Naturopathic Approaches To The H1N1 Flu Virus

In this article, I will provide some basic information on the H1N1 Flu Virus and discuss alternative approaches that can be used if one decides not to go ahead with the H1N1 vaccination.

What is the H1N1 virus?

H1N1 is currently the predominant strain of circulating flu virus. It is similar to other flu viruses in terms of how the body responds and the severity of the illness. What is different is that it is a new strain, so the body doesn’t have natural immunity, and it may cause serious illness in some cases.

What are the Symptoms of H1N1?

Signs of H1N1 are flu-like and present as an acute respiratory illness. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever and/or cough along with possible headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

How does H1N1 spread?

The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled (within 6 feet), or that can contaminate hands or surfaces.

Naturopathic Recommendations for avoiding H1N1:

-The most important prevention method that is often overlooked is good hygiene, specifically frequent handwashing. Some researchers believe that hand sanitizers are effective at preventing transmission, however, the research is conflicting and proper handwashing is still the number one recommendation.

-Minimize or avoid sugar consumption – One of sugar’s major drawbacks is that it raises the insulin level, which inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in turn depresses the immune system.

-Exercise – regular exercise has a direct immune boosting affect

-Reduce stress – chronic, severe, long term stress takes a toll on our adrenal glands, our stress glands. Under normal amounts of stress, our adrenal glands function as they should, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which help to regulate many normal bodily functions. However, when our adrenal glands go into overdrive, they eventually shut down and this can adversely affect many systems including our immune systems allowing viruses to enter our bodies.

-Get lots of sleep – research shows that lack of good quality sleep prevents regulation of key chemicals produced by the immune system to fight infection and say that sleep and the immune system are closely linked.

-Probiotics – studies have shown that supplementation of good bacteria can decrease the symptoms of upper respiratory infections.

-Vitamin D – vitamin D levels decrease during the winter months, the same time that seasonal influenza rates are at their highest. Therefore it is beneficial to have serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels tested during the winter time and if levels are found to be low, then daily supplementation of 3,000-5,000 IU is beneficial. For children, a recommended dose is 1,000-2,000 IU daily.

-Homeopathic remedies – Influenzinum is a good general homeopathic that can be used to prevent the seasonal flu, however it is best to see a Naturopathic doctor to determine if this is the right remedy and to prescribe the correct dose and potency.

Dr. Marni Ross, is a licensed Toronto Naturopathic Doctor (ND) specializing in Digestive Disorders, Allergies, Skin Disorders, Women’s Health, Perinatal Care and other chronic conditions. For more information on Toronto Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture visit www.marnirossnd.com