"The physician's high and only mission is to restore the sick to health, to cure, as it is termed." -- Samuel Hahnemann, 1810

Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)

  • First and foremost, the flu is the flu, and all the same basic flu prevention techniques listed below will go a long way to minimize the risk for coming down with the symptoms of this most recent outbreak and will lessen the impact on you and your family.
  • What is so scary about this particular strain of flu? Well, we do not have any specific immunity to the new strain that is going around, H1N1 swine influenza, and that means no one has any particular "natural immunity" to help them avoid it. However, a strong and thriving immune system can help a person experience only minimal effects from it, so minimal that you may not notice any symptoms other than a bit of fatigue and a slight fever.
  • Other reasons authorities are particularly concerned about this strain include: the widespread nature of the reported occurrences, the fact that little is known about this new strain, and whereas the "Swine flu", is rarely but usually spread from swine (pig) to humans, this strain has been shown to have been transmitted from human to human.
  • The general signs and symptoms to look for include common flu or flu-like symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. An increased percentage of patients have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well.
  • The most serious complication is the development of pneumonia which we want to completely avoid. If you have difficulty breathing, a tightness in your chest or any other respiratory symptoms and cannot contact or get in to see your doctor within a few hours, proceed to your closest urgent care facility.
  • If you start to experience any of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor right away, especially your homeopath if you have one, to have your case taken. A remedy prescribed within the first 24 hours of the onset of flu symptoms can tremendously speed recovery.
  • Basic flu prevention techniques include:
    • frequent washing of the hands with warm soapy water especially after contact with other people or after being out in public
    • avoid touching the mouth, nose or eyes, as (according to the CDC) these are primary modes of transmission
    • cough into a tissue and dispose of it, then immediately wash the hands
    • get plenty of rest
    • stay well hydrated with healthy beverages: water, mineral water and herbal (non-caffeinated) teas
    • eat well and try to avoid sugar and known food allergens
    • keep your stress levels to a minimum
    • keep your immune system strong with extra Vitamin C (up to 3000 mg per day), Elderberry and Astragalus tincture, Vitamins A, D, E and Zinc, a good mushroom formula and lots of fresh greens and fruits (2-6 servings per day)
  • Do not take aspirin, tylenol or other symptom masking agents (such as Tylenol Cold and Flu, Nyquil) as this can lead to more severe symptoms down the road.
  • For more information visit the following links: