How Viruses Work: Why We Get Sick
The Three Factors at Play in the Spread of a Virus:
1) Virulence, the strength of the bug
Some viruses are so strong that virtually no immune system can resist them. The flu is NOT such a bug. In fact, it is well known that people with compromised immunity are most susceptible – children, the elderly, pregnant women, & those who are already sick.
2) Location, location, & proliferation
Viruses can only make you sick if they land in exactly the right place. Most flu MUST enter your body through the nose and/or mouth. Further, the virus needs time to proliferate – the H1NI virus needs to colonize for 2-3 days before symptoms emerge. That leaves plenty of time for you to mount your counteroffensive.
3) The strength of the host, that’s you
If you are healthy, well-rested, and employ simple preventative strategies, the flu doesn’t stand a chance against you. Even more importantly, you can avoid being a carrier and spreader of the infection by using simple sanitary measures.
The Best Way To Prevent the Flu
Prevent virus colonization and keep yourself healthy so you can withstand infection. Here’s how:
1) Wash your hands … a lot!
Key moments are after you’ve been on a subway, touched a well-trafficked door, or used a shared computer.
2) Keep your hands off your face
If you have the flu on your hands, nothing will happen. If you scratch your nose with the flu on your hands, you’re going to get sick. DO NOT touch your face after you’ve been on the subway or in line at the grocery store. Go straight to wherever you’re going and wash those grubby mitts.
3) Warm salt water kills germs.
Here’s how you use it:
- Gargle with warm salt water twice a day : H1N1 takes 2-3 days to cause infection. Gargling with salt water, mouthwash, or hydrogen peroxide will kill germs inside your mouth BEFORE they can cause infection.
- Clean your nostrils with warm salt water: Use a Neti Pot or cotton swab with warm salt water to clean nasal passages AT LEAST once per day. This is best to do when you come home from public places.
- Drink warm fluids: Drinking tea, coffee, etc., has the same effect as gargling but in the opposite direction. Warm beverages wash proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they can do no harm.
4) Keep Your Immune System Strong
SLEEP:The single best immune booster is sleep. Sleep at least 8 hours per night. No excuses!
Eat vitamin C rich foods: pineapple, citrus fruits, peppers, squash, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, green cabbage, etc.
Supplements: If you must supplement with Vitamin C & D, make sure your supplements contain Zinc to boost absorption.
Notes on Prevention. Should You Get the Flu Vaccine?
Preventing the Flu is Different than Treating the Flu
The information above is meant as flu prevention, NOT treatment. If you begin experiencing flu symptoms, you need more aggressive treatment and should consult your medical doctor, acupuncturist, or other alternative health care provider.
Should You Get Vaccinated?
Unfortunately I can’t answer that question. Vaccinating against flu is a personal choice. Factors in this decision include your place of work, the state of your immune system, your age, and susceptibility to upper respiratory infection.
Whether or not you decide to vaccinate against flu, I encourage you to take the steps outlined above. In this way, you can avoid many other winter ailments that are not prevented by flu vaccination as well as stop the spread of infection and help others stay healthy.
Pass this information on so we can all do our part in staying healthy and preventing the spread of viruses this season!
