By Richard Malik, ND
As published in the Lakeville Journal, Millerton News, & Winsted Journal
26 October 2006

The 2006-2007 influenza season has begun. National figures from last week show only small numbers of verified cases of influenza. However it is important to be proactive about your personal plan for influenza prevention and treatment in case of a flu outbreak later in the season.

The cornerstone of the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) influenza prevention program is vaccination prophylaxis. The effectiveness of the vaccine depends upon the age of the recipient, the healthy functioning of the recipient’s immune system, and on the vaccine design matching the viral strains that cause the infection this season. 75 million doses of vaccine are expected to be distributed by Halloween.

The CDC also recommends basic good health habits to prevent contracting or spreading the virus. Many of these suggestions make good common sense. We should avoid contact with people who are ill, cover our mouths when coughing or sneezing, clean our hands regularly, and avoid touching our mouth, eyes, and nose without first washing our hands. The CDC also recommends measures for maintaining healthy immune function: get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, and manage stress.

There are many natural means to enhance immune function and prevent or shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections, including the flu. A moderate dose of vitamin E, about 200 IU, has been shown to reduce the occurrence of infection in patients 65 and older. Moderate amounts of vitamin A, zinc and vitamin C are helpful in preventing and/or reducing the duration of respiratory tract infections. Daily multi-vitamin and probiotic (acidophilus) supplementation can decrease the frequency and severity of infection.

The amino acids glutamine and arginine are important sources of energy for cells of the immune system and are used to encourage improved immune function when patients need it. The best way to increase the intake of these nutrients is to use a dietary supplement with only these amino acids.

Another important nutrient for maximizing immune function is the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Theoretically, essential fatty acids help the cell membrane of immune cells work better and more efficiently – helping them to identify and destroy viruses and irreparably damaged infected cells. EPA and DHA are abundant in salmon, cod, anchovies, and sardines or in dietary supplements available at most health food stores.

Every virus has genetic material – either DNA or RNA. Some viruses have their genetic material wrapped in a protein envelope, others do not. The herbal anti-viral remedy St. John’s Wort, famous for its effectiveness for depression, destroys the envelope of the influenza virus, thereby killing it. St. John’s Wort, however, does not harm viruses that lack an envelope including several viruses known to cause the common cold.

St. John’s Wort is a reasonable medicine for only some patients. St. John’s Wort needs to be used with medical supervision because it reduces the effectiveness of many prescription medications including oral contraceptives, warfarin, some heart medications, and other others pharmaceutical medications. Traditionally, the herbs lomatium and ligusticum have been used as anti-viral agents and are found in many combination herbal products for infection and immune function.

Like some of the nutrients mentioned above, certain plants enhance immune function. Herbs with this effect include Wild Indigo, Echinacea, Andrographis, Cat’s Claw, Pau D’arco, and Neem leaf. While the possibilities are too numerous to list here, herbs are also used symptomatically to relieve specific complaints like wheezing, excessive mucous production, fatigue and other complaints that frequently accompany the flu. Use herbs with care or supervision, especially if pregnant or on medication, to ensure safety and efficacy.

Eating well, drinking adequate amounts of water, getting some exercise and fresh air, supplementing your diet with a multi-vitamin or specific nutrients, and having a plan in case of getting sick are great ways to be prepared for this flu season. Good luck and stay well.