How to Improve the Immune System
How to Improve the Immune System
The human immune system is a unique. Its purpose is to recognise the body’s invasion of viral enemies and bacteria and destroy them. It can recognise viral strains which it has encountered before and beat them off, but If the viral strain has mutated – changed, even the smallest variance can trick it into thinking that it is a different species for which it has no defence, consequently we become ill and suffer.
With the prediction that the swine flu pandemic is likely to return with a vengeance in the fall and winter months it is vital that we improve the immune system to withstand a sustained attack, particularly in small children and pregnant women. Those over 65 seem to have developed some natural immunity against the current pandemic; maybe it’s the case of their immune system recognising this particular H1N1 strain.
Vitamin C is without doubt the super master immune boosting nutrient. This water soluble nutrient is unable to be stored by the human body; therefore we need a constant daily supply. If we have too much, then it just passed out of the body as a normal function.
Scurvy was once the scourge of the old sailing ships, where crews could be decimated on longer voyages without fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet. We can thank the Englishman Captain James Cook who realised the importance of vitamin C in the crews diet particularly limes, as a result, most British sailors became known as ‘Limeys’ in foreign climes.
It is a vital vitamin in creating healthy connective tissue such as the skin and walls of blood vessels and is an essential antioxidant.
Boost the Immune System
So, fresh fruit, green and red vegetables are the order of the day. Some fruit in particular has a high proportion of Vitamin C. To name a few: Strawberries, oranges, lemon and limes, avocados, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants, gogo berries. Berries contain phytonutrients which boost the immune system. It would do no harm to snack on these berries!
It is not a bad idea to take a daily supplement in the winter months, available from all health stores. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C is 60 mg and 85 for pregnant women. Medical trials conclude that 1000mg roughly twenty times the RDA has a protective effect against colds and flu.
Vitamin B6 boosts the production of antibodies to fight infection. Recommended foods include bananas, carrots, fish, eggs, wholegrain cereals, and vegetables.
ZINC is an essential mineral to maintain a healthy immune system and resistance to colds and flu. The body stores only small amounts so a daily intake is required to maintain a healthy diet. The best sources are: Oysters, which contain more zinc per serving than any other natural food, also widely available in red meat, chicken, yeast and eggs, all seeds, nuts and wholegrain cereals. Pumpkin seeds and nuts provide an essential source of this mineral for vegetarians as the ‘veggie’ diet is known to contain less zinc than a meat based diet.
Over the counter lozenges which are available to help cold and flu symptoms contain zinc which can reduce the severity of the cold and reduce the time span of colds and flu.
Swine Flu-Has it Started to Mutate?
Swine Flu- “Has it Started to Mutate”?
Swine Flu is spreading so fast that the World Health Organisation (WHO) stopped tracking world cases the 6th July 2009. The very latest recorded reported case count of the 10 worst affected Countries by the WHO and ECDC.
- United States (USA) 40,620 (US Government estimates 1 million cases)
- Mexico 12,521
- Australia 12,048
- Chile 10,926
- Britain 10,649 (UK Government estimates 55,000 million cases)
- Canada 10,000
- Japan 4,027
- Thailand 4,000
- Argentina 3,056 (Argentine Government 100,000 cases)
- Philippines 2,668
The WHO has confirmed that the H1N1 virus is spreading at unprecedented speed as modern travel spreads the virus at alarming rates and that it could turn deadly at any time, particularly as it reaches its second stage of infection in the cold weather as in the 1918-1919 pandemic when up to 50 million died.
Dr.Anne Schuchat director for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that “Complacency is a major concern. This virus is a new one, and on top of that, we really still do not know how it is going to behave, there are special efforts that have been carried out by the various health agencies, but individuals also need to be prepared and have steps in place should a family member get sick or a workplace close down or a situation arise that requires working from home.”
Dr.Schuchat continued, “This year we are seeing the H1N1 virus circulating through summer camps and military units, so I’m expecting we may see an increase in cases once schools starts, but we don’t definitely know that for sure.”
In view of the above it has been suggested that schools should not be opened after the summer break until Tamiflu vaccines are available, as the infection seems to be more severe in young people and less severe in the elderly.
Sir Liam Donaldson the UK’s chief medical officer and an expert on pandemics as projected that swine flu infections will ultimately reach 50% with a mortality rate of 0.4%, which will be problematical as most of the spread will occur before the a vaccine is available.
The WHO has recorded that swine flu has behaved differently to seasonal flu because it has spread in quickly in summer temperatures and high humidity which has not been the case with the normal seasonal flu virus. They are now concerned that it could more deadly at any time, especially if it mutates and combines with H5N1 bird flu in the Asian areas.
Argentina is a case in point as the virus appears to have mutated back to its source from humans to pigs. But looking on the optimistic side, some experts believe that countries now taking the brunt of the flu infection Mexico, U.S. and Britain amongst others may prove fortunate since they will enjoy some immunity during the second phase, when it is expected to be more virulent as witnessed in the pandemic of 1918-1919.
Cure for Flu
CURE FOR FLU
The majority of people make a full recovery from flu without needing treatment, by just letting it run its course with the help of an analgesic such as Aspirin (children should not be given Aspirin as it can cause damage to the brain) or Ibuprofen if it is felt necessary. But there are exceptions. Flu can cause serious complications in babies and in people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, heart and liver disease, and a weak immune system, and those over 65 years of age.
DO ANTIVIAL DRUGS CURE FLU
No. Antiviral drugs can stop the virus from spreading, and lessen the risk of complications setting in, and help the patient recover sooner. Antibiotics will have zero effect on a cure for flu, and they will not normally be medically prescribed as they have no effect on a virus infection.
WHAT TREATMENTS WORK
Tamiflu:
This is the brand name of (Oseltamivir) and is manufactured by the Swiss firm Roche Laboratories is effective against influenza type A and type B. Type A (H1N1) is the current version of swine flu. Tamiflu needs to be taken within 48 hours of getting the first symptoms of flu, which usually starts with a fever, aching muscles, chills, sore throat and possibly a cough. If you have any of these symptoms it is important to drink plenty of fluids, as the increased body temperature will cause fluid loss due to dehydration.
Research has shown that Tamiflu is not a cure for flu but is likely to reduce flu symptoms by a few days and can also be prescribed by Doctors to people who have recently travelled to Countries which have a high incidence of the virus. Patients who take the drug are less likely to suffer from bronchitis and pneumonia.
Tamiflu is prescribed in capsule or liquid form to be taken over a 5 day period, and as a preventative for a longer period, usually over 10 days, and is not given to children under 12 months old. Researchers checked out adults who had been in contact or nursing a person with fl, those taking Tamiflu were up to 90% less likely to catch flu themselves.
Relenza:
This is the brand name for (Zanamivir) and is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, an antiviral drug and is taken orally as a spray in powder form using a Diskhaler. It is usually taken twice a day for 5 days to treat flu. As with Tamiflu it should be taken within 2 days of the onset of the same symptoms as above. If you are nursing or living with someone with flu then it can be taken once a day for 28 days as a preventative measure.
Relenza is not recommended for patients with lung problems such as asthma or COPD or emphysema, or children under 12.
Children and adolescents taking Relenza have experienced some side effects, such as anxiety, hallucinations, seizures, and depression and even suicidal tendencies. Doctors have warned patients of the possible side effects and unusual behavior and to seek medical advice should this occur.
This content is for information purposes only and should not be a substitute for a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.
The Best two Foods to Beat Swine Flu
THE BEST TWO FOODS TO BEAT SWINE FLU
We know that the chances of catching colds, flu and swine flu are more common in the winter months, as a result the World Health Authority (WHO) will be monitoring events in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Australia 5,298 reported cases Argentina 2,485, Chile 7376, and New Zealand 1059.
There are many foods in the natural world which can easily be added to our everyday diets to boost our immune systems and as Dr. Nick Phin who is head of pandemic flu planning of the Health Protection Agency states that “A person who is malnourished is likely to be more susceptible to virus infections, and for most people, a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet will be an important factor in helping to maintain a healthy immune system.”
- Vitamin C helps to maintain a healthy immune system, and aids in neutralising pollutants, really acting as a first line in defence, by strengthening the cell walls to keep viruses out as viruses find it very difficult to survive in a vitamin C rich environment. Since the body is unable to store this vitamin we need to consume it daily. Here are some essential foods.
Foods that contain Vitamin C are Blackcurrants, Blackberries, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage, Oranges, Lemons, and limes, Kiwi fruit, Guava, Strawberries, Tomatoes, and Papaya. Fresh vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and all leafy greens, all of contain this essential nutrient.
This is not an exhaustive list but the latest so called super fruit is the GoJi Berry. Pronounced “go-gee”, it is reputed to contain weight for weight more than the following nutrients:
- More Vitamin C than one orange
- More iron than in steak
- More beta-carotene than carrots, and tomatoes
Swine flu illness
The recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin C is 65 mg equivalent to an orange per day, and this is the dietary intake of a nutrient considered to meet the requirements of nearly all individuals. At the first sign of a cold or flu sand flu take liberal quantities of vitamin C in the form of a powder diluted with water, or capsules of between the equivalent of 5grams (5,000mg/10,000mg) to 10 grams daily. Smokers are recommended to add the minimum of 1,000mg to these figures and should increase their fresh fruit and vegetables. Medical advice should be sought when taking Vitamin C supplements if you suffer from a kidney disease.
- GARLIC: Well known for its antibiotic and antiviral properties. Cold germs hate garlic as it clears chest infections! And now not a day passes without some new use being discovered. Reputedly, 3,500 years ago the Egyptians insisted that their slaves be fed on it to keep them healthy and fit for work. Garlic eaten raw is an acquired taste, but it does leave your breathe smelling for a day or two! To keep the breath fresh you can use deodorized capsules available from your health store. Take3 grams daily to help clear the virus. Continued use may protect against blood clots and reduce bad cholesterol. Members of the garlic ‘family’ include onions shallots and chives which are also high in vitaminC.
To help eliminate the cold, and flu viruses drink plenty of fluids and green tea which helps the body detoxify faster, also you may have a fever with flu or swine flu so adequate fluids are essential.
This content is for information purposes and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.
Swine Flu-World Health
SWINE FLU-WORLD HEALTH
Dr Keiji Fukuda the Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the press conference on July 7 2009 presented the latest reported figures from 137 countries, territories, and areas reporting confirmed laboratory cases as over 98,000, with over 440 deaths. He stated that the swine flu pandemic continues to evolve quite rapidly with over 3,000 confirmed cases daily. In the Southern Hemisphere where they are in the winter months and entering their regular influenza season, they may see a pattern which is different from what is being seen in the Northern Hemisphere such as the United States and the UK.
Swine flu today
Dr Fukuda stated that the Southern Hemisphere is seeing the same activity as in other countries. For example Australia was reporting heavy swine flu activity in the Victoria area whereas it was at lower levels in other parts of Australia for a while and is then picking up again.
Colds and flu share the same symptoms which is not surprising as they do usually occur in the fall and winter. However the two viral infections are very different. The flu viral disease is a respiratory infection of the lungs and can occur not usually more than once a year or every few years, whereas most people catch a cold several times in a year. In adults the serious signals of swine flu include.
- A fever over 100F and typically up to 105F
- A hacking cough
- Shortness of breath, wheezing and difficult breathing
- Chest pain caused by persistent coughing
- Confusion and dizziness.
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Flu symptoms improve and then return with a high fever and a worse cough
In children the serious signals include
- Wheezing and difficulty in breathing with a hacking cough
- Severe vomiting
- A pasty complexion
- Not drinking sufficient fluids
- The flu symptoms improve as in the adult and the return with a high fever.
These are all warning signs to seek urgent medical attention without delay, certainly within two days when Tamiflu is at its most effective.
The most common method for diagnosing the swine flu virus is an antigen test, which is carried out from swabs taken from the nose and throat for testing at the laboratory. If pneumonia is suspect then a chest X-ray will result.
The real scale of this health crisis is difficult to quantify, as constant random mutation is the name of the game for these bugs. They have been around since the beginning of time and have developed their own ways of survival in their microbial world. It will not be long before they will survive our current chemical remedies for swine flu and even bird flu.
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