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January Blog

IT’S 2019. ARE YOU READY FOR FLU SEASON??

I woke up two days before Thanksgiving to a severe cough, pounding headache, diarrhea and dizziness. I tried to push through it and still prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. Coughing spasms sent a severe panic as I raced to the porcelain god for aid, desperately trying not to cough! I felt like I had a 20 pound head and the only comfortable position was horizontal! I never get sick, but I had a severe case of the “cooties!” The 2018 - 2019 flu season, is no joke, as I talk to customers who are also in good health and experienced the same debilitating symptoms.

What happens in the body when someone has flu?

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by flu viruses that travel through the air and enter the body through the nose or mouth. 5 to 20% of Americans get the flu each year and anyone is susceptible. During the 2017-2018 flu season approximately 900,000 people were hospitalized and 80,000 died from flu complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Influenza viruses usually infect the respiratory tract, the airways of the nose, throat and lungs. The body’s immune system responds to fight the virus, resulting in inflammation which triggers respiratory symptoms such as a cough and sore throat. The immune system can also trigger fever and cause muscle or body aches. When infected people cough, sneeze or talk, they spread influenza viruses in respiratory droplets to people who are nearby. People may also get the flu by touching a contaminated surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

Flu viruses are constantly changing, those at greater risk of catching the flu and developing complications are:

4 years or younger
65 years or older
live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
pregnant or to two weeks postpartum
have a weakened immune system
have a chronic illness
have a body mass index of 40 or higher

Most people who become sick will recover from a few days to less than two weeks. Some may become more severely ill. Severe complications can happen to anyone, but may be more likely to those with chronic medical conditions or in elderly persons.

Healthy people recover from the flu quickly once the virus passes. Those at high risk may develop complications, which can be deadly. Those suffering with the flu and also have a health condition should consult your doctor. If you have the flu and the fever persists for more than a few days, you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, a persistent cough, lots of sputum (mucus), or feel weak and/or lightheaded, you should seek medical attention immediately! These are signs the virus is not getting better or you may be developing a complication.

Flu complications to know!

Sinus and ear infections
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Asthma flare-ups
Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis)
Multi-organ failure - respiratory and kidney
Sepsis - a life-threatening, total body response to infection
Worsening of conditions such as heart disease

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE THE RISK?

You can reduce the risk of contracting influenza with common-sense health practices. Experts agree the best protection against the flu is getting the flu vaccine each year. The vaccine is appropriate for anyone 6 months and older and also important to get the vaccine each year. The vaccine generally protects against the three or four flu viruses that research indicates will be most prevalent that year.

In addition to the vaccine, practicing good hygiene can prevent flu germs from spreading:

Wash your hands. Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. When soap isn't available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer until soap and water is available.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and discard the tissue. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Avoid crowded areas. The flu spreads easily in heavily trafficked places such as: public transportation, schools and offices. If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after any fever subsides.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to avoid germs entering your body.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects such as keyboards, doorknobs and telephones that can be contaminated with germs.

A few things are new this season:

Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses. The B/Victoria component was changed and the influenza A(H3N2) component was updated.
For the 2018-2019 season, the nasal spray flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine or “LAIV”). The nasal spray is approved for use in non-pregnant individuals, 2 to 49 years old. There is a precaution against the use of LAIV for people with certain underlying medical conditions.
Most regular-dose, egg-based flu shots will be quadrivalent (possess four different valences / binding sites).
All new combination or recombination vaccines will be quadrivalent. No trivalent recombinant (valence of three) vaccines will be available this season.
No intradermal (injected) flu vaccine will be available.
The age recommendation for “Fluarix Quadrivalent” was changed to 6 months and older following the annual recommendations published last season and found consistent with FDA approved labeling.
The age recommendation for Afluria Quadrivalent was changed to 5 years and older after following the annual recommendations were published last season and found consistent with FDA approved labeling.
Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®) is a new influenza single-dose antiviral drug approved October 24, 2018 by the FDA. It is approved for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated flu in those 12 years and older, with flu symptoms for less than 48 hours.

When should I get vaccinated? If you’re asking now it’s too late, but……..

You should get a flu vaccine before flu begins spreading in your community. It takes two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body, so get vaccinated early in the fall. The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination by the end of October. Getting vaccinated later, can still be beneficial and should continue being offered throughout flu season.

Children needing two doses of vaccine for protection should start the vaccination process sooner, as the doses must be given at least four weeks apart.

Can I get a flu vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?

Recommendations for those with egg allergies remain the same as last season. Those who experienced only hives after exposure to eggs can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health.

People with symptoms other than hives such as angioedema, respiratory distress, lightheadedness, or recurrent emesis; or who need epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention, can also get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health.

The vaccine should be given in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. Settings include hospitals, clinics, health departments, and physician offices.

When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?

The flu is unpredictable and its occurrence can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Seasonal flu activity begins as early as October - November and continues as late as May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February.

How many people get sick with flu every year?

In the United States, the CDC estimates the flu resulted in 9.3 to 49 million illnesses each year since 2010. For more information on these estimates see CDC’s Disease Burden of Influenza page. For more information on CDC surveillance systems, see CDC’s Overview of Influenza Surveillance in the United States.

Since 2010, the CDC estimates the flu has resulted in between 140,000 and 960,000 hospitalizations each year. For more information on these estimates see CDC’s Disease Burden of Influenza page. For more information on CDC surveillance systems, see CDC’s Overview of Influenza Surveillance in the United States.

What can I do to protect children who are too young to get vaccinated?

Children younger than 6 months old are too young to get a flu vaccine and at high risk of serious flu complications. If you live with or care for an infant younger than 6 months old, you should get a flu vaccine to help protect them. Advice for Caregivers of Young Children is available for more information.

How long does a flu vaccine protect me from getting flu?

Multiple studies have shown the body’s immunity to influenza viruses, acquired through natural infection or vaccination, declines over time. The decline is influenced by several factors, including the antigen used in the vaccine, the age of the person vaccinated and the person’s general health. Seniors those with weakened immune systems may not generate the same amount of antibodies after vaccination or their antibody levels may drop more quickly compared to young, healthy people.

Herbal Immune Boosters

Best Combination:

Elderberry - or black elder also known as Sambucus nigra, has shown to reduce the severity and length of influenza, may also fight cold and flu symptoms, support heart health and fight inflammation and infections, among other benefits. Elderberry is a good source of phenolic acids, a powerful antioxidant, that help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body. It is also a good source of flavonols quercetin, the antioxidant flavonols, kaempferol and isorhamnetin

High in dietary fiber: Elderberries contain 7 grams of fiber per 100 grams of fresh berries, which is over one-quarter of the recommended daily intake (4).

Echinacea - best known as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for the common cold or flu. Also used to treat pain, inflammation, migraines and other health issues. 14 studies found that taking Echinacea may lower the risk of developing colds by more than 50% and shorten the duration of colds by 1-1/2 days - one reason Echinacea is used to prevent or treat the common cold.

Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylenes and many more.

Golden Seal – is often used to increase the effectiveness of other herbs and medicines. It’s regularly combined with Echinacea, an herb associated with strengthening the immune system.

Additional Information

Reishi Mushrooms - the most important effect of the Reishi mushroom is that it boosts your immune system. Test-tube studies have shown Reishi can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system. Other studies have found some forms of Reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells. Most immune system benefits of Reishi mushroom have been in those who are ill, but some evidence shows it can help healthy people, too. Overall, it is clear that Reishi impacts white blood cells and immune function.

Sovereign silver - Proponents of colloidal silver claim it has antiviral effects in your body. Some studies have suggested different types of silver nanoparticles may help kill viral compounds. Colloidal silver can also interfere with the body’s absorption of certain medications.

Cayenne Pepper - aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus. Once mucus is removed from the body, relief from flu symptoms follows. Cayenne is also effective for detox support, a known circulatory stimulant, increases the pulse of the lymphatic and digestive rhythms. By heating the body, the natural process of detoxification is streamlined – causing sweating. Combined with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for total body detox.

Ginger – assists in maintaining normal blood circulation. Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever and excessive sweat. Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory fighting substances and a natural, powerful painkiller.

If suffering from respiratory issues such as a cough, ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm or mucus with its natural expectorant qualities. Ginger also strengthens and helps improve the immune system. Consuming small amounts of ginger a day can help reduce the risk of stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.

The University of Maryland Medical Center states: to treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tablespoons of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day.

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL