Strategies for Beating Swine Flu!

by Bruce Wilson

It's hard to tell the difference between Swine Flu and the seasonal flu that does the rounds during winter. Essentially we are looking at a range of symptoms that include high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body ache, headache, chills and fatigue. Swine Flu [Officially known as Influenza A (H1N1] is really only confirmed when a blood test is positive for that particular strain. Swine Flu is highly contagious and we have seen it spread around the world in a short time.

The worst symptoms seem to last around 5 days but residual symptoms especially coughing can go on for a couple of weeks. While many that catch Swine Flu recover reasonably quickly and some have even reported that it was mild for them others may be severely affected. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with long term medical conditions can become very sick. Rarely do healthy people die from Swine Flu but it is a possibility and so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions to halt the spread of the disease.

For most people Swine Flu can be managed at home with rest, plenty of fluids and with medication to reduce the severity of symptoms. Common sense measures such as staying away from work or school helps prevent the spread of all flu cases. Washing hands frequently and the using and disposing of tissues hygienically after use are simple yet important measures. Wearing a face mask may also be appropriate when entering high risk areas such as airports, bus or train stations and hospitals.

But life goes on and it seems that people can only hold a state of high alert for a short time. While you and your family may continue to act considerately and wisely to prevent the spread of disease others soon fall back to a lower level of vigilance. There is one more area to pay attention to and that is your own natural disease prevention system - your immunity.

You may already be taking care of your health by ensuring that you eat good quality food most of the time, that you get plenty of rest and relaxation and generally live cleanly. Any behavior that lowers immunity such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, too many late nights and a junk food diet places you at greater risk of catching and struggling to contain an infectious disease.

Supplementing a healthy lifestyle with products that support the immune system is worthwhile. In my practice as a retail pharmacist I am exposed to infectious diseases on a daily basis and not only just in the winter months. Over the years I have personally experimented with just about every product that claims immune boosting properties. Some products are over hyped but there are some that offer real benefits in my experience.

I like Vitamin C as a starting point as it acts like fuel for the white blood cells. I've used a well known aged garlic extract as a daily supplement for years now as it helps support the immune system and keep favourable cholesterol ratios. I've also used it with some success in high doses when I've had a heavy cold. Echinacea can be helpful but I'll only use it if I can't lay my hands on something better like Andrographis. A word of caution regarding herbal remedies. Pregnant women should not take herbal remedies in general as there is usually very little evidence regarding their safety. In the case of Andrographis it is potentially harmful to the unborn child. Always educate yourself first before taking a herbal remedy.

Over the last 18 months I believe I've found something better for boosting immunity. The South African herb, pelargonium sidoides really shortens the duration and severity of colds and flu. I take it daily during the winter and if I feel a little run down in the summer time I will also take the occasional dose. Normally the feeling that I am about to get a cold goes away within hours.

Colostrum also boosts immunity and has many other beneficial uses. What is really exciting is an extract made from colostrum that has recently become available. This extract is taken in the form of a spray under the tongue, is safe for all age groups and has no known side-effects. It is particularly effective against flu viruses including Swine Flu. The active ingredient, Proline Rich Polypeptides requires 70kg of pure New Zealand colostrum powder to product 1kg of active substance. It works by preventing the virus from accessing the cell. Viruses require the genetic material found in the centre of the cell to replicate and if this is denied then the virus can't spread and has little effect on the body.

About the Author

Bruce Wilson is a qualified New Zealand pharmacist and owner of Strand Arcade Pharmacy. Bruce invites you to read more about IMMUNOhance Spray and other health and beauty products from New Zealand at http://www.NZ-Online-Pharmacy.com