Don't Believe the Influenza Hype

I'm not here to tell you that the swine flu is nothing to worry about, but the level of fear associated with the media coverage in the past week seems inappropriate to me.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the 1918-19 Influenza Epidemic was not caused by the influenza virus acting on its own -- most of the victims that succumed to death also suffered from concurrent bacterial pneumonia infections. Pathologists who examined individuals effected by the 1918 virus found that the virus destroyed the cilia in the lungs that fight infection, leaving the body vulnerable to a bacterial attack.

Another reasearcher, Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD, believes that the virulence of this particular influenza strain could be boosted by a concurrent exposure to the tuberculosis mycobacterium, based on the symptoms associated with TB, the age range of affected persons, and the high case rates for TB among Mexican immigrants.

Here's the good news: Given the state of modern medicine, both bacterial pneumonia infections and mycobacterial infections like tuberculosis are highly treatable with antibiotics.

The most important thing to do is get checked at the first signs of flu-like symptoms, get tested, and get the appropriate treatment.

Don't forget my tips for boosting your immune system.

Be Well!