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Swine flu - is Tamiflu the answer?
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The first swine flu related death in London was reported today. This follows several reports over the past few weeks of other deaths caused by the H1N1 virus: 3 deaths in New Zealand, 3 in the UK, 2 in Virginia, 4 in Washington state, 3 in Florida, 1 in Hawaii, 1 in Spain, 9 in Australia, 6 in Thailand and now 43 in Argentina! (127 deaths total have been reported to the CDC). Reports continue and the numbers seem to keep rising. In yesterday's summit, the director of the World Health Organization warns the spread of the virus is "unstoppable".
Tamiflu Shortage?
There is now concern that there may not be enough Tamiflu (the main course of treatment) to treat all cases as this pandemic spreads around the globe. Some government officials are discussing "rationing" out supplies, while there are even rumors of some clinics closing due to running low on Tamiflu. The US is now considering a swine flu vaccination campaign to help control further spread, claiming 600 million vaccines may be needed. This approach may be questionable as the effectiveness of current flu vaccines have come under scrutiny lately. The CDC admits the effectiveness of the vaccine depends largely on the current health of the individual receiving it. The other problem with a flu vaccine is that it does not always target the particular strain causing the infection. (More info on chemistry.about.com)
Tamiflu Resistance?
Additionally, some reports claim strains of the virus may be developing a resistance to Tamiflu. Two recent cases include one report from Japan of a patient infected with the virus which was resistant to Tamiflu, and another case of a Danish woman who developed the resistance while taking the preventative dose. Makers of Tamiflu note that it is normal for a small percent of individuals to develop such a resistance (see report here).
The holistic approach to these types of outbreaks, whether it's swine flu or seasonal flu, is preventative in nature. This means maintaining a healthy immune system. The human immune system is designed to handle a variety of bacteria and viruses. Have you ever wondered why some people become extremely sick when exposed to the flu, colds or other illnesses, and other people don't seem to be affected at all? The difference is the strength of the immune system. While having a top-notch immune system will not guarantee that you will not become infected or have symptoms when exposed to infectious diseases, it will help minimize the affects and speed up recovery.
How the immune system works
(For a more thorough description, see answers.com)
The immune system is a term that refers to the body's natural defense mechanism. It includes parts such as white blood cells, certain glands, and even our skin and mucous that protect and fights off pathogens and toxins (foreigners to the body). It is like a puzzle, with many pieces working together to create a picture of health. Therefore, it is important to make sure all pieces of the puzzle are healthy and in working order. A healthy body will continually detoxify to keep all parts in working order. To ensure your immune system is working well, there are a few things you can do each day:
1. Drink plenty of water - This is nothing new. The rule of thumb is about half your weight in ounces of pure drinking water each day. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks are dehydrating, and should not count toward daily fluid intake. However, water rich fruits and vegetables do contribute. Water not only helps the body maintain a normal temperature, but it helps to cleanse the cells and internal organs. Well hydrated organs and cells simply perform more efficiently.
2. Cleanse the body/inside and out - In order for your car to run properly, you need to change the oil regularly and flush out systems such as the fuel line. The body is a very complex machine. It needs regular flushing and "refreshing" of fluids. Many holistic health practitioners advocate seasonal or at least annual cleansing. This includes a period of "fasting" from toxic foods such as alcohol, coffee, soda, sugary treats, meats, butter, fried foods, or any junk foods; followed by drinking extra water, detoxifying teas and even herbs that help purge and cleanse the digestive tract. There are many different formulas for cleansing. One notable one is the Detox Diet by Elson Haas, MD.
3. Nourish - The body needs many nutrients to function properly. The recommended daily allowances (RDA's) listed on nutrition labels indicate the minimum amount an average healthy individual needs to avoid deficiencies. But the human body needs more than just the minimum levels to be healthy. Current dietary guidelines state that the average adult needs 2 cups of fresh fruit and 2 1/2 to 3 cups of fresh vegetables, at least 3 ounces of quality whole-grains, 5 1/2 to 6 ounces of lean proteins and 6 to 7 teaspoons of healthy oils everyday. (see the new food pyramid for more info).
In addition to the above habits, you can go to the CDC website for more tips to avoid exposure and infection from H1N1 and other viruses. Don't wait for the latest flu vaccine to protect yourself, or simply wait to become infected, relying on a cure. Remember, prevention is the best medicine.
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