FLU SEASON

I have been getting many questions about the changes in this years flu season. Chinese medicine offers many alternatives in treatment and I would like to outline those here. First, allow me to address the basics when it comes to prevention.

AVOIDANCE

Transmission of colds and flu is primarily through the respiratory system. Droplets released when coughing and sneezing can be picked up by bystanders through breathing and can travel a distance of six feet. Close contact with infected persons is considered to be anything within 8 feet. Viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 8 hours and all respiratory secretions should be considered infectious. Therefore we should avoid infection by staying away from work and public places when we are sick, and by using respiratory masks when in the presence of others to avoid transmission. In order to avoid illness ourselves we should wash our hands often with soap and water or disinfectant cleansers when soap and water are unavailable. If a family member is sick we should provide them plenty of rest, fluids and support. Wearing a mask to avoid transmission is advised when in the presence of other family members. Incubation for the H1N1 virus is 1-4 days and adults are contagious for 24 hours after the fever has dropped below 100° F. Children can be contagious for up to one week after the fever has dispersed.

TREATMENT

Treatment with Chinese medicine is based upon the stage of the condition and pattern differentiation. There are four stages of concern: Preventative, Early Onset, Full Onset, and Late Stage Complications. I will discuss the first two stages here. The later stages will often require individual consultation. The patterns of the disease can vary markedly. Some people may present with chills and no fever or sweating justifying one formula. Others may present with an intense sore throat and high fever requiring a completely different formula. Some patients may have a cough and some patients may have digestive problems. Each case requires a unique formula of herbs and acupuncture. For  prevention and early stage therapy I suggest people have some formula on hand and replenish it regularly. The World Health Organization has determined that the h1n1 virus has no resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors. Some Chinese herbs have been shown to have this inhibitors and are therefore valuable in the treatment and prevention of this virus. Below I have listed my suggestions.

Prevention: I try to carry several formula used for building immunity. Taking these throughout the flu season is advised for all family members. Both of these formula are known to boost the white blood cell count and inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens.

Jade Windscreen or Yu Ping Feng Wan- an astragulus based formula

Immune Plus- a variation on the above formula with added immune support including cordyceps

Early Stage: Although the early stage of any cold or flu will vary,  I carry several remedies that can be effective when introduced at the onset of symptoms. I suggest having at least two of these variations on had for self care at the earliest possible time of intervention. Starting with high doses of these herbs right away will often eliminate infections entirely. If symptoms are not reduced over a 48 hour period another herbal therapy is required. The chinese herb Ban Lan Gen (Isatis) and its variant herb Da Qing Ye contain the active constituents cable of treating h1n1. For this reason one should carry either Isatis Gold and/or Gan Mao Ling (which contains Isatis) in order to treat this flu variant.

Isatis Gold- Treats bacterial and viral infections that cause inflammation and fever, especially upper respiratory, colds, flu, and bronchitis

Yin Qiao Wan- Early stage upper respiratory illness, fever, cough, sore throat

Gan Mao Ling- Preventative therapy for colds and flus, early stage therapy for sore throat, cough, runny nose, swollen glands, body aches.

Hou Xiang Zhen Qi Wan (Curing Pill) for body aches, chills and fever with nausea vomiting and or diarrhea due to “stomach flu”

Taking these formulas preventatively when you are around others with flu-like symptoms is advised. Each formula and brand dose will vary but generally taking the herbs 3 times a day is appropriate preventatively. This should be done for no more than 10 days. If any symptoms arise please increase the dose to every two hours. I usually have my computer with me so if you have herbs on hand but need advice on dosage just email me.

When symptoms progress and change the remedies may need to change as well.

For the remainder of the flu season we will be offering a discount on these remedies. 20% off Everything and another 5$ off for every $25 spent up to $100.

I hope this has been helpful.

Robert Angotti