The vaccination for the new H1N1 flu has been approved by FDA. This H1N1 flu was identified in April 2009, 5 months ago, a vaccination has already been developed and the FDA has approved. What we know about this virus changes everyday. No long term studies have been possible. How can the FDA put the new vaccine through the appropriate rigorous trials to determine whether or not it is safe after only 5 months? Let us not forget Vioxx (a NSAID approved by the FDA and then taken off the market due to increased risks of heart attack and stroke).
After the outbreak and identification of the new H1N1 flu, doctor’s visits and emergency room visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) did significantly increase. Wouldn’t that be expected after so much reporting on the television, internet and newspapers regarding the seriousness of the "swine-flu"?
Despite all the hype and fear surrounding the new H1N1 flu (swine flu) let us simplify the matter by breaking it down to what we KNOW.
According to the CDC’s FluView, this was the flu situation for the week of August 30 – September 5, 2009.
- Doctor’s visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) are increasing nationally. Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are higher than what is expected during this time of year and have increased over the last four weeks.
- Total influenza
hospitalization rates for adults and children are similar to or lower than seasonal influenza hospitalization rates depending on age group, but are higher than expected in the summer months.
- The proportion of
deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was low and within the bounds of what is expected in the summer.
- Eleven
states (Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee) and Guam are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. Any reports of widespread influenza activity in August and September are very unusual.
- Almost all of the influenza
viruses identified were 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These 2009 H1N1 viruses remain similar to the viruses chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to antiviral drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir) with rare exception.
The CDC keeps tabs on all communicable diseases (diseases that passed from person to person) in the US, including ALL types of flu. The CDC also makes vaccination recommendations based on these facts.
Recommendations for the novel H1N1 vaccination by the CDC are as follows:
- pregnant women,
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
- health care and emergency medical services personnel,
- persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
- people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
According to media and news reports (not sure what the difference is between media and news these days) the 2 most important populations to get vaccinated are pregnant women and small children.
However, the effectiveness and safety of the vaccination for children and pregnant women is uncertain and still being studied.
Cases of the H1N1 flu are mainly occurring among children and young adults.
The vaccination has shown to illicit a strong immune response in the population tested (adults older that 18) with no short term side effects. But the H1N1 flu was first identified 5 months ago and no long term studies can be done. Is this a concern to anyone? And do we know that it will actually prevent people from contracting this flu?
The studies of the H1N1 vaccination have not been done with a comparison or control group and environmental factors like previous exposure to the virus have not been considered.
Adults over the age of 60 are showing pre-existing immunity to H1N1 flu virus. However, all other populations are not showing significant pre-existing immunity to this flu virus. Although the new H1N1virus caused many serious illnesses and was identified in April 2009, do we know how long it has been circulating amongst the people population?
The symptoms associated with the new H1N1 flu are the same as those for the seasonal flu and include:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- diarrhea and vomiting
As with the seasonal flu, severity of the New H1N1 flu ranges from mild to severe with the most sever cases occurring in high-risk populations; children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more of the following medical conditions: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
According to the CDC, every year in the United States, on average:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
- more than
200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and
about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.
Most of the statistics being reported are referring to the seasonal flu. The truth is that we do not know what kind of impact this flu is going to have on the population. So far symptoms and mortality have not surpassed the season flu, however it is causing illness out side of the normal flu season.
So, whether or not you decide to have your season flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot, take steps to keep your self healthy.
Here are examples of easy to follow tips to enhance your immune system to prevent the flu or decrease the symptoms associated with the flu.
In addition to a good multivitamin and Probiotic:
Increase levels of vitamin C - 3gram daily
Increase levels of vitamin D3 – 5000IU daily
Increase dietary fiber – ground flax seed, apple pectin, whole grains
Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, caffeine, and alcohol
Herbs that stimulate immune function - Echinacea, Goldenseal, Osha
Homeopathy - A number of combination remedies are available Over The Counter and are effective
Ex. Boiron Oscillococinum
Once you start to feel the onset of flu or flu-like symptoms
- Increased intake of Vitamin C - 6 grams a day to bowel tolerance
- Decrease intake of processed foods, sugars, and caffeine, and alcohol
- Eat foods that are easy to digest – broth based soups, lightly steamed vegetables, avoid red meat and limit consumption of all meat
- Herbal remedies are dependant on symptoms – see your Naturoapth for what herbs are right for you
- Homeopathy are dependant on symptoms – see your Naturoapth for what homeopathic remedy is right for you
- Essential oils – to be used in an inhalant steam bath
Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) – antispasmodic, antiseptic
Mentha piperita (Peppermint) – antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial
Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) – antiseptic, stimulating
Eucalyptus globules (Eucalytpus) – decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial,expectorant
- Increase water intake - at least ½ of body weight in oz of water - dehydration can causes many complications associated with the flu.
Some of the above mentioned natural remedies should be avoided if you have certain medical conditions so discuss all natural treatments with your health care provider before using. It is important that you seek medical care if symptoms are severe or do not improve or subside in 7-10 days.
We recommend you discuss your healthcare picture with your PCP or Naturopath to construct your optimal protocol for prevention or treatment of the flu this season, especially if you have a higher risk of contracting the flu.
To discuss preventative healthcare, schedule your appointment with Dr Denise Grobe, Naturopathic Physician at The Center for True Harmony, call 480-539-6646. If you think you have the flu, call your family practice physician, OB physician, or Local Urgent Care.
