Swine Flu Prevention
Preventive Medicine For Swine Flu
The danger of the novel H1N1 influenza A Virus becomes increasingly more evident on a daily basis with the mortality rate rising and the infection rate increasing rapidly worldwide. Fortunately the outbreak occurred at a time of the year – in the western hemisphere at least – when the seasonal flu situation wanes and we have ben blessed with the time to study and prepare for the onslaught later in the year.
There are obvious questions by many as to how we can protect ourselves from infection now and in the future and if we do get infected by this flu, how can we treat it effectively. The news of a pandemic of influenza has hit home with many people and questions arise about personal health and are we sufficiently prepared physically to combat a potential killer illness. What can we do to improve on our risk factors and increase our immunity? Compared with past outbreaks of deadly influenza viruses our health practices and hygiene have improved immensely and survivability is much higher now than in past pandemics.
There are medications available that have a potent effect on this particular influenza strain but the quantities are limited for mass distribution so antivirals such as generic tamiflu and zanamivir also known as relenza, may not be available in enough quantity to aid those who aren’t in a high risk group. Tamiflu is a powerful flu inhibitor if taken as directed and if the current strain of flu virus does not mutate and a resistance builds to it. These viruses are very adaptable and robust in their own right doing amazing things to survive. Recently over the last number of years other antivirals have been lost in the battle against influenza strains because of the resiliency of these bugs.
So if you are not in a high risk category or you aren’t a health care first responder who receive preferential treatments and therapies, what can you do to protect yourself? You start with your cells. The fundamental structure and makeup of our body are cells, combined to create our various life sustaining parts like organs, blood and skin. So if our cells are unhealthy, depleted in any way, inflamed, or worse, we become vulnerable to diseases and illness and lose our ability to battle back to health.
Influenza viruses in particular multiply on the basis of being able to invade our cells upsetting their task, gripping the body with their unhealthy might. Much research has been conducted into how viruses work and something as simple as glutathione deficiency can raise the intensity of a virus’ strength as it invades your body. Finding a source of supplemental glutathione is an important step toward warding off illness and could offer improved defense.
Your mother knew what she was talking about when she said you need your vitamins. Nutrient reduction can be a way for viruses to extrapolate within one’s system. If a person has a vitamin and or mineral deficiency than the body doesn’t have what it needs to aid in immunity, inhibit viral growth and build your natural defenses against the invading microbes. So many individuals have compromised immune systems due to nutrient deficit of this the medical community is sure. Certain factors compromise the body’s ability to absorb nutrients even in those who religiously take their “one a day’s” and eat a healthy diet.
Perhaps the vitamin supplements being taken are not as complete as advertised. A person’s ability to absorb digested nutrients could be hampered by Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Maybe the individual just isn’t taking the correct amounts of vitamins and minerals to make a difference. Many people have had immediate results when taking a multi vitamin in liquid form to aid in digestion and absorption. The nutrients are more easily absorbed and the body’s ability to make the most of the nutrients is enhanced which undoubtedly perks up the immune system.
So once you have increased your vitamin, mineral and antioxidant intake you can make some changes to more common healthful activities most understand but fail to pursue. Nearly everyone could be drinking more water and a rule of thumb for amount is on average half one’s body weight in ounces daily. This is a lot of water indeed but necessary to aid your cells in membrane fluid retention. Increase essential fatty acids to raise omega 3 levels, and start an exercise regimen that will enhance your health such as walking, yoga, tai chi or some form of aerobic action without overdoing things. Exercise has proven it can boost your immune system and ward off infections.
If we learn anything about pandemics it’s that we can only count on so much assistance from the medical community. Resources of antivirals such as generic tamiflu will be at best limited, vaccines will be delayed and then only administered to those at greatest risk. Global contagions can no longer be controlled, as if they ever could since human travel began. Your best protection is to rely on your own ability to improve your lifestyle and increasing your preventative maintenance by shoring up your nutrient levels and practicing healthful common sense.