Fighting the flu

I wrote about the flu seven years ago, but I decided to re-address this most important issue once again. I will borrow from my previous article, while adding additional updated info.
Our fantastic South Texas "winter" is something I look forward to every year, especially during our infernal summer. While it may last a few weeks, and we may actually only experience a few days of actual "cold" weather, we still relish the break in temperatures. What we don't look forward to this time of the year is the dreaded flu season, which usually runs from October to May, and peaking during December, January, or February. And, like it or not, it is upon us now!
A virus is about as weird as you can get to something that can be considered almost a life form, although it runs in the same strange pack as its electronic relative, the prion. The flu virus is the ultimate sociopath. If I recall, the prion is even less biologically developed that the virus, or vice-versa, but who cares. Neither one gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Every year a scientific medical strategy is developed which attempts to anticipate the particular types and strains of influenza that will make their way across America. We are told that that those nasty bits of genetic material originate among the ducks, geese, and swine that poor Chinese peasants raise. Somehow, and ultimately, those germs make their way over here and get a lot of people very ill. Anyway, there is this guy named Willy over at the CDC whose job it is to spin the wheel with all the possible viral combinations and mutations. Depending on where the wheel stops, that determines which three strains of virus will be cultured into the season's vaccine. Okay, I confess. I am only kidding. Willy is not the guy's real name!
If and when you get a flu shot, your arm will be sore and you may feel like c--- for about a day. Then, after about a couple of weeks or so, you will be protected from the strains of virus that were included in this year's flu shot. If the strain of bug that is going around is different from the ones in the vaccine, then you may get the flu anyway. Don't get me wrong. If you are a person at high risk or an elderly individual, then by all means get the shot. Your doctor should make that judgment call. The demand for vaccine this year was very high, and in many areas of the country it is no longer available.
This year's flu vaccine missed the mark. A prevalent strain of flu going around right now is A-Fujian-H3N2, which was not included in this year's three-strain vaccine. Even though strain A-Panama-H3N2 was included in the 2003 batch, it may not be close enough genetically to adequately protect us from the Type A-Fujian strain. Type A strains are generally more virulent than Type B strains.
This flu season medical experts are making gloomy predictions. The yearly average flu-related death toll in the US is about 36,000 people. But the last time there was a flu strain mutation similar to the one this year, which was only five years ago, nearly 65,000 people died. Every year the flu is slightly different, due to the virus's ability to mutate. This is similar to whispering something in someone's ear and passing it along 10 or 20 times. At the end of the chain the original story is somewhat different, and if one or more individuals added to or took away from the story in sufficient quantity, you end up with a really mutated outcome. Well, about every 10 years, there is a major mutation of a flu strain, usually a Type A, which can cause a pandemic, or worldwide outbreak. These new strains are particularly effective in attacking and disabling our immune system. The worst case on record is the 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic, which killed an estimated 21 million people. While there is no sign that this will occur this season, health officials agree that the world is overdue for another flu pandemic.
I am always on the alert during the flu season. At the first sign of symptoms, I take immediate action. As a result, I have not had a bad case of the flu in many years, nor have any of my family members that followed my advice. Remember that it is our immune system that protects us from infection 24/7. When that system is weak, caught off guard, or is overwhelmed by a pathogenic organism, illness occurs.
We know that antibiotics have no effect against the flu, because it is a viral infection. Some antibiotics are, however, effective against secondary infections caused by bacteria as a result of a weakened immune system. There are also some antiviral drugs that can lessen the severity or duration of some viral infections. I have never used these drugs, so I don't have an opinion. What I have used are traditional herbal medicines, and so I do have an opinion on those.
If I feel that I might be under attack by a cold or flu virus, I follow my protocol. Every three to four hours I take some form of uña de gato or cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) along with some gobernadora (Larrea tridentata) every six to eight hours. I also take hefty doses of vitamin C, along with extracts of echinacea (E. angustifolia), goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), and pelargonium (P. sidoides), if I have them on hand. If I wake up one morning with a runny nose, feverish, or experiencing body aches, and begin my therapy quickly, then usually by the afternoon or by the next day my symptoms are gone. I gradually adjust my dosages based on how I am doing and/or feeling during the next few days to prevent a relapse.
Cat's claw, goldenseal, and echinacea function as immune system stimulants. They should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, by individuals with an autoimmune disorder, or by an organ transplant recipient. Goldenseal also functions as a natural antibiotic. Gobernadora has anti-microbial and antiviral properties. It should not be used in high dosages by individuals with liver disease, or by individuals who take acetaminophen and drink alcoholic beverages. Pelargonium shortens the duration of respiratory illness, possibly by also stimulating the immune system.
Herbal alternatives are a wonderful compliment to conventional therapies, and in some cases are even effective first-line defenses. However, as always, consult with your physician or healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy.
That will cover it for this month. I hope everyone has a blessed holiday season. I can be reached at glorioso@netscorp.net for questions and comments.