So, now we know the symptoms characterized by the common cold, seasonal flu, swine flu and avian flu from the previous posts. Now, I will discuss some simple things you can do to protect yourself from getting infected by these viruses.
(1) The best and most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated!
Currently there are vaccines available for both swine (Arepanrix pH1N1 adjuvanted or non-adjuvanted) and seasonal flu (Influvac and Vaxigrip). Note: avian flu vaccine is not available commercially.
Please check whether your government offers the above vaccinations.
(2) Flu or the common cold are spread from human to human through coughing or sneezing by infected people, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and later touching eyes, nose and mouth. Therefore, to prevent the spread of viruses, it is important to
(i) Clean contaminated surfaces with disinfectants such as Lysol disinfectant spray or disinfecting wipes.
(ii) Clean hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand-sanitizer or hand wipes, and
(iii) Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
(3) Try to avoid contact with people exhibiting flu-like symptoms (if unavoidable wear N-95 facemasks or respirators)
So what can you do when you catch the cold or flu?
Non-drug measures
(1) Get plenty of rest
(2) Drink plenty of fluids. Drink at least 8 glasses daily to help thin out phlegm or mucus.
I know sharing is caring but do not share your germs!
(3) Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever has subsided (body temperature above 37.8C or 100F without fever reducing medication). Don’t have a thermometer? Click here to see which digital thermometers are on sale!
(4) Try to avoid having close contact with individuals with high risk complications.
(5) Cover sneezes or cough with tissue or into the upper arm or sleeve to prevent spreading germs
(6) Clean hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water (if soap and water are not accessible, then may use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer or hand wipes in the meantime)
(7) Use humidifier or vaporizer to help reduce nasal or chest congestion
Herbals and Vitamins that reduce symptoms or shorten duration of infection:
NOTE: The below discussion regarding herbals and multivitamins, is only for REDUCING symptoms or SHORTENING the duration of the common cold or seasonal flu and NOT AVIAN NOR SWINE FLU
The following patients SHOULD NOT treat themselves without seeking medical advice if they experience severe or worsening of flu or cold symptoms because of risk of complications: pregnant female, adults above the age of 65, individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung conditions, kidney disease, cancer, low immune system or are on immunosuppressants, or blood disorder (sickle cell anemia).
Panax quinquefolius,
CVT-E002 (specific American ginseng extract)
Andrographis paniculata,
andrographolide
Ascorbic Acid
Zinc citrate, zinc gluconate, zinc picolinate
Benefit
(1) Immune Booster
(2) Anti-viral effect
(1) Immune Booster
(2) Anti-viral effect
(1) Immune Booster
(1) Immune Booster
(1) Immune Booster
(1) Immune Booster
(2) Anti-viral effect
Evidence
(1) Reduce symptoms severity by 10-30%
(2) Shorten duration of infection
*evidence based on Sambucol (specific elderberry juice)
(1) Reduce symptoms
(2) Shorten duration of infection
*evidence based on echinacea purpurea
(1) Prevent the common cold and seasonal flu
(2) Reduce symptoms
(3) Shorten duration of infection
*evidence based on Cold-Fx
(1) Reduce symptoms. Symptom relief in 2 to 5 days.
(1) Reduce duration of infection by 1 to 1.5 day(s)
(1) Reduce duration of common cold
Dosage
Sambucol must be taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms:
Adult dose: 10 ml (2 teaspoons) four times daily for 3 to 5 days
Children dose: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) four times daily for 3 days.
Medication must be taken at onset of symptoms and for 7 to 10 days
Examples:
(1) Echinaforce:
Dissolve 2 tablets slowly in the mouth 3-5 times daily, at least 15 minutes before meals.
(2) Nature's Way Echinacea
Take 2- 3 capsules three times daily, preferably with water at mealtimes
(1) Preventative dosing: 200mg twice daily for 12 to 16 weeks during flu season
(2) Treatment dosing:
*Medication must be taken at onset of symptoms
200mg: three capsules three times daily for day 1, then two capsules three times daily for day 2, then one capsule daily for day 3 (extra strength 300mg capsules are also available, which only needs twice daily dosing).
Medication must be taken within 72 hours of onset of symptoms
Andrographis: 400mg 1 capsule two times daily with food or water or
Kan Jang (specific formulation with Andrographis and Siberian ginseng) is to be taken three times daily for 3 to 5 days
The recommended dosage is 1000mg to 3000mg per day.
Emergen-C: Take one packet 2 to 4 times daily. Place contents in a glass, add 4 to 6 oz of water.
Zinc must be taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.
Country Life Zinc Lozenges
The recommended dosage is one zinc lozenge to dissolve under the tongue. Repeat every two to three hours. Do not take more than six lozenges in one day. Do not take for more than three days.
Side effect(s)
well tolerated
well tolerated. But, some people may experience upset stomach, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, insomnia and dizziness.
upset stomach, insomnia, racing heart and nervousness.
upset stomach, dry mouth, metallic taste, dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore due to the latter side effects, you should not operate any heavy machinery, such as driving, until you know how your body reacts to the medication
upset stomach and heart burn. Daily dosages above 2000mg may result in diarrhea
metallic taste and upset stomach.
Drug & Medical Interaction(s)
The following people should not take Sambucol:
(1) Patients who have autoimmune conditions or
(2) patients on immune-suppressing medications.
The following people should not take echinacea:
(1) patients who have autoimmune conditions,
(2) patients on immune-suppressing medications,
(3) Patients on certain medications that are broken down by liver enzymes 1A2 and 3A4.
*If you are on medications, please consult with your pharmacist if they will interact with echinacea.
The following people should not take American ginseng:
(1) patients who have autoimmune conditions,
(2) patients on immune-suppressing medications
(3) women with hormone sensitive cancer
(4) Diabetic patients
(5) Patients on MAOI antidepressants
(6) Patients on warfarin.
(7) Patients on heart medication should consult their physician or pharmacist
(8) American ginseng may lower the effectiveness of oral contraception.
The following people should not take andrographis:
(1) Patients who have autoimmune conditions,
(2) Patients on immune-suppressing medications
(3) Patient on blood pressure medications (andrographis may have additive blood pressuring-lowering effect)
(4) Patient on blood thinners such as Aspirin or warfarin (andrographis may provide additive blood thinning effect).
Vitamin C can potentially
(1) increase the absorption of iron, chromium and aluminums,
and
(2) reduce certain chemotherapy medications
(such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, doxorubicin).
(1) Calcium, magnesium, coffee and fiber can reduce the absorption of zinc. Therefore, it is not recommended that they be taken together.
(2) Zinc can reduce the absorption of the following medications: osteoporosis treatments (alendronate, etidronate, risedronate) and certain antibiotics (such as tetracyclines or quinolones).
It is advise to take these medications 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking zinc.
Leave a Reply