George Street Naturopathic Newsletter
H1N1 – A Naturopathic Doctor’s Perspective
With the recent media coverage of H1N1, questions abound about getting or not getting the H1N1 vaccine. Below is my naturopathic perspective on both the illness and the vaccine, and preventative steps we can take this winter to stay healthy.
It is critical to realize, despite the extreme media hype, that the swine flu is simply another flu – it has not been shown to be unusually deadly and is no more deadly than “regular” influenza. Because it is a relative of the Spanish Flu (same Influenza A subtype H1N1) that caused the 1918 epidemic, alarm has been raised. Remember though that since that time our sanitation, hygiene practices and health care have improved, significantly reducing mortality from influenza viruses. In addition, most deaths caused by the 1918 flu were a result of secondary infection from bacteria – which today could be treated with antibiotics.
H1N1 symptoms are similar to “regular” seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported stiffness of the joints, diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
In children, emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin colour
- Not waking up or not interacting
In adults, emergency warning signs requiring urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
H1N1 spreads from person-to-person in the same way that seasonal flu spreads i.e. through exposure to coughing or sneezing. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.
It is so important to remember that the best defense is a good offence. Fortifying your immune system is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from whatever flu might be going around.
- Hand wash with warm soapy water. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people especially if you are feeling run down or tired yourself which indicates your immune system is not as strong. If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit exposure to others and allow your body time to recover.
- Stress depresses the immune system: practice deep breathing, meditation, massage or acupuncture; and get plenty of rest, fresh air and exercise.
- Eat a wholesome diet: organic vegetables, fruits, meats and eggs, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Limit your intake of dairy, as excessive intake can increase mucous production and trap viruses in the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and lungs. Avoid sugar as it weakens your body’s natural defenses.
- The following vitamins and herbs boost your immune system and increase resiliency: vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A (not in pregnancy), zinc, probiotics, Echinacea, Astragalus, Reishi, Elderberry. Consult a Naturopath for proper dosing.
I understand that the decision about whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccine is a very difficult one for many people. Each person needs to do what feels right for themselves and their children. If considering whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccine, you should be aware that:
- Vaccinations do not guarantee immunity from the virus being vaccinated against. Lifelong immunity is guaranteed only when the body has had to fight the virus off on its own, without the assistance of a vaccine.
- Because the H1N1 vaccine had to be produced and distributed quickly, there has only been a short period of time available to test its safety.
- Toxic adjuvant materials in vaccines will actually weaken the immune system. These include preservatives such as thimerosol (which contains mercury), polysorbates, allergenic proteins and antibiotics. You may be protected by the strain of flu virus in the shot however you are left at greater risk of infection from other viruses or bacteria.
- Over-use of the flu vaccine and anti-flu drugs such as Tamiflu could apply genetic pressure on flu viruses resulting in them mutating into a more deadly strain.
- Due to the rapidly changing nature of viruses, getting the “shot” does not guarantee you will remain free of the flu as you are only protected against the specific strain that was in the vaccine.
If you have questions about the flu or would like to speak to me about specific prevention protocols for your family, please call me at 519.575.6016 to set up an appointment.
