Swine Flu

I am not sure why this virus is being hyped the way it is but, if you recall the last swine flu epidemic, the disease killed one but the hastily prepared vaccine killed 39 and paralyzed something like 500.

 

In it's current form this virus produces mild to moderate symptoms and is only truly dangerous to infants and the infirm.  In fact it may be best to get this flu now in order to build immunity for the possible mutation of this "factory farm" bred virus into a lethal form

 

The symptoms and discomfort associated with flu are due to inflammation.  I recommend proteolytic enzymes like Bromelain, taken 2 hours after each meal and the herbs ginger and turmeric.  The science on these is overwhelming and they are readily available at health/whole food stores and at some pharmacies.

 

This is from Public Citizen's health site:

 

Swine Flu: Important Advice from WorstPills.org

As of the end of April 2009, swine flu (H1N1) had sickened almost 100 people in the United States. While it’s normal to be anxious about the spread of this disease, taking medications to prevent or treat the disease without having a full understanding of the medications’ side effects could have a serious impact on your health. The most effective ways to avoid any infectious illness are safer and cheaper than any medication. To avoid disease, the CDC recommends:

- Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer frequently

- Avoiding sick people and surfaces that they have touched, sneezed or coughed on

- Not touching your nose, mouth or eyes

Warning: Aspirin and Reye’s Syndrome

Patients under the age of 40 who are experiencing flu-like symptoms need to be extremely careful not to take aspirin.  (The key here is not taking aspirin with a fever. sg)

Taking aspirin will increase the risk of contracting Reye’s syndrome, a rare but often fatal disease that causes brain and liver damage.