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!

Boost Your Immunity and Beat Swine Flu

At the time that I'm writing, 103 people have died in Mexico from swine flu and there are 40 cases reported in the United States. All of the cases in the U.S. are mild, but there is a world-wide alert to prevent a possible pandemic.

The U.S. government has declared a public health emergency, and U.S. citizens are being advised to avoid any non-essential travel to Mexico.

Sounds scary, but there's a lot that you can do as an individual to boost your immunity and keep yourself healthy and strong while others are getting sick around you.

Here are six important tips for keeping your immune system functioning at its peak:

1. Put Lemons in Your Water - This simple health tonic benefits your entire system. Although Lemons are acidic, they help boost your body's natural alkalinity. Also, Lemons are rich in flavonoids, nutrients that are essential to your immune system functions.

2. Take Herbs to Boost Your Immunity - My favorite herbal formula during the cold and flu season is Jade Windscreen. More effective immune symptom tonics are elderberry, echinacea, astragalus and raw honey.

3. Don't Skimp on Sleep - Sleep is essential to a healthy immune system.

4. Drink Plenty of Water - Your immune system won't function properly if your body isn't properly hydrated. Drink enough water, and avoid dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol.

5. Call in Sick - Staying at home when you're sick is the best thing for you and for your co-workers. If you stay home, you'll get better faster and you won't be exposing everyone else to the contagious pathogen that's got you feeling bad.

6. Take Good Care of Yourself - If you're sick, don't stop doing things that make you happy, because stress and depression have a negative effect on your immune system. Do whatever you can to boost your mood - watch funny movies, read books that you enjoy - while you're at home recovering. You'll bounce back faster than if you lay around stressing about what you're not doing.

Good Luck! Be Well!