COLD & FLU - HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

H1N1 (also known as "swine flu") is a new influenza virus that was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. The H1N1 virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide.

You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu. However, some people are more likely to get flu complications:

Also, it’s possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider.

The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that certain people receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Proper nutritional support can strengthen your immune system, and help to reduce the risk of infection, as well as reduce the duration of symptoms if you do get the flu or a cold.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that enhances the activity of immune cells, as well as a cofactor in the production of collagen. By helping to maintain the strength and integrity of connective tissue structures, vitamin C may also help to keep infections from spreading. Studies have suggested vitamin C may reduce severity and duration of symptoms due to the common cold virus.
 

Zinc accelerates the growth of immune cells while inhibiting the replication of viruses that cause the common cold. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation can result in a return of normal immune function within two weeks or less. The majority of studies show a significant decrease in the duration of symptoms of the common cold when adults take zinc gluconate or acetate zinc lozenges providing 9-24 mg elemental zinc per dose.

Echinacea exerts some direct antimicrobial action but primarily boosts immune-cell activity and prevents bacterial enzymes from breaking down the body's tissues. Echinacea also has anti-inflammatory activity. Echinacea seems to be most effective if started when symptoms are first noticed and continued for 7-10 days, and research shows the best preparations may contain the Echinacea purpurea species.  One study showed that extracts of Echinacea Purpurea and Panax Ginseng enhanced cellular immune function in both normal individuals and patients with depressed cellular immunity. Goldenseal also stimulates the immune system and helps to soothe mucous membranes, and is often used in combination with echinacea.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a preparation containing echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in children aged 1 to 5 years during a 12-week winter period. A significant reduction was seen in the number of episodes and duration of illness.

Beta 1,3 glucan is a polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). This nutritional supplement is a potent macrophage activator. Unlike other immune cells, macrophages act non-specifically and are present in blood and organs including the liver, nervous tissue and skin. It is important to use beta 1,3 glucan that is essentially protein free.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a critical factor in energy production pathways and an important immune system supporter. Immune cells divide more rapidly than most cells and are in constant need of repair and maintenance. In both animal and human studies, CoQ10 has compensated for immune deficiencies caused by aging or disease. One study showed CoQ10 significantly improved immune function and reduced symptoms in a number of HIV-infected individuals.

Vitamin D receptors are found on a number of immune cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, and several recent studies show that vitamin D plays an important role in the prevention of respiratory infections such as the cold and flu. Lower vitamin D blood levels during the winter can account for the increased spread of the influenza virus. Increased levels of vitamin D can help prevent traditional influenza infections by strengthening the immune system.

A 2009 analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) also suggests a role for vitamin D in innate immunity, including the prevention of respiratory tract infections. In a study of over 19,000 participants, research found that people with the lowest vitamin D levels were over 33% more likely to report having a recent upper respiratory tract infection than those with higher levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is the recommended form for supplementation.

Astragalus has been used to enhance immunity for thousands of years in China. Astragalus can stimulate practically all of the components of the immune system, including interferon, one of the body’s most potent fighters against viruses. This, in turn, can help prevent or shorten the duration of colds and flu. Astragalus also boosts the production of white blood cells called macrophages, whose function is to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Additionally, there is preliminary evidence that astragalus extracts can restore or improve immune function in cases of immune deficiency. Astragalus seems to restore in vitro T-cell function which is suppressed in cancer patients.

Probiotics improve gut and vaginal health and modulate immune function. Clinical research shows children ages 3 to 5 years who attend day-care centers have significantly fewer influenza-like respiratory symptoms when given a specific combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Children taking this product had a 45% lower risk of experiencing fever, cough, and runny nose compared to placebo, and the duration of their symptoms was also 2 days shorter.

Elderberry and Lemon Balm extracts offer immune enhancing anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenols. Elderberry extract has been found to reduce both the severity of symptoms and the duration of the flu.
Polysaccharides from Arabinogalactan, Aloe and Maitake provide complementary support for immune cell function and healthy immune mediator activity. Hesperidin plays the important role of maintaining healthy histamine release.

In addition to fortifying your immune system, you can take everyday actions to stay healthy.

Check www.cdc.gov for regular updates on influenza, H1N1, and a variety of other health conditions.