The holiday season is just around the corner. But don't forget this is
flu season as well. Generally, most flu activity in the US occurs from
November through March. In an average year, more than 100,000 Americans
are hospitalized, and more than 20,000 deaths are related to the flu.
The "flu," also called "influenza," is a highly
contagious respiratory infection. The flu, compared with the common cold,
often causes more severe illness. People with the flu can have a fever,
(usually 100 to 103 in adults and often even higher in children), cough,
sore throat, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, runny nose, and
watery eyes. Children can also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Some
older people might not suffer from fever. Flu-related complications can
occur at any age; however, older people or those with chronic health
problems, particularly heart or lung disease, are much more likely to
develop serious complications and influenza infection than those that are
younger and healthier.
The best way to treat a disease is to prevent it. It is absolutely
a bad idea to wait to dig a well until you are thirsty. So, do something
to enhance your Qi now, before the influenza virus shoots you down.
Chinese herbs such as Huang Qi (Astralagus) and Dang Shen (Codonopsis) are
used to strengthen Qi and to boost the immune system. Herbs such as Ban
Lan Gen (Isatis) and Da Qing Ye (Daqingye) are commonly used as anti-virus
herbs in China.
In China depending on the type of virus, special anti-virus teas are
usually given to public schools to help prevent illness during the flu
Acupuncture can help rebalance energy, regulate the Qi and stimulate the
immune system. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture
and herbal medicine in particular reduce the incidence of upper
respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of time one is ill.
When you get sick with the flu, do not wait. Start acupuncture treatments
in the early stages. It may help eliminate pathogenic influences.
Regular exercise of sufficient intensity (to warm you up, but not to
make you sweat- not overdoing it) has been shown to reduce the incidence
of the flu. Exercise such as Qi-gong, Tai-Chi, and Yoga can help reduce
emotional and physical stress. It also strengthens the immune system and
prevents disease from arising.
Keep a good diet. Make sure to eat a full balanced diet that is rich in
vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Foods containing beta-carotene are
thought to help boost your immune system and keep your mucous membranes
and upper respiratory system healthy and harder to infect. Carrots,
broccoli, sweet potatoes, garlic and tomatoes are high in beta-carotene.
Eating lots of them during the flu season may help you avoid illness, or
Drink water to prevent dehydration. Ample liquids can help your body
flush the invaders and the debris from their battle with your immune
system. Chicken soup is recommended because it adds extra water and expels
mucous to help you get rid of the illness. Try to drink an 8-ounce glass
of water every hour. This is very important to help your body recover from
Extra rest will help you save energy for battling the illness. This is
particularly important if you became sick when you were already tired or
run down. Get more sleep and take a nap in the afternoon; it will help you
You have my best wishes in staying healthy!