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Tips to avoid catching flu viruses

Posted on November 9, 2014 by admin

You can get a flu jab but the flu virus mutates, added to which antibiotics don’t work – so what can you do to lessen your chance of being ill this winter?

First and foremost you should look after your general health by eating fresh and healthy food, taking exercise and be getting sufficient sleep.

Common Cold virus

One of the many strains of the flu virus

But here are some specific actions you can take to cut your risk:

Good hygiene

1. Avoid close contact with people who are already ill – that including shaking hands!
2. Don’t spread your germs to others. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
3. Don’t under-estimate the importance of washing your hands. Use soap and water or an anti-bacterial cleanser
4. . Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. Clean surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

Treatment is largely limited to alleviation of symptoms, with generally helpful measures such as:

Relieve nasal congestion: Use saline (salt water) drops, 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of water
Relieve chest congestion: Inhale steam from a pan of boiled water for 15 minutes every 2-4 hours or take a long hot shower and inhale the steam
Relieving sore throat: In 8-ounces (236 mL) of warm water, dissolve 2 aspirin tablets (325 mg each) and 1 teaspoon (5 ccs) of salt. Gargle for 5 minutes and spit it out (do not drink it).
Get rid of lung congestion: Use an ultrasonic, cool-mist humidifier and drink warm teas and water.
Cough up mucous
If you think you have a fever check with your doctor
Get plenty of bedrest to minimise aches and pains.
Keep hydrated: Drink 8 ounces (236 mL) of water every hour while awake (more if you have a fever), in which you have added 2 tablespoons (30 ccs) of freshly squeezed lemon juice (for added flavonoids and to help alkalinize the body).
Consider natural antiviral compounds:

Flu-fighting supplements
Vitamin C
Vitamin C taken in a strength between1000-6000 mg/day may help to shorten the length of colds and flu. Various studies have found that taking vitamin C helps to reduce cold symptoms and help fight the infection.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is now seen as one of the most potent anti-oxidants. And since most flu epidemics occur during the winter when there is less sunlight to help our bodies make this important vitamin it may help to take a supplement. Several animal studies support the theory that vitamin D prevents the flu.

Selenium
Selenium is also a potent antioxidant. It is helpful across a range of inflammatory or infectious diseases including the flu.

Green tea
Green tea polyphenol antioxidants stimulate the production of several immune system cells, and possess antibacterial properties. So drinking green tea may also be a key flu-fighting strategy. Research reveals that drinking green tea particularly stimulates gamma-delta T-cells that boost immunity against viruses. Furthermore, a substance in green tea called L-theanine causes T cells to secrete 10-times their normal output of the virus-fighting interferon.

Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide made of the three amino acids glycine, glutamic acid (glutamate), and cysteine. Glutathione has been called the “master antioxidant.” It is also able to refresh and recycle other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Results of several studies suggest that glutathione has antiviral properties and inhibits activation and replication of the influenza virus. One study also reported that glutathione could help prevent infection by the influenza virus if administered directly to the tissues lining the mouth and upper airway. The scientists suggested that glutathione concentrated in a lozenge or spray might be the most effective way to use the compound as a flu preventive.

Probiotics
Probiotics contain live microorganisms, which colonize the intestines and help to prevent intestinal infections. Lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, are the most commonly used “friendly” strains of bacteria used in probiotic products. Their important action is helping to boost the immune system and reduce the incidence of one or more episodes of the common cold.

Some flu-fighters to try here:

10 tips to avoid swine flu

Posted on August 6, 2009 by Editor

Cases of swine flu in the UK have just doubled and the reality is that it will be coming to an office, school or home near you. However, as with any flu, there are some very sensible steps you can take to make sure that you dont get ill in the first place or if you do, you dont get hit too badly.

1. Stay healthy Eat well, sleep well and stay hydrated. Avoid excessive stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise.

2. Boost your immune system Take supplements that are proven immune boosters. Dont wait to get ill, protect yourself with Immulina the latest and most powerful natural immune booster on the market with respect to macrophage activation. Available at www.h1n1help.co.uk and by telephone 020 7720 8338.

3. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” – Maintain cleanliness, carry disinfectant for your hands and remember not to touch your face.

4. A clean environment is as good as a clean person – The H1N1 virus can be passed from person to person by coughing or sneezing but it can also be passed by touching and an object, such as a door handle, which has the virus on it. Clean hard surfaces frequently using a normal cleaning product.

5. Avoid people who are infected – This does not mean you need to get out the gas mask every time somebody sneezes but if somebody you know is infected you can help them without getting yourself ill.

6. Settle down while the virus is at its peak – Avoid excessive exposure to clubs and bars and other places where drinking and/or smoking weaken your immune system and expose you to greater risk of infection.

7. Plan ahead – Stay away from public transport as much as possible and avoid unnecessary travel, especially during rush hours!

8. Keep your office and home well ventilated This will minimise exposure to airborne viruses that may be coming from workmates/family.

9. Tell them not to be a hero – Persuade ill colleagues to stay at home if they suspect they are infected as coming in could see the whole office out of action.

10.Put social graces aside – Do the dainty air kiss greeting instead and make sure you have antibacterial gel nearby if you need to shake hands

Flu spreads the commuter transport system

Posted on December 8, 2008 by Editor

London: One sneeze from a rush-hour commuter can end up giving up to 150 fellow passengers a cold in just five minutes, researchers have found.

Unless they are contained in a tissue or handkerchief, the germs spread so quickly that within seconds they are being passed on via handrails on escalators or seats on trains and even on discarded newspapers, revealed the study.

Each sneeze contains around 100,000 droplets at a speed of 90 mph.

The researchers surveyed 1,300 workers, on behalf of flu drink Lemsip, about their health and found almost all commuters suffered at least one cold last winter.

The results were analysed by cold and flu expert Dr Roger Henderson, who looked at the daily commute of the sneeze itself.

Up to 10 per cent of all commuters will come into contact with an area infected by that one sneeze, Dr Henderson calculated.

In the busiest areas, such as escalators at stations, this amounts to around 150 people during rush hour, he said.

The research found that in contrast, only 58 per cent of those who work from home regularly caught a cold last winter.

This compares with 99 per cent who travel by Tube, 98 per cent who go by bus and 96 per cent of train passengers. But it falls to 88 per cent of those who walk to and from work, according to the survey.

A new survey says up to 10 per cent of all commuters will come into contact with sneeze-infected areas

They found 20 per cent are annoyed by fellow travellers sneezing without using a tissue and 33 per cent are angered by those who cough without covering their mouths.
Men are more likely to be at fault – one in three do not carry a tissue compared with 81 per cent of women.

Relentless sniffing gets on the nerves of 12 per cent of travellers, although throat-clearing is only an issue for three per cent.

But most will either walk away or grin and bear it. Only eight per cent will actually say anything to an annoying sneezer or cougher sitting next to them.

Perhaps they realise they are just as guilty as two thirds (67 per cent) admit to travelling in to work even when they are feeling ill.

The company is offering cold and flue advice which includes stocking up on tissues and not leaving old newspapers behind.

Germ-proof your body with Ayurveda

Posted on March 16, 2008 by Editor

There are several alternative ways to help combat the symptoms of colds without having to reach for chemically packed pills in silver foil. One of these is Ayurveda, the oldest natural healing system originating from India, which offers preventative and curative measures in line with nature.

Ayush Wellness Spa in Jersey have crafted a cold prevention treatment that adheres strictly to the ancient Indian healing philosophy of Ayurveda mixing authentic therapies with luxurious treatments. While they have a number of treatments designed to offer relief from the discomfort associated with head and sinus problems, Nasya is a traditional treatment where the expertly trained therapists massage pressure points in the face, head and chest with medicated oils for instant relief and use steam to help clear nasal passages and aid in purification. Oils and powders are placed up the nose as a stimulant to release congestion.

Ayush Wellness Spa fosters a natural approach to health care that includes meditation, yoga, exercise, massage and daily and seasonal lifestyle routines. They seek to redress the chemical warfare that people wreak on their own bodies by using products that are 100 per cent natural. The spa boasts an apothecary kitchen where herbs and oils are mixed according to guests dosha. Once guests have had their imbalances addressed and dosha type determined with a treatment programme and complementary Ayurvedic meals, we can prescribe natural supplements and elixirs to take with you, so that you can continue on your path towards perfect health in the real world.

Yet for those who are susceptible to the common cold but may not be able to make it to Ayush Wellness Spa to rejuvenate themselves for the year ahead, Ayurvedic help is at hand online or at local herbal or health food outlets.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub whose roots are widely used to boost immunity, reduce anxiety and increase longevity. A review of 58 articles, published in Alternative Medicine Review, concluded that ashwaganda has anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. (600 to 1,000 milligrams a day, divided into two or three capsules) or guduchi (see below) throughout the cold and flu season.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is an herb that enhances immunity by boosting antibody production and the activity of powerful white blood cells called natural killer cells, says Simon. Studies conducted in India have shown that patients receiving guduchi before having abdominal surgery had fewer postoperative infections and significantly improved outcomes. Ayush advises taking 1 teaspoon twice daily or the recommended dose of ashwagandha if you catch colds and flu easily.

Herbal jam, or Chavan Prash, which comes from the amalaki fruit (Indian gooseberry), is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants and has immune-enhancing effects. Ayush advises taking it year-round for overall wellness. Spread 1 teaspoon on bread twice daily or take it in capsules.

For enquiries or to make a reservation contact Ayush Wellness Spa, Hotel de France, St Saviours Road, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands JE1 7XP on 01534 614171 or visit www.ayushspa.com

How traditional Ayurvedic medicine can help prevent colds and flu

Posted on January 14, 2008 by Editor

This year, many Britons have reported cold and flu viruses after the Christmas and New Year peroid, so a significant proportion of us will start the year with a strict set of health resolutions to get themselves on the path to better health, once and for all.

Before Western medicine came along with its pills and injections, the ancient Indian healing science of Ayurveda advised a preventative approach to healthcare. By working out which Ayurvedic body type you are and determining your dosha, a diet can be mapped out to suit your nutritional needs to prevent illness. There are several alternative ways to help combat the symptoms of colds without having to reach for chemically packed pills in silver foil. One of these is Ayurveda, the oldest natural healing system originating from India, which offers preventative and curative measures in line with nature.

For enquiries or to make a reservation contact Ayush Wellness Spa, Hotel de France, St Saviours Road, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands JE1 7XP on 01534 614171 or visit www.ayushspa.com

How to protect your body from flu – 10 must know facts

Posted on September 19, 2006 by Editor

A Special Medical Bulletin from Ronald Klatz, M.D., D.O. Founder of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

Chicago: Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection of the upper respiratory tract. The virus that causes the flu enters the body’s airways through mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, or mouth. Once the flu infection invades the body, it can settle into the throat, nose, bronchial tubes, lungs, and middle ear, causing an array of discomforting symptoms.

Symptoms of flu include chest congestion, cough, high fever, chills, aches and pains, headache, sneezing, and itchy eyes. After a bout of flu has completed it course, it is common for people to experience lingering fatigue that may last several weeks. Compared to the common cold or hayfever allergy, the flu only occasionally causes sneezing, sore throat, and stuffy nose.

We are now approximately two weeks from the start of the 2006-2007 flu season. Protect yourself from succumbing to the flu by learning these Ten Must-Know Facts About Flu:

Flu Fact #1.
Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 people die from flu. Annual flu costs the US economy over $10 billion in worker absenteeism and lost productivity.

Flu Fact #2.
Seasonal flu can compromise health and quality of life. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

Flu Fact #3.
Influenza can be spread widely and wildly, transmitted easily from person-to-person. Be careful of how close you get to others. Viruses including the flu can transmit from person-to-person through handshakes and kisses. Human influenza virus transmits from person-to-person within a 3-foot (1-meter) radius of an infected person. A sneeze or cough can propel a virus 10 or more feet (3 or more meters). Cigarette smoke also spreads respiratory viruses, so it’s a good idea to avoid coming into contact with a smoke plume.

Flu Fact #4.
The influenza virus is highly contagious, and can remain on hard surfaces for up to 72 hours (even after that amount of time, enough virus particles can remain to potentially sicken people). Keep a supply of disposable antiseptic towelettes, and a wastebasket, near all phones, computers, fax machines, copiers, etc. Use a towelette each time prior to, and after, touching these items, and discard it promptly. Clean and disinfect surfaces that may have become contaminated with flu secretions by using products that are EPA-registered disinfectants. Pull your shirtsleeve over your hands when touching doorknobs, light switches, and other surfaces on which germs thrive.

Flu Fact #5.
Whereas influenza is a year-round disease, the peak of activity occurs during “flu season” which typically begins as early as October 1st and lasts as late as May 31st. A bout of seasonal flu can last up to a month.

Flu Fact #6.
Experts recommend that the single best way to prevent seasonal influenza is to get a flu vaccination in the fall. Yet, it can take up to two weeks for antibodies to develop that protect against seasonal influenza virus infection. And, vaccination is, at best, only about 60% effective.

Flu Fact #7.
The flu vaccine does not protect against the H5N1 bird flu virus.

Flu Fact #8.
As of 23 August 2006 (the latest available data as of this writing), the World Health Organization reports that worldwide, 241 cases of H5N1 bird flu infections have occurred in humans, resulting in 141 deaths. Bird flu is presently 58.5% fatal to humans. At this time, there is no commercially available vaccine to protect against the H5N1 bird flu virus. There also are no specific drugs approved at this time to specifically treat bird flu.

Flu Fact #9.
The most effective way to promote your body resistance to invasion by pathogenic germs of any kind, is to practice healthy hygiene habits the most critical of which is proper and frequent handwashing. Wash your hands ten times each day double that if you’re in an environment where infectious germs abound (for example, proximity to someone sick in the home or at the workplace, or physical contact with objects touched by someone who is sick).

It is especially important to wash hands: before, during, and after you prepare food (particularly raw meat, poultry, or fish); before you eat; before inserting or removing contact lenses; after you use the bathroom; after you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze; after treating a cut or wound of your own or someone else; after handling animals or animal waste; after changing a diaper; after handling garbage; when your hands are visibly dirty; more frequently when you or someone in your home is sick.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) outlines the technique for proper handwashing as:

1. Wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack that allows it to drain.

2. Scrub all surfaces including wrists, palms, backs of hands, fingers, under the fingernails, and between fingers. Rub your hands vigorously together for 10-15 seconds.

3. Rinse well with warm water.

4. Dry hands with a clean or disposable towel. Pat the skin rather than rubbing, to avoid chapping or cracking. Apply hand lotion if your skin is susceptible to drying out.

Perhaps just as important as washing your hands is the matter of properly drying them. Researchers at Auckland Hospital in New Zealand found that drying hands for ten seconds using a clean cloth towel followed by air drying for 20 seconds achieved a 99.8% reduction in the amount of bacteria moved from one place to another on the skin.

Flu Fact #10.
Natural immune enhancement is a preventive health strategy designed to enhance and optimize an individual’s overall immunity in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of exposure to an infectious pathogen such as the influenza virus. Natural immune enhancement, employing vitamins and other dietary supplements, also can reduce viral load and control inflammation typically associated with infection. Check with your anti-aging physician to create an immune optimizing regimen that is best suited for your specific needs.

UN expert warns flu pandemic could kill millions

Posted on October 1, 2005 by Editor

New York: More than 150 million people worldwide could be killed by a flu pandemic, warns the United Nations.

Dr David Nabarro, a UN public health expert said the outbreak would be a mutation of the bird flu which has hit Asia.

In 1968 a flu pandemic claimed up to four million lives worldwide. But the new pandemic which could hit at any time could prove fatal to anywhere between five million or 150 million people worldwide.

Dr Nabarro, the new UN co-ordinator for avian and human influenza, called on governments to take immediate steps to address the threat.

‘We expect the next influenza pandemic to come at any time now, and it’s likely to be caused by a mutant of the virus that is currently causing bird flu in Asia,’ he told a news conference to mark his appointment.

‘The avian flu epidemic has to be controlled if we are to prevent a human influenza pandemic.’

The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been spreading through poultry populations in Asia since 2003. So far tens of millions of birds have died and it has killed at least 65 people, mostly poultry workers. The virus does not pass easily from person to person but the fear is that it could mutate to create a virulent new strain in humans.

A previous influenza pandemic in 1918 killed more than 40million people. Subsequent outbreaks in 1957 and 1968 originated from avian flu viruses combined with human viruses.

The first case of what was known as Hong Kong flu was confirmed in Britain in January 1969, by which time doctors and chemists said they no longer had any vaccine to prevent it.

Dr Nabarro said the UN was coordinating a response to the new threat after Asian leaders sought help from Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the recent UN summit.

‘I believe the work we’re doing over the next few months on prevention and preparedness will make the difference between, for example, whether the next pandemic leads us in the direction of 150million or in the direction of 5million,’ he said.

Bird flu has not yet reached Europe but it was found in birds in Russia last month.
Experts fear that, should it mutate, international travel will allow it to sweep rapidly around the globe. The drug Tamiflu has proved effective in treating bird flu but supplies are low in many countries.

Britain’s top flu expert, Professor John Oxford of Queen Mary’s School of Medicine, said that washing hands remains one of the best defences against flu.

Cranberry juice halts flu virus, say Tel Aviv researchers

Posted on September 22, 2005 by Editor

Tel Aviv: A substance found in cranberries has the ability to stop the flu virus in its tracks, researchers at the University of Tel Aviv have discovered.

It is already known that compounds in the juice are capable of killing bacteria, especially in the mouth and bladder but the anti-viral specialists found that it also stops the flu virus from attaching itself to human cells.

In bladder conditions drinking eight ounces of juice more than doubles protection against infection. And the researchers believe the same may apply to the flu virus

Winter illnesses increase risk of heart attack

Posted on December 16, 2004 by Editor

London: New research reveals that the risk of heart attack and stroke increases as a result of winter infections.

The joint study sponsored by the British Heart Foundation, the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust discovered thatbronchitis can increase the risk of a heart attack by five times.The risk of having a stroke also trebles within the first few days of falling ill, according to researchers.

They found that the increased danger was caused not just by chest illnesses but other infections such as cystitis.

They believe inflammation may have something to do with it – either by helping to form the plaques that block arteries or by contributing to their rupture and causing heart attacks or strokes.

Around 300,000 people have heart attacks in Britain each year, 117,000 of them fatal. Every year more than 130,000 people in England and Wales suffer a stroke.

The latest study, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, confirms that common infections play a part in triggering acute heart and circulatory problems.

The researchers examined the medical records of more than 40,000 people and discovered that the risk of heart attack was five times higher than normal in the first three days after a respiratory tract infection such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

The risk of stroke was found to be three times higher during the same period. The same applied to urinary tract infections such as cystitis.

However, in the following weeks after illness the risk of having a heart attack or stroke gradually decreased.
Professor Patrick Vallance, a researcher on the project at University College London, said: ‘The work shows that the timing of a heart attack is not random.’

He said the finding was important because it showed showed a surge in risk following a range of infections – not just chest infections, as might be expected.

Dr Liam Smeeth from the MRC, lead researcher on the project, said ‘This knowledge will open up new avenues for research and discovery.

‘Armed with the information we have found, we can begin to develop new strategies to reduce the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.’

The BHF advised people to protect their hearts this winter by staying warm, eating a good diet, having a flu jab and being alert for unusual symptoms.

The researchers also investigated whether vaccinations, including flu and tetanus jabs, increased the risk of heart attacks or strokes. They found no increased risk associated with the vaccines, confirming their safety record.

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