Common sense measures to avoid contracting the swine flu
Avoid
crowds in areas where infections with the virus has been identified. If
you need to be in these areas, consider wearing a face mask. Wash hands
frequently, especially after shaking hands. Cover your mouth when you
cough, and if you do become ill, stay at home.
Natural support options
Essential
Oils: Many essential oils have antiviral effects. These can be used in
diffusers, mists, or diluted on surfaces to decrease the possible
transmission of the virus.
Herbs: A recent study showed that both
ginseng and Salviae (Danshen) play a role against influenza virus as
well as immuno-modulators during influenza virus infection. This may
particularly important with novel pandemic virus infections as they
tend to case the most severe disease in young healthy adults. This may
be because the immune system cannot depend on memory cells from
vaccination or previous disease, but must mount an all out defense. A
pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 might be a mechanism in lung
inflammation leading to death. (Vaccine. 2007 Jan 4;25(2):272-82. Epub
2006 Aug 10) Therefore immune stimulating herbs may not always be the
best idea. For example elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been shown to
increase production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha,
IL-6, IL-8) Balancing the immune system and decreasing inflammation may
be a better option. Acalypha wilkesiana, Acanthopanax gracilistylus,
Allium sativum, Ananus comosus, Cissampelos sympodialis, Coriolus
versicolor, Curcuma longa, Echinacea purpurea, Grifola frondosa,
Harpagophytum procumbens, Panax ginseng, Polygala tenuifolia, Poria
cocos, Silybum marianum, Smilax glabra, Tinospora cordifolia, Uncaria
tomentosa, and Withania somnifera demonstrate modulation of multiple
cytokines. (Altern Med Rev. 2006 Jun;11(2):128-50)
Supplements
Low
vitamin D levels have been linked to seasonal, epidemic influenza A.
(Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2008 Oct;117(10):740-4) A yeast-based
product (EpiCor, a dried Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentate) was
compared to placebo to determine effects on the incidence and duration
of cold and flu-like symptoms in healthy subjects recently vaccinated
for seasonal influenza. Participants receiving the yeast-based product
had significantly fewer symptoms and significantly shorter duration of
symptoms when compared with subjects taking a placebo. (Urol Nurs. 2008
Feb;28(1):50-5)