people are actually dying and getting sick and that this thing is spreading and that this swine flu is real and growing and that there will be other out breaks of this flu strain or the next flu strain soon this summer early next year and that peoples families are devastated, non of that is funny to me, my heart really goes out to everyone.

What is funny to me is that I walk and hangout out amongst these people wearing the masks and coughing or sneezing next to me on the pack train subway car on the street in a park wherever and I don't even mind because I know I am safe. How to prevent the flu and block swine flu? I am not even worried about as I have taken these steps that I am sharing with you here.

I'm living my life and I know I will not and never get the Swine Flu because I am informed and studied and researched and I eat healthy and drink plenty of water and I make sure I take the right supplements to boost my immune system so that swine flu or any thing for that matter gets smacked once it enters my body by my cells which are happy dancing healthy fighters of toxic disease including swine flu.

That is the bottom line. I also found this product Baniflu after doing all the research to find out what is the best thing out there that I can take now or buy now and put on the shelf until I need to take it to totally protect myself from getting the swine flu on the next big flu and I found it. You can check it out at the link below.

That is it, period, and end of story as to how to prevent the flu and block swine flu. Don't go around worrying as worry will only deplete your immune system anyway, get prepared remain healthy and get yourself a flu blocker just in case and as I said I take and recommend Baniflu and I am in the center of this swine flu epidemic.

With this plan you and your family and your friends and kids, will be safe and you not only have a full proof plan but you also have a back up plan. You are 100 % percent covered right now starting today and there is no need to worry just go about your life as it was intended to be.

You need to be proactive and not wait until it is to late until you find yourself waiting on Tamiflu which you cannot get your hands on because there is no supply and it takes a prescription to get to you or you get it after you are sick, you need to just not get sick to prevent the flu and you can with Baniflu which you can get now and have ready at a moments notice and it is healthier and better than Tamiflu anyway.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Cancun Swine Flu

By Mirian Guimaraes-Thomas

Cancun swine flu as it's called is not a new strain of the infamous swine flu virus we have become accustomed to hearing about. It is usually made in reference to an outbreak of swine flu in the Mexican resort, Cancun.

Cancun is on the Yucatan Peninsular which divides the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf (of Mexico). Often referred to as the Mexican Caribbean it is an extremely popular tourist resort, particularly for North American's.

In "hot" vacation destinations there is a greater risk of contracting disease and viruses simply because of the number of people in the area, notwithstanding, people who are non-native to the area and can have come from anywhere, besides the geography and location of Cancun makes for a difficult area regarding containment.

The Mexican health departments have taken a number of measures (and in all fairness they were pretty quick to respond to the outbreak too) to not only eliminate swine flu from the region but to stop it spreading to other regions. At the time of writing if you are considering traveling to the Cancun region it is advisable to check with your countries government department which deals with traveling abroad.

If you have planned a vacation in Cancun or anywhere else you needn't allow swine flu to disrupt your plans. Just take sensible precautions such as; sneezing with your mouth covered, washing your hands thoroughly, maintaining a good standard of personal and general hygiene and eating healthy and well cooked food.

Don't be misled by the hype and misreporting, get the facts from reliable sources and enjoy Cancun or wherever else you may go!

To learn more about the symptoms of swine flu and other Swine Flu Facts you really should read the latest guide which tells you The Truth about swine flu, information you won't get from the press or politicians but nevertheless it's info you NEED to know.