The 2016 cold and flu season has set in and with it a new strain of the H1N1 influenza virus. Like most viruses, it is transmitted from person to person. It is spread through the air by a cough or sneeze, creating respiratory droplets that contain the virus and gets into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. More recently the H1N1 vaccination was made available to the public. Vaccinations have been a part of public health since the late 18th Century and have proven to be a valuable part of medicine at controlling pandemic diseases.
Currently the newly available vaccination is recommended for:
− Pregnant women
− Health care and emergency workers – those in the “front lines”
− Caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months
− Anyone from 6 months to 24 years of age
− Anyone younger than 65 with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system
The non-live injectable is recommended for the groups below over the live inhalable mist:
− Healthy young people from birth through age 24
− Pregnant women
− Adults 25 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions
As more vaccine becomes available, these groups will be recommended immunization:
− Healthy 25 through 64 year olds
− Adults 65 years and older
Side Effects of the Vaccination
The H1N1 non-live vaccination insert warns that it can cause:
− Local injection site reactions (pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, warmth, ecchymosis, induration)
− Sore throat
More adverse reactions include anaphylactic shock, Guillain-Barré syndrome, vasculitis, immune system disorders, paralysis, dyspnea (trouble breathing) and death.
Specific Populations: Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and Elderly
The vaccination is labeled Pregnancy C, which typically means that animal studies have shown to have an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. As already mentioned, the 2009 H1N1 vaccination is very new and has yet to be tested on animals. The manufacturer insert further states that safety and effectiveness in pregnancy, fetus, and pediatric subjects have not been established.
A recent Consumer Reports survey found that 50% of parents are delaying the vaccination and 43% of parents are not concerned about their children contracting the virus. It also found that 14% of parents have ruled out giving their children the vaccination altogether compared to 35% who would immunize.
What are your options? Do you feel empowered by the information provided by your healthcare provider? As of right now, the risks of the H1N1 vaccination have not been clearly delineated and yet both the CDC and FDA believe that the benefits of vaccination will far outweigh the risks. The groups above or anyone who is not a candidate due to potential allergic reaction, has Guillain-Barré syndrome, autoimmune conditions or individuals who do not want to be vaccinated, may decrease their risk if they are properly educated on how to prevent spread through proper hygiene, dietary and lifestyle changes. Individuals who have a known high risk (asthma, severe allergies or serious health complications) should immediately begin working closely with their doctor to gain a full understanding of the H1N1 flu vaccine and ways to help them boost their immune systems.
Supportive Care: Diet, Lifestyle and Nutritional Support
Building a stronger immune system requires a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds and avoiding refined sugar, caffeine, white flour, and highly refined or processed foods, is a great start. It has been well documented that sugar has an impact on the immunity where avoidance can help boost immunity and intake of a single sugary treat can actually depress the immune system for up to 48 hours after intake. Caffeine and the typical forms that it is consumed, coffee and soda pop, deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals and also causes dehydration. Processed and refined foods are void of naturally containing nutrients and typically contain harmful toxins that leave the immune system less adept to fight outside invaders such as a bacteria or virus. On the other hand, a whole food diet with plenty of organic vegetables and fruits (see dirty dozen), whole grains, nuts, legumes, seeds and even some teas, provides your body with plenty of phytonutrients or phytochemicals, which the body uses to help build a healthy immune system.
Lifestyle Factors: Exercise and Decrease Stress
Stress can play a major contributing factor in depressed immunity. Decreasing life’s stressors will contribute to improved immune function. Helpful techniques include guided imagery, which typically involves visualizing serene images or breathing techniques that focuses on relaxation. You can also try yoga or Qigong, which combine both mental and physical exercise, and can help heal the mind and the body. Regular exercise is known to protect and enhance the immune response. Moderate physical activity of 30 minutes support immunity, which results in fewer days of sickness with the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Vitamin D3 [1,25(OH) 2] is a steroid hormone and has profound effects on human immunity by acting as an immune system modulator. It stimulates the expression of potent anti-microbial peptides such as neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer cells. It works directly the epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract, which play a major role in protecting the lungs from infection.
You can also get Vitamin D from the sun. If you live where you can get 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure a day that should suffice. Individuals living in sunny climates should get Vitamin D test done to know their exact levels, as a recent survey done on Arizona residents found that almost 90% were Vitamin D deficient. Use of sunscreens, protective clothing, and darker skin pigment block the sun and decrease Vitamin D levels.
− After 2 months on Vitamin D therapy, a 25(OH) D blood test should be performed by your doctor
Colostrum with IgG serums: most common form found in body and new mom’s breast milk. Bovine colostrum delivers growth, nutrient, and immune factors to the offspring. It contains immunoglobulins or antibodies that are released into the bloodstream in response to infections and may help improve immune system functions. It has also been shown to be effective against certain types of bacterial and viral infections.
Vitamin C: As an antioxidant it helps to prevent and treat the common cold and other viral infections, bronchitis, and improves immune function. T-lymphocyte activity, phagocyte function, leukocyte mobility, and possibly antibody and interferon production seem to be increased by Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C is labile, and the amount in foods can decrease significantly with cooking and storage.
Probiotics: Lactobacillus is used to prevent respiratory infections in children attending day-care centers. A study found that children who took a probiotic with lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus reduced their incidence of fever, colds, and cough.
Zinc: Supports neutrophil, natural killer cell, and T-lymphocyte functionality all of which aid in immune system support.
Use To Possibly Prevent or Treat The symptoms of Cold and Flu:
Oscillococcinum: Symptoms of cold and flu, chills and fever, body aches and fatigue.
GUNA Flu: Symptoms of cold and flu, chills and fever, body aches and fatigue.
***Remember there is no “magic pill” or antidote***
Transference: Bodily fluids and Entry of Virus
− Touching the nose, mouth or a surface/object (door knob, counter top, bus seat) that someone who is infected has touched and then rubbing the eyes or nose or mouth.
H1N1 Flu infection cannot be transmitted by
− Properly handled pork or pork products
− Not controlled or prevented by killing unaffected animal
Lifestyle and Hygienic Recommendations:
− Wash hands with soap and warm water — You should sing the “ABC’s” as a guideline for length of time, which equivalent to 20 seconds
− Contain your cough or sneeze by using your elbow or handkerchief
− Designate one caregiver to the individual who is sick
Signs and Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu Infection
A cough and high fever (over 100ºF) that come on suddenly. Should be tested with a nasal or throat swab. Additional symptoms include:
− Body aches
− Chills and fatigue
− Diarrhea and vomiting (less common)
− The incubation period for the flu is normally 24-48 hours, and the contagious period lasts for seven days after the onset of symptoms
If you suspect that you or a loved one is ill with H1N1 Flu Infection:
− Stay at home: the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your free of fever
− High Fever: Seek medical attention if a child’s fever remains at or above 103 degrees for greater than 1 day; adults greater than 2 days.
− Consult with everyone you have been around and check on their status: this will be key to reducing further spread
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