Swine Flu – is it a real threat

Dr.Richard Bresser, acting director of the CDC, says that swine flu remains a danger. He points out that the number of cases is less important than the pattern of how it spreads. OK, no pandemic occurred, but now we have to be careful because like the Terminator, it may be back!

Is this disease a credible threat? Yes and No. We do not have a vaccine against this problem and if all the information is revealed, then this viral disease caught the scientists, who monitor the spread of these viruses, with their pants down.  Why did this happen?

First, these type of infectious diseases are very unpredictable. When more than one virus enters a host, the genetic material of the viruses can be mixed and form a new organism. This viral illness began in an area of swine production. The actual virus contains genetic material of swine, bird and human flu viruses. The virulence of such viruses vary.  This one has not been as bad as usual influenza viral infections.

Second, they can’t know where something this random will occur. Patterns in the appearance of the influenza virus can be predicted sometimes, but even the best effort of the most knowledgeable monitors can fall slightly or completely short. The last time swine flu surfaced in 1977, we reacted instead of acted and more people were injured by the therapy than by the flu.

This virus seems less virulent now, but viruses do mutate. It could become more contagious or less. More virulent or less. No one knows. It is easier to strongly warn people than it is to explain why you didn’t.  I can’t explain WHO’s pandemic warnings but I don’t know the protocol they use to issue such warnings.

The bottom line is you need to protect yourself. Wash your hands often or at least sanitize them. During flu season, if you have a cough, and fever, see your Doctor soon. Don’t wait. The anti-viral drugs prescribed for the flu are effective in the first 48 hours. Remember there is no magic in medicine. Your body must heal itself. Medicine can help it but it isn’t perfect.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself against infectious diseases.

• Wash your hands often
• Get enough rest, most of us are sleep deprived and that causes our cortisol levels to rise, making us more susceptable to illness because of our physical stress.
• Avoid large crowds if possible
• Drink plenty of water – there is no substitute
• Change habits like smoking to reduce your risk
• Eat enough fat and protein to keep your immune system in good repair.
• Supplement with vitamin D3 (without any vitamin A) at least 1000-2000IU each day
• If you have to travel in public transportation like a plane, take a 5000IU bolus of Vitamin D
• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your levels of antioxidants.

OK, concentrate on something else. There is nothing you can do about swine flu, there is plenty you can do about you. Need a plan to improve your wellness? Why not get me to help you – the Wellness Coach. Sign up to get my blog by email and to be notified of my free monthly calls. The forms to do this are to the right of this article on my blog.

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