The holiday season is upon us, and this means a lot of individual stress but also means the cold weather is upon us as well. With Fall the kids start back to school, and before you know it our beloved children become little "virus factories" and start passing around all sorts of colds and flu bugs. The cold weather also forces us indoors a lot, making for closer contact so it doesn't take long before the viruses spread out quickly through families and communities.

Facts About The Flu

The flu is a viral illness caused by the Influenza virus, and spread by contact from person to person or by inhaling infectious droplets from someone else with the flu. There are several types of influenza viruses, Type A, B, & C. Type A is most common and leads to more serious epidemics. Type B is usually a milder type, and Type C is even milder, similar to symptoms of the common cold. The sudden onset of headache, chills, generalized muscle aches occur at first. Then respiratory symptoms like congestion, cough and sore throat can appear. These symptoms are usually accompanied by fever between 100 to 103 degrees in adults, but may be even higher in children. Usually gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea do not ordinarily appear with the flu, but may be signs an symptoms of other viruses, commonly called the "stomach flu"

Treating Flu Symptoms

Most influenza illnesses are self contained and complications are not that common in young, healthy people. However, people with chronic illnesses can be severely incapacitated and take a long time to get well. That's why getting the flu shot is so important for those with chronic illnesses or for adults over the age of 65 years. Skipping a flu shot in a child or adult with asthma could be life threatening if severe complications (such as severe bronchitis or pneumonia) develop.

Because the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotic treatments are ineffective and will not affect the course of the illness. ONLY if a bacterial complication, such as a superimposed bronchitis develops will antibiotics help. Currently there is a health care campaign to educate the public not to expect antibiotic treatment to help with the flu. The overuse of antibiotics is one reason for the rise of resistant bacterial infections in general. So what do we do?

• Fluids and plenty of rest
• Use inhaled steam or a vaporizer to moisten the air
• Avoid smoking or smoky rooms
• It's OK to use over the counter medications (decongestants, gargles, cough syrups) targeted to your specific symptoms. If you are on other medications you may want to ask your doctor which ones would be right for you.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for relief of fever, aches and pains that accompany the flu
• Influenza is usually a self limited disease but if after 8 - 10 days your symptoms are getting worse and not better, it's time to see your doctor.

Prevention
It is a common misconception that the cold weather causes the flu. It doesn't, but it may play a role if you have a lowered resistance and are exposed to the virus. Influenza is transmitted either by inhaling infectious particles in the air or by touching respiratory secretions on the skin of an infected individual. Touching a surface ( like a doorknob) that is contaminated the then touching your eyes or nose will also transmit the virus. So frequent hand washing and remembering to keep hands away from contaminated surfaces (such as handrails) if possible can be of help. And of course, getting a preventative flu shot (especially if you are in a high risk group) is advisable.

Boosting The Immune System

Our immune system is part of an elaborate system of defense against attack of outside invaders that come at us daily. There are many parts to this system, including the skin, membranes, respiratory tract, kidneys, and the liver. The body also relies on white blood cells to release antibodies and clean the blood if our first lines of defense don't work. The immune system is quite complex and is dependent on the many factors such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Daily stresses, lack of sleep, poor nutrition can all play roles in reducing our immunity. Many natural food sources provide substances that can strengthen our immune system.

Immune System products provide ingredients to boost the immune system responses. Immunizen includes intact colostrum, a milk fraction that has high levels of immunoglobulins. Other ingredients include arabinogalactanes, glucans and lactoferrin subtances which stimulate our natural killer cells and other white blood cells to defend the system against bacterial invaders. Stimulating our own natural immune system by support with the proper supplements is key. Immunizen comes in a 10 day supply and should be taken at the first sign of illness or when your resistance may be lowered.