Killer Flu -- Any Holistic Precautions?

[K8-EEE]

Seeing as the BushCo government can be counted on to be completely unprepared -- I'd love to hear any suggetsions from any of you in-the-know DUers about alternative things we can do or stock up on to reduce our chances of getting sick this winter.

[phantom power]

1. Prophylactic measures: face masks, gloves, soap, etc.

It wouldn't hurt to have a few weeks of food on hand. If a pandemic hits, they will ask people to minimize all travel, errands, etc.

The best treatment is to avoid getting sick. Minimizing contact with other human beings is the best way to avoid getting sick.

[phantom power]

4. If you want "holistic" measures: stay healthy.

As in: keep your body physically fit, well fed, rested, etc.

Bottom line: if you get infected, the only "cure" for a virus is your own body's immune system. The best way to keep your immune system as healthy as possible is the all the old standbys: regular exercise, balanced diet, sleeping well, minimizing stress.

[MarsThe Cat]

2. 6 month's supply of food, and locks on the doors.

once the flu shows up, DON'T go out, or allow others in.

[jobycom]

3. Eat healthy, exercise, take vitamins (good ones, not supermarket ones)

Basically, make your body as strong as it can be, so it can better fight off illness, and better handle the illness if it gets it.

Lots of veggies. Low to no meat or fats. The usual. Avoid white flour and sugar. They make your body more hospitable to bacteria, which can weaken your resistance more, which of course will make everything worse.

Not that I'm any good at following my own instructions...

[K8-EEE]

8. What Are The Best Vitamins?

I take Trader Joe's brand which is from a supermarket I guess...that's bad? If you read the label it just tells you how much of whatever is in it, how do you judge the quality though?

I take Emergence-C -- the fizzy stuff in the water, how do you know if it's "working?" I don't get sick ever...but I'm not sure why that is, or to attribute it to vitamins or just good luck or whatever...

[jobycom]

17. I don't know Trader Joe's. Isn't it like a WHole Foods health store?

Whole Foods labels their own brand of vitamins, but they are made by respectable companies.

You would have to ask that! I'm not up on my vitamin lore at the moment. You can find the good brands by doing a google on "vitamin quality" or something. Of course, trust an outside analysis more than the company's own web page.

Basically what you want is natural vitamins extracted in a natural state, rather than chemically replicated.

Vitamin C is a bit different than most others. It's the one that seems able to be chemically reproduced as effectively as naturally extracted. There are Vitamin Cs made from rose hips and citrus and combined with Calcium and stuff like that that might be more effective. But any increase in C is good.

Try to stock up espeically on C, A, E, and Zinc and Selenium. Careful with minerals. Zinc, for instance, works best in proper proportion with Copper, so too much Zinc upsets your copper balance. Usually a good multi has worked that all out. Those are the best at strengthening immune systems, though.

And as always, try to get your vitamins from eating a variety of fruits and veggies. That's the best way for your body.

That's all from memory. Ask someone at Trader Joe's who works with the vitamins, they'll know more than me.

[triguy46]

5. #1, without a doubt...

#1. WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And unlike the few men in Oklahoma who pretend to wash after using the toilet, USE SOAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then, lastly, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. This is basic healthcare handwashing 101.

#2. I tell people they have to be like "monk", the obsessive compulsive crime fighter on TV who cannot stand to touch other people, among other things. Keep alcohol based hand cleanser on your desk, if you can't get to a sink. If you shake hands w/anyone, DO NOT put your hands near your face!! Just be calm, patient, and as soon as possible go to #1 above. Our church, full of the old and infirm, continues to do a handshaking thing every sunday. As soon as I sit down, wife hands me a handiwipe (with alcohol) and I wipe my hands. Probably need to stop that altogether during flu season.

[rawtribe]

6. Here's some good

information on taking care of your immune system.

http://www.thebody.com/bp/dec02/food.html

[K8-EEE]

9. That's Real Interesting!

Thank you for that -- sometimes it's the simple things that we forget like WATER! Inspiring story there...

[K8-EEE]

11. My Big Bad Immune Busting Habit....

GOING TO BED TOO LATE!! I think sleep has got to be one of the most important ways to keep yourself strong and resistent...no more late-night DU-ing for me!

[spuddonna]

7. The best defense against the flu is a well-tuned immune system...

So eat well, sleep well, and take vitamins.

I actually have found that my allergies (immune system related) are much better when I eat whole foods. I also take GSE which is just grapefruit seed extract. It's a concentrated liquid form of crushed grapefruit seeds - very bitter, but it has great anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.

I have gum problems, and gargle with a GSE water mixture and it really helped me out. GSE also enhances the effectiveness of vitamin C, which is a big immune system booster, so I take some GSE in my OJ and vit C capsules together.

Not saying it will work for everyone, but it seems to help me and my family! :) (Note: My kids started taking this last year, and went from having about a dozen colds/scool year to about three.)

[RevolutionStartsNow]

12. I didn't know about GSE...

I am always looking for things to boost the immune system. My kids also seem succeptible, they are both athletic and strong, but they seem to get a lot of colds that linger. They are both vegetarian but they don't eat as many vegetables as I'd like.

How do you take GSE? How much for kids?

[spuddonna]

39. GSE comes in liquid or tablets...

I've never done the tablets though! :)

We put a few drops of GSE in orange juice - GSE is incredibly bitter (as are grapefruit seeds!) and the only thing that can mask the taste, as far as I've found is grapefruit or orange juice.

The recommended dose for adults is 5-15 drops in a 6 oz glass of water/juice, 2-5 times daily. Kids's dose is 1-6 drops in 6 oz. of juice, 2-3 times daily.

Actually, I only give them the 'gse juice' once in the morning. If they are starting to come down with a runny nose, or complain of not feeling very good, I'll give them extra doses, up to 3 times a day.

I usually give them a vit c chewable at the same time since gse increases its potency.

The only thing I've ever heard against GSE is that, like grapefruit juice itself, certain medications can't/shouldn't be taken with it.

And make sure you get grapefruit seed extract, not grape seed extract - two totally different things!

[RevolutionStartsNow]

48. Thank you!

I will try it, thanks for the advice. :)

[spuddonna]

49. You're welcome!

There's a ton of info on the internet about GSE. But if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me! :)

[HereSince1628]

10. Wash yer stinking hands and keep them outta yer nose, eyes &mouth

Even this potential influenza is an influenza. Practice the same precautions you would during every flu season to reduce exposure to fomites.

Wash your hands.

If you still carry one, dump the cloth snot rag referred to as a handkerchief and buy disposable tissues and properly dispose of them after you use them.

Wash your hands.

Did I mention wash your hands? Keep them out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. Don't stick them in food for other peoples unless they are sanitized. Outside the family wear clean gloves when you handle other peoples' foods.

Wash your hands.

If you are still worried stock up on a personal supply of anti-virals. There is some doubt if Tamiflu will be effective but it would make the Swiss happy to sell you some, plastic sheeting, and duct-tape.

Don't forget to wash your hands and keep them out of your eyes, nose and mouth.

[K8-EEE]

13. It's My Kids I Worry About In That Respect...

I think they're very quick and dirty in the hand washing dept....I should probably bring some of that waterless hand washing stuff for the carpool? I have 3 or 4 kids in and out of my car every day. When mine come in the house I sure will have the soap and nail brushes ready, definitely time to be a drill sargeant about scrubbing their hands especially after school.

[phantom power]

26. If avian flu hits, we may need to close schools.

Even if they don't close schools, you may want to consider keeping your kids home anyway. Probably a tough call, but there it is.

There was an interesting study recently that found children are the biggest flu vector there is. Probably because of their "relaxed" attitude toward hygiene :-)

The authors of the study recommended vaccinating children. But there will not be vaccine for an avian flu strain. Not enough, anyway.

[HereSince1628]

32. Time to start educating the kids...tell the truth, hands transfer germs

The nice thing about car interiors is they are now mostly washable plasting.

If you are transporting kids that might mouth surfaces you might consider wiping the plastic mouthable parts with a disinfectant.

[CatholicEdHead]

50. Being exposed to more germs and bacteria is good for most kids

as their immune systems can adapt to it and they end up being less ill later in life (e.g. farm vs city kids).

[Fridays Child]

15. Is that how you survived the Great Plague of 1665?

;) Just kidding. Your advice is quite sound.

[phantom power]

20. That reminds me, I need to get that outfit with the robe and bird-mask

If nothing else, it will help me make the world more like a Hieronymus Bosch painting.

[NorthernSpy]

29. that picture creeped me out SO MUCH back in Grade 6!

It was in one of my textbooks, and I kept that page covered with a sheet of construction paper so that I wouldn't have to see it.

:think:

[Fridays Child]

37. Aww...

:hug:

[HereSince1628]

33. Yes, but the witch trials almost got us.

Really, hand washing is a great idea. Try it.

[Athame]

53. Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole

A little trivia for this serious subject. The ten-foot pole was carried by physicians during the plague (wearing a mask filled with "posies" lavender and rose and rosemary to ward off the smell of dead bodies and sickness) and used to poke the bodies with to see if they were dead.

The old nursery rhyme was from the plague years:

Ring around the rosie
Pocket full of posies
Ashes, ashes
All fall DOWN!


May we never know the terrible reality of it!

[Fridays Child]

54. Interesting!

Didn't know the derivation of "ten-foot pole." Very interesting.

[wryter2000]

14. Not holistic per se

WASH YOUR HANDS. Many bugs get picked up on your heands. Hand washing can help prevent disease transmission.

[K8-EEE]

18. I've Washed Them Twice While Reading This Thread, LOL!

I never really think about it but I usually leave the gym without washing my hands after using the machines with the handles on them too....will have to be more conscious of all this stuff.

[CornField]

16. Elderberry is a good, natural anti-viral

(I'm not a herbalist, but I have several at my disposal and I'll share the recommendations they provided to me. A word the the wise: If you have other health concerns or are pregnant, check with your doctor before taking anything.)

Black elderberry extract can be found in capsules, lozenges, or syrup at your local health food store. (It can be bought sugar-free as well.)

Green Tea is another natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial remedy. It boosts your immune system and is generally taken in capsule form.

Olive leaf extract (oleuropein) - is converted to elonolic acid within the body. Available as capsules or liquid, but should not be taken with antibotics.

Garlic -- available as odorless, but there is debate if this route is less effective. We take enteric-coated which helps with the garlic breath. (Garlic is also a natural blood thinner, so be careful if you are on aspirin or a prescription blood thinner.)

Vitamin C - in addition to boosting the immune system, it also helps with the symptoms of stress.

[K8-EEE]

19. Thanks!

Lots new to me here, thank you!!

[Taxloss]

21. Basic hygiene is your best defence.

Wash your hands. In many cases it's as simple as that.

[loudsue]

22. Flu remedies online

http://www.perelandra-ltd.com/AB1473/index.cfm?&did=8

Don't laugh. It works.

[Mandate My Ass]

23. This site has suggestions. Much of which has already been posted

http://intraspec.ca/alternative-remedies-for-flu.php

I'd also recommend juicing. I used to get sick several times over the course of a winter with colds, flu, sinus infections and I had none last year I believe because I drank fresh vegetable juice several times a week. My doctor got lonely for me. :-)

[NorthernSpy]

24. the most effective measures are the simple, reasonable precautions...

... that many of us take already:

Wash your hands properly (with soap, scrubbing under your nails and making sure to clean every bit of your hands and fingers -- not just soaping your palms briefly and then rinsing as some people tend to). Keep your unwashed hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you're sick, cover your mouth and nose, especially if you need to sneeze or cough. Better yet, stay home. Wear gloves if you need to limit skin contact with things that many people touch (doorknobs and the like).

Never eat without washing your hands first. This is especially important if you have been out in public, or have touched anything that someone else has touched (a doorknob, your morning newspaper, items in a store, the mail, etc).

Do not allow yourself to become sleep deprived or overexerted or malnourished. Sleep deprivation especially is known to be hell on your body's immune system.


And for handling a more serious scenario:

Keep some water, medication, and non-perishable food in your living quarters in case a bad flu is spreading and you need to avoid public places for a while. Remember that you may be able to pick up germs from delivered items, so think ahead about how you will handle these things or do without them.

And remember: these tips work best if everyone follows them. A critical part of keeping yourself safe and healthy is helping others to stay safe and healthy too. Tell your friends and family how they can avoid catching and spreading flu and other nasties.

[firefox]

25. You have to build up your immune system

I have the same concerns as you. I usually look for answers at CureZone.com. You have people advocating different approaches but the centerpiece is always going to call for being in good health to start with and that includes the immune system.

Everything swirls in controversy because the government has not honestly set out to find definitive answers on the big questions. You can expect the Vitamin C crowd to praise Vitamin C and I am a follower on that. Then you have advocates for things you probably are not familiar with like collodial silver and oxygen therapies. If the collodial silver and oxygen therapies people get the flu they will look to those approaches for cure.

You are welcome to check out CureZone, but the real answers will come when the flu actually comes. People will try their approaches and there will be reports of success or failure. The problem on charting your own course is all the sand you have to sift and all the conflicting thoughts you have to sort out.

I am of the opinion that there is a tremendous shortage of omega-3 in the diet and magnesium too. This relates to your question in the smallest of ways, but is somewhat more important than your original question because it is a geniune concern of your present/future health. But if your hypothetical flu becomes reality, you have already touched that base.

Here are the search results for Avian flu at CureZone- http://tinyurl.com/7jdkj Happy sifting.

[YouthInAsia]

27. gas masks

[SnowGoose]

28. Avoid nicotine exposure.

Nicotine profoundly impairs immune response - a fact not widely appreciated by general clinicians.

The data is plentiful and diverse - it's a well established fact.

[Silverhair]

30. Extreme measures.

This advice is for killer flu, not for the regular flu. So far Avian Flu is not easily human to human transmissible. But that can change suddenly. You need to be up on the latest news.

DU will be an excellent source for such news. We have a genuine world class virologist who specializes in that stuff. He posts here as pandemic_1918 and he knows his stuff. He monitors the flu very closely.

Here is a site with a lot of info and news: http://www.recombinomics.com/in_the_news.html

The 1918 flu was especially deadly to those with the best immune systems. It provoked the immune system into an over reaction that destroyed the lungs. And it acted quickly. A person could be symptom free in the morning and dead at noon. So if THAT flu hits, then some detuning of the immune system would be in order.

As the others have said, stock up on food and basic necessities. Include the ability to defend your residence too. I will leave to you what kind of defense that should be. Just keep the example of New Orleans in mind.

Quarantine if possible. In 1918 there were entire communities that completely cut themselves off from the outside and it worked. You don't have to go to the woods, just avoiding ALL contact for the duration would be enough. In 1918 the flu would take about three months to burn through a community.

Kleenex company makes a new kind of napkin. It is a three layer think with the middle layer having an antiseptic that is activated by moisture. If you get some surgeon's masks, and then put one of those inside it should help against inhaling minute virus laden water droplets.

And become a fanatic about washing your hands before you bring you hands to your face.

That's all I can think of.

[ozarkvet]

31. Good geographic location

Go live in a small, non-commuter, non-bedroom community town that does not have an airport --- somewhere in the center of the country.

The outbreaks will hit the major metropolitan areas first, and then rapidly spread to the suburbs.

Arkansas is nice, if you can handle the rednecks.

New Mexico is better if you like dry.

You'd have a week or two of warning where you could hole up until it is over.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

45. Except that during the 1918 epidemic, my grandparents

were living in a small town in North Dakota.

The flu killed several people in that town, including two teachers at the school (where my grandfather was also teaching) and a family of five who were found dead on their farm after people noticed that they hadn't been seen for a couple of weeks.

[ozarkvet]

47. 1918 vs. 2005

Today, the difference being one watches TV reads the news on the Internet, even in the boonies.

No doubt there would be much hoopla before things left the Big City.

[serryjw]

34. Don't forget WORK

All day long people 'borrow' each others phones at work. Keep an alcohol cleaner at your desk...don't forget the 'mouse'or 'lending' your cell phone

[Tyler Durden]

35. Buy a funeral plot...

...and have the hole pre-dug.

The only thing that keep the legendary "Spanish Flu" of 1918 from killing 1/3 of the human race was the pace of transportation.

Watch a copy of "OUTBREAK" (Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Spacey, Cuba Gooding, lots of others). I used to work as a senior Hospital Corpsman and IDT Field Medic/ICU Technician at the National Naval Medical Center in DC. Worked in VIROLOGY/MYCOLOGY for a little while (Level 1/2).

If the Bird Flu is anything like the Spanish in structure (and it IS), even GOD won't have mercy on us. We have NO antibodies to anything like this, It will take about a YEAR to come up with something like a vaccine AFTER the breakout.

Antivirals might work. I'm trying to talk my family doc into giving me scrip for TAMIFLU and other anti's. It's the only thing on earth other than non-contact that will help.

Seriously.

[The Stranger]

36. NIGHTLINE did a story on this virus and reported Tamiflu stocks depleted,

on back order, and difficult to get already.

This virus may do the dirty work for the Neocons -- ridding the world of all of the "undesirables" -- as evidenced by the fact that the U.S. is the WORST prepared for the outbreak in terms of research and anti-viral agents.

[Radio_Lady]

40. Gee, Tyler -- your post makes me want to TAKE GAS --

I can't even get my doctor to give me the regular 2005 flu shot four days early; and we're flying with other strangers five hours to Hawaii this month.

I can't cancel now. I thought this would be a pleasant trip, but now I'm pretty scared. Daughter and family and an elderly aunt will be with us for a family get together. Probably the last thing I'm going to want to do with my family -- get sick thousands of miles from home.

[Tyler Durden]

55. This year you're probably very safe.

Next year, if I won the trip, I'd probably cash in the tickets. But then the wife says I stapled the tin foil hat to my head long ago.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

38. Black teas also have Excellent anti-viral properties. eom

[slackmaster]

41. Wash hands frequently, avoid touching doorknobs, handrails, etc.

Don't step on cracks in the sidewalk.

Avoid airports, bus stations, sporting events, etc.; anywhere large numbers of people mingle.

Stop whoring around until it blows over.

[Mojorabbit]

42. I believe elderberry is a no no with this flu

This flu is NOT like a normal flu.
Here is a website with some herbs researched with pros and cons.
http://www.med-owl.com/herbal-antivirals/tiki-index.php?page=Topics+Page
I have researched ginger and it has anti TNF-a properties too and would help.

Also a doc has written a pdf for his patients with lots of good info towards the end of the doc on home care for those stricken with this type of flu.
http://fluwikie.com/index.php?n=Consequences.PandemicPreparednessGuides
Click on the second one down written by Dr. Woodson

[Rainscents]

44. Elderberry will fight any flu and cold! They are both Viral family.

I haven't had flu shot in 15 years and when I come down with cold and flu, Elderberry extract always kick it few days.

[Mojorabbit]

46. You are wrong here

I use it for regular flu too but it is an immune enhancer and the particular things it enhances is what in this flu you do not want enhanced. It will help your body attack itself. Read my links above.

[Rainscents]

43. Four things always work! All my friends take it very sign of cold and flu

Remember, this is all natural stuff and it really WORKS!

1) Oscilloccinum - You must take this right at first sign of the FLU. This cut your flu in half of the time.

2) Black Elderberry (SAMBUCOL Original Syrup). First sign of flu and cold. This boost your immun within 24 hoours so, you can fight the flu and cold fast!

3) Olive leaf. This is Anti viral and anti bactaria. Olive leaf also work very fast!

4) Ultimate IMMUNITY (Nature's Way). This is Multi System Defense and this also work very fast.

You can look all this up on internet and read up on it and decide for yourself.

You should take vitamins that is made from WHOLE FOODS"

I have on hands right now just in case flu start!
4-bottles of Black Elderberry Extract
1- large bottle of Ultimate Immunity
3-Boxes Oscillococcinum
1-very large bottle of Olive leaf.

Make sure always drink lots of water! If you have health problems, I would check with your doctor first before taking any of this.

Since, our government is NOT going to take care of us, we must come up with our own health plans to fight the flu!

[pitohui]

51. wash yr hands

don't rub yr eyes, don't have or be around small children

the usual

[in_cog_ni_to]

52. Use this! Germ Free 60 Hand Sanitizer and Protectant. IT WORKS!

I send a bottle of this to school with my son, a bottle to work with my husband and we keep a bottle in each bathroom. You wash your hands and use this spray. Just rub it in and it protects you from germs for UP TO 60 HOURS.

Read about it here. Scroll down the page.

Long-Lasting Protection

Like Purell, Germ Free 60, by VG America Inc., functions as a skin sanitizer, but also as a protectant. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that hand washing is the single most important procedure for the prevention of infection. However, it is not always feasible or practical for soldiers in the field to wash their hands as often as they should. Germ Free 60 was formulated to ensure maximum protection against bacteria, viruses and fungus for up to 60 hours. It remains on the skin after repeated washings with soap and water and kills viruses, bacteria and fungi on contact.

“We of course support the Center for Disease Control’s edict that hand-washing is preferred and is effective. However, it’s just not always possible in the field to wash up,” said Dante Fierros, CEO and founder of VG America.

The main ingredient in Germ Free 60 is what its creators have named Amosin. This active ingredient forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface and protects for 60 hours. Amosin is a new approach to the use of quaternary ammonium compounds and film-forming silicones. This synthetic chemical protects and moisturizes while preventing bacteria mutations on the skin’s surface.

When sprayed on the skin, water from the Germ Free 60 evaporates and the remaining Amosin immediately bursts the cell walls of the bacteria and viral bugs on the surface. As the day wears on and skin comes into contact with more viruses, bacteria and fungi, the invisible protective layer continues to act as a shield against them.

Germ Free 60 is able to work for such an extended period of time because it actually bonds to the skin’s cells and cannot be washed off. It finally leaves the skin when the skin cells naturally shed and are replaced.

According to VG America, Germ Free 60 effectively kills: athlete’s foot, salmonella, Herpes Simplex I and II, pneumonia, E. coli and Staphylococcus skin infections, to name a few. Germ Free 60 is able to support warfighters by keeping them healthier in unsanitary conditions where they are more prominently exposed to germs and infection.


http://www.military-medical-technology.com/article.cfm?DocID=130

You can buy it here. We have used this for years and rarely get sick. Give it a try. It surely can't hurt.

http://vgamericainc.goemerchant7.com/index.cgi?PageToView=catalog&Department=130502&Cartid=141641128473438&Merchant=vgamericainc&ExpandedDepts=

[leesa]

56. I can't believe people keep falling for this every year! Turn your teevee

off. You are being propagandized. They are doing their annual flu fear frenzy.