Avian Flu: Boost Your Immunity to Increase Your Chances of Survival
Many of the latest headlines are turning their attention to the latest bird flu, also known as the H5N1 virus. The problem is that this virus can mutate, so no one really knows what it will be necessary to protect against.
There has been a lot of concern and media attention about this. Here’s what Michael T. Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said: “An influenza pandemic of even moderate impact will result in the greatest human disaster in history, far greater than AIDS.” , 9/11, all the wars of the 20th century and the recent tsunami combined. It has the potential to redirect world history as the Black Death redirected European history in the 14th century.”
The latest news reports that ducks and geese now carry this virus and are roaming the world, spreading it. It started in Asia and now it has reached Europe. Soon you will be on the American continent.
A few dozen people have died from H5N1 so far. Right now, it is a virus that is transmitted from bird to bird. Sometimes from birds to animals. Currently it is not transmitted from one person to another. But over time, flu viruses mutate. In 1918, a bird flu virus mutated. It was called the Spanish Flu Pandemic. Over fifty million people died from it.
Some experts predict that the number of deaths will be well over 50 million with this new flu… could be a billion people, once the virus mutates to be transmitted from human to human.
Medications that fight bird flu:
Two drugs that can help alleviate the problems caused by the bird flu virus. One is called oseltamivir (Tamiflu). The other is zanamivir (Relenza). You will need a prescription for either. They should be taken within 2 days of the onset of symptoms and then continued for 5 days twice daily. Right now… medications are in very short supply (especially Tamiflu, which is the preferred treatment). Once a flu pandemic hits, it will be impossible to get them. Currently, you should be able to buy them at your pharmacy or you can order them online (you’ll need a prescription to get them).
So what do you do if you don’t know what you’re fighting?
The one thing that always remains constant is having a healthy and strong immune system that can fight disease. Some habits, supplements and herbs have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the immune system. There is a lot of information on this subject, I would like to share with you what I have found from experts in this area.
Useful supplements to stimulate the immune system:
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a special antioxidant that recycles vitamins C and E in the human body. By helping to better utilize vitamin C and E, it helps your immune efficiency.
Bee pollen is a substance produced by bees when they pollinate flowers. It is a great booster for energy and the immune system, and was used by the late President Ronald Reagan.
CoQ10 is a nutrient, short for Coenzyme Q10, used for heart health and anti-aging.
Fish oil is a natural chemical in the body of fish. It contains omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids and is useful for mental and physical health. Spectrum Essentials is a good fish oil supplement that can be found in many health food stores.
Useful Herbs to Boost the Immune System:
Oil of oregano has been found to fight many types of germs and improve immune health. North American Herb and Spice makes a good oil of oregano.
Types of Super Greens supplements. If you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, make up for it by taking a super green supplement that has a lot of things like wheatgrass, barley, alfalfa, etc.
A couple of other products that look promising are:
“Km” is a potassium mineral supplement from a company called Matol. You can find it sold online and sometimes in the phone book.
“Higher Mind” is a supplement from a company called Source Naturals and contains various vitamins, minerals, and herbs that not only improve concentration, but also work to enhance the immune system. This supplement can be found in many health food stores.
Habits you can do to maintain a strong immune system.
After being in public, do not touch your eyes or mouth, and wash your hands often. Germs often linger under your fingernails, so washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, focusing on the nails, can go a long way in stopping germs. If the person sneezing has the flu, everything in that room can be covered in the flu virus with just a few sneezes. If you touch something in that room, the virus is on your hand and usually finds its way to your mouth. So try not to touch anything, don’t touch your eyes or face, and always wash your hands for 20 seconds after being in public.
Get out and get some exercise. Exercise helps release stress and has been shown to boost the immune system by sending white blood cells throughout the body to find intruders and kill them. After a few hours, the immune system returns to “normal,” so exercise regularly to keep the white blood cell fighters working for you.
And when you mention stress, find ways to get rid of the stress in your life. You can do this by taking a hard look at what exactly is stressing you out and then changing your perspective on the situation. I know, it’s not as easy as it sounds, so you’ll have to set priorities that are consistent with your own values and don’t let anyone else interfere with them. Also, be sure to take short breaks during your workday. Other things you can do to combat stress include not taking yourself too seriously and listening to calming, relaxing music that gives you the time you need to think and reflect on what’s going on. Being stressed is simply not worth the price it takes on your health.
Maybe bird flu will transfer to humans this year, maybe not. I like to think positive and believe that science will immediately detect it in the human variant and quickly find a cure. Until that happens, it’s best to have your immune system healthy and ready for whatever comes your way.