Influenza
by Aleks Strande, N.D., Ph.D.
The word "influenza" is actually derived from the Italian language in which it means "influence" (an incursion). Such a name for the disease stemmed from the belief that epidemics were due to the influence of the stars. The name was first used to refer to influenza of 1743.
Influenza is frequently referred to simply as the flu. It is an RNA virus of the family orthomyxoviridae. Transmission can occur in three common ways: direct contact with an infected individual, airborne, and direct contact with infected surfaces. Affected individuals are the most contagious between the second and third day, which correlates with the time of high fever spikes. Children are more contagious than adults simply because children tend to be less careful with containing their secretions. The length of time the virus can persist on surfaces varies from one to two days on plastic or metal surfaces to only five minutes on our skin.
Protection with an annual vaccination against influenza is an effective form of prevention. However, it must be emphasized that annual vaccination is only effective against specific strains of viruses and does not completely prevent one from contracting the flu. Researchers combed through 31 studies and found that during 12 flu seasons, the most common type of flu shot prevented the flu in just 59 percent of people 18 through 64. A common misconcenption is that this vaccine protects against all types of flu-it does not. The season is very unpredictable, and 200,000 individuals in the United States are hospitalized for influenza-related symptoms every year. Most people don’t realize that when vaccinations are administered, a small dose of the virus is injected into your body. Any vaccination, for whatever reason, places a potential bomb in your body that can explode with a generative disease later on in life. Such diseases include mental problems, as well as auto-immune diseases and syndromes.
It would seem intuitive to focus on prevention. Herbal flu preventatives and flu treatments have been around for centuries and research shows was used to treat people during the 1918 flu pandemic. If one is infected, it is the obligation of the individual to make an active effort to contain the spread of the disease. Washing hands and using anti-microbial gels definitely helps. Supplemental vitamins, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and IU beta-carotene are recommended for treating influenza.
Hydrotherapy can be utilized to induce a fever and help speed recovery from a flu. While supervised, the patient should take a bath as hot as he/she can tolerate and remain in the bath for 20-30 minutes. While in the bath, the patient drinks a cup of elderflower. Elder flower is an herb that has an antiviral activity that increases sweating, decreases inflammation, and decreases nasal discharge. In a study, elderberry extract reduced flu symptoms within two days whereas placebo took six days. During the bath, a cold cloth is held on the forehead or at the nape of the neck to keep the temperature down. Once out of the bath, the patient then gets into bed and covers up with layers of blankets to induce more sweating.
The fastest way to get rid of influenza is a symptom-specific concoction of natural liquid herbs. In most cases, you can destroy a flu within 6 hours to 2 days. Other homeopathic remedies recommended vary according to the specific flu symptoms present. Gelsemium is recommended to combat weakness accompanied by chills, a headache, and nasal congestion. Bryonia may be used to treat muscle aches, headaches, and a dry cough. Always consult an expert before taking pharmaceuticals OR herbs. Herbs should only be taken under the supervision of a licensed physician or naturopath. Some are not intended for pregnant women.
Alex Strande, ND, Ph.D., is a naturopath and microbiologist. His primary location is in Houston, Texas. If you have any issues concerning your health, please visit us at www.simplyhealingclinic.com or call us to set up a consultation on 713.660.1420. We do long distance phone/Skype consultations with people from all around the world.