FLU
The flu, which is short for influenza, is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs). Every year, approximately 10-25 percent of Canadians are infected with the flu. While it can be unpleasant, most people recover within a week to 10 days. However, an estimated 4,000-8,000 Canadians, mostly seniors, die every year from pneumonia related to flu or from other serious complications of flu.
The flu is caused by three strains (types) of viruses: influenza A, B, and C. Type A is responsible for the deadly influenza pandemics (worldwide epidemics) that strike every 10-40 years. Type B can lead to smaller, more localized outbreaks that generally occur every three to 15 years. And either types A or B can cause the flu that circulates almost every winter. Type C is less common and causes only mild symptoms.
In Canada, flu season typically runs from November to April. During these months when the weather is colder outside, we spend more time indoors, closer to one another and sharing germs. This is how the flu is spread—by close contact with someone who has the virus. The virus travels through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object (doorknob, telephone, or keyboard) and then transfer them to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
There is no cure for the flu, but there are measures that can be taken to reduce your risk of infection and speed healing and reduce complications if you are infected.
IS IT THE FLU?
The flu is often confused with cold or stomach flu, but both are caused by other viruses. There is no such thing as stomach flu. A sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach is often caused by a virus (not influenza) that infects the digestive tract or by a change in diet. A cold is also caused by a virus (rhinovirus), but it differs from the flu in that it has a slower onset and is not usually associated with high fever or muscle or joint aching. Cold symptoms are also less severe than flu.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Once you are in contact with the virus, it takes about 48 hours for symptoms to develop.
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea and vomiting (more common in children)
• Sore throat, dry cough
• Sudden onset of fever, muscle and joint aching, weakness, and fatigue
In most cases, the symptoms resolve in a week to 10 days. However, young children, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system are at risk of developing complications such as ear infections, acute sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
RISK FACTORS
Anyone can get the flu, but the following are at greatest risk of infection and developing complications of the flu:
• Adults and children with chronic heart and lung disease
• Health care workers
• People living in a nursing home or chronic care facility
• People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, anemia, cancer, immune suppression, HIV, or kidney disease
• Those younger than two years or over age 65
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
For most people, the best way to manage the flu is to rest, drink fluids, and allow the infection to run its course. Those who are at risk of complications (infants, the elderly, and those listed above) should consult with their doctor. There are antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu) that can be given within the first 48 hours to reduce the length of illness and help prevent complications.
Anyone with signs and symptoms of pneumonia should seek medical attention. These include a severe cough (with phlegm), a high fever, and a sharp pain in the lungs when you breathe deeply. If you have bacterial pneumonia, you’ll need treatment with antibiotics.
Over-the-counter products such as Tylenol and Motrin can be used to help reduce pain and fever. While they may help ease the symptoms, they do not shorten the duration of infection and can cause side effects. Tylenol can be hard on the liver and Motrin can cause stomach pain, bleeding, and ulcers. Children under age 16 should not be given aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
Health Canada recommends yearly flu vaccination for those at risk. Vaccines don’t offer 100 percent protection, but they do help reduce the risk of infection and complications if you get sick. Children under six months and those who are allergic to eggs should not receive the vaccine.
There is great debate about the long-term safety of vaccination and possible consequences, such as allergic reactions and increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system and results in weakness and abnormal sensations. There has also been ongoing concern about a possible link between thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative found in vaccines) and the risk of autism. At this point the Centers for Disease Control and Health Canada feel that there is not enough evidence to link the two, but there are numerous case reports linking autism to vaccinations. It is important to review the benefits and risks with your health care provider.
Dietary Recommendations
Foods to include:
• Citrus fruits and berries contain vitamin C, which helps support immune function.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially during the first few days of infection, to prevent dehydration and weakness. Choose water, juice, herbal teas, and broth. Elderberry juice contains compounds that can speed healing.
• Eat light meals of nutritious foods such as soups and stews with vegetables and beans, brown rice, fish, and poultry.
• Garlic, ginger, and onions contain antioxidants that support immune function.
Foods to avoid:
• Dairy products can worsen mucus (phlegm).
• Minimize sugar (candy, soft drinks, and sweets) as it can hamper immune function.
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Get adequate rest as this is essential to help your body recover. Not getting enough rest on a regular basis can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to the flu and other infections.
• Minimize stress, which can hamper immune function. Try meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques.
• Get regular exercise to support proper immune function. Studies have shown that those who exercise regularly have less severe symptoms and recover quicker than those who don’t exercise. During an episode of the flu you will not have the energy to exercise and should rest.
• Wash your hands frequently (especially after touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and after coughing or sneezing) to prevent spreading germs to others.
Top Recommended Supplements
Echinacea: Contains compounds that are thought to stimulate the immune system. Studies have shown that supplements can reduce flu symptoms and duration of infection. There are many forms of echinacea. A mixture containing all the parts of E. purpurea above the ground (flowers, leaves, stems) has the best supporting evidence for effectiveness in treating flu. Dosage: 3-5 mL of tincture or 300 mg of extract three times daily. Take at the first onset of symptoms and continue for seven to 14 days. There is no evidence that taking it all the time will reduce the risk of infection, so take it only when you need it.
Garlic: Has antiviral properties and enhances immune function. Studies of aged garlic extract (a special extract that contains potent sulphur compounds) found that regular use can reduce the risk of cold and flu. Dosage: 600 mg daily.
Complementary Supplements
Elderberry: Can stimulate the immune system and inhibit viral growth. Studies of a product containing elderberry, echinacea, and bee propolis found that it reduced symptoms and sped recovery from influenza. Dosage: Follow label instructions.
Panax ginseng: Strengthens immune function. A few studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of cold and flu. Dosage: 200 mg daily of an extract standardized to contain 4-7 percent ginsenosides.
FLU PROTECTION
To reduce the risk of contracting the flu, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; get adequate sleep; eat a healthy diet; exercise regularly; and limit exposure to crowded places during flu season. If you are at high risk of the flu, discuss the benefits and risks of having a vaccine with your doctor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To improve healing from the flu, consider the following:
1. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, elderberry juice, and herbal teas.
2. Eat citrus, berries, garlic, onions, and ginger.
3. Minimize sugar and dairy products during an infection.
4. Get lots of sleep and rest to allow your body to recover.
5. Consider echinacea to speed recovery and aged garlic extract for prevention.
