Recommendations for Preventing and Treating the Flu

By Drs. Haynes, Rodgers, and Penney

Prevention

  1. Read the “11 Natural Tips to prevent a Cold” on WebMD
    a. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/11-tips-prevent-cold-flu
  2. Boost your Immune System
    a. Eliminate or reduce sugar. Sugar decreases the activity of white blood cells, your primary immune defense system.
    b. A quality multivitamin and fish oil will go a long way to ensure your immune system has what it needs. Please see
    our article for choosing a quality multivitamin: http://www.boisenaturalhealth.com/articles/choosing-multiple-vitamin.
    c. Eating nutritious foods such as your fruits and vegetables daily. Alternatively, a green drink such as Nanogreens
    can help supplement the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables.
    d. Probiotics are beneficial intestinal bacteria which help to support the immune system.
    e. Correct a Vitamin D deficiency if you have one. Testing is available through our office.
    f. Rotate immune supporting herbs such as astragulus, mushrooms extracts, and echinacea.
    g. Alterative Tea is an herbal preparation designed to help immune support while gently detoxifying the body.
    1-3 cups daily is used for immune support. Available at Boise Natural Health.
  3. Take something to prevent the flu. If you aren’t getting a flu vaccine, consider an alternative. Homeopathic flu prevention
    preparations such as Muccococcinum are available to the public at our clinic or similar preparations are available at better
    vitamin shops and natural food stores.

Symptoms of the Flu vs. Symptoms of the Swine Flu

Because the symptoms of swine flu are not different from regular flu, swine flu diagnosis is not based on symptoms alone.
Besides the following symptoms, people with swine flu may also suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. See http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ for more information about Swine Flu.

Common symptoms of the flu include abrupt onset of:

  • Fever
  • Runny Nose
  • Cough
  • Body aches
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

Testing

Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test
This will tell us if you have the flu, but is it not diagnostic for the swine flu. Cost is $103 for this nasopharyngeal swab. Currently, if this tests positive, we assume you have the swine flu and treat accordingly.

Testing for Swine Flu
Hospitals and the Idaho State lab are recommend testing only for people who are seriously ill or pregnant. The cost of the test is over $300. Boise Natural Health is not offering this test.

Treating the Flu

Below is a list of treatment options your physician may choose from. Because some products are contraindicated in children or
pregnant women, it is suggested that you consult your physician regarding what would be best for you. Early treatment is best.

  1. Stay at home from work or school until all fevers subside for 24 continuous hours.
  2. General immune support with herbs and nutrients in combination products such as Biovegetarian or Wellness Formula.
  3. Specific antiviral herbs such as elderberry. Boise Natural Health carries a high quality elderberry extract. Health food
    shops may carry Sambucol, an elderberry preparation.
  4. Specific herbs for cough.
  5. Homeopathy.
  6. Warming Socks Treatment. Please ask for a copy of instructions for this very simple and effective treatment.
  7. Vitamin C.
  8. Conventional treatment such as Tamiflu +amantidine or Relenza for select cases.

When to See your Physician

  1. Most people with the flu will recover without medical help. However, if you or your child have any of the following severe symptoms, please seek medical care: prolonged illness longer than 5-7 days, shortness of breath, chest pain, intractable vomiting, confusion, sudden dizziness, dehydration, any progressively worsening symptoms, or in a child, non
    responsiveness, bluish skin color, or fever with rash.
  2. If you want to be tested for the flu.
  3. If you need help creating a treatment plan