After 4 months of lockdown in the Covid 19 age I hesitate to try to educate you, the well informed public, as to the basics of viruses and how they might be avoided and dealt with… as I would normally do by way of introduction to this topic. We all know by now about techniques of reducing viral load – hand washing, mask wearing, social distancing etc and that moving through public spaces at this time of year presents each of us with something of a viral smorgasbord. You will also be aware by now of the futility of thinking we can avoid any particular virus for ever. At some point we will all have to face this one – and all the others waiting just out of the spotlight.
That being said, when it comes to cold and ‘flu viruses, the ideal scenario is to meet any challenge with the best prepared and most agile immune system so we are able to immediately mount the required response. Many, myself included, might argue that a regular dose of the latest virus is essential to keep our immune system primed and up to date and indeed in practice this is how our immunity is kept up to date – it is actually the real life organic version of a software upgrade, only more reliable.
The foundations of a healthy immune system come from looking after your body by getting enough sleep, regular exercise, a wholesome and balanced diet and learning to deal with daily challenges in a healthy, mindful way.
OTHER TOOLS IN THE TOOL BOX:
Nutraceuticals
As we all know by now the following, among others, may help to improve the immune response:
- To your basic multivitamin, during the cold and flu season add at least 2000mg Vitamin C at least 3-4x a day (6-8000mg)
- Herbals and immune supporters such as Echinacea root, ginseng, garlic, zinc and vitamin D will help protect us or support the immune response to cold and flu
FLU VACCINES
Traditionally ‘flu vaccines are manufactured from different strains of virus grown on egg white. The WHO chooses the strains of the virus that have been the most prevalent during the previous ‘flu season and incorporates those in the vaccine developed for the Southern Hemisphere.
It doesn’t protect against all strains of ‘flu and it takes the body about 2 weeks to develop antibodies against the flu virus in the vaccine which is why it is recommended before the flu season starts.
People who are recommended to have a flu vaccine include patients with chronic diseases, people over the age of 65, people who are immunosuppressed, health care personnel, caregivers, people who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities, people with pulmonary conditions, babies and children over 6 months.
While normally true, with respect to Corona viruses, there is plenty data to suggest a good deal of caution around the flu vaccine particularly with the above categories.
HOMEOPATHIC ALTERNATIVES
As the flu vaccine becomes an increasingly hotly contested topic, particularly with the above in mind, people might consider more healthy alternative options. Homeopathy has been used successfully around the world for over 200 years and is a safe and effective option for preventing and treating ‘flu.
Biotherapeutic ‘Flu Shots
I have prepared a combination Immune Support Formula which I use every year in and around the ‘flu season to good effect. It comes as a course of 3 injections. This formulation is based on biotherapeutic principles and uses a combination of products from HEEL.
Message me at 083 789
9328 to make arrangements if this is the route you decide to take. R450 for the course.
Oscillococcinum
A tried a trusted broad acting treatment for seasonal viral infections.
Influenzinum
A homeopathic remedy prepared from the influenza virus – is one effective way of preventing the flu. Influenzinum is prepared in the same manner as all homeopathic remedies (with sequential dilutions and succussions) so as to render it safe and non-toxic. Influenzinum is the only homeopathic flu remedy updated each year based on the flu strains predicted by the World Health Organization. When shopping for this remedy, be sure to ask for the current year’s preparation.
TIPS ON TREATING COLDS & FLUS
- Antibiotics will NOT assist. Please do not pressure your doctor into writing a script for an antibiotic. Antibiotic resistance is becoming a very real and severe issue.
- Drink lots of fluids especially water, fresh juices, and hot herbal teas,
- Consume lots of vegetable soup with added ginger and garlic and turmeric
- Get plenty of sleep
- Take 1000 to 2000mg of Vitamin C every hour or two until your bowels get loose (then cut back)
- Echinacea root tincture taken 3 to 4 times a day may be helpful if you start at the first signs of colds and ‘flu
- Zinc lozenges may be helpful for sore throats. For coughs and sore throats, try savouring (hold in the mouth) and then swallowing a mixture of 1 tsp honey with 1 to 2 tsp of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Consider a lemon juice cleansing at the onset – this can flush the congestion and microbes and support your healing process.
- Over the counter medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, can relieve symptoms of congestion, pain, and fever, although fevers should be allowed to run as long as possible without interference.
- If symptoms haven’t improved within a week, then please consult your health care provider.
If you find these tips don’t completely solve your difficulties, please consider coming in for a consultation. I can be found at Thrive on Tuesdays and Thursdays – By appointment only
BY: Dr Bruce Thomson – Registered Acupuncturist and Doctor of Homeopathy
dr.bthomson@gmail.com / Whatsapp or SMS 0837899328 for consultations. Medical aid rates.