honey and sting

There's been a lot in the news this week about the possibility of an avian flu pandemic, if the avian flu virus develops the ability to be transmitted from human to human (which it does not have now -- people who have gotten it are all around birds that are sick).

There are several reasons for concern. One is that viruses can "learn" from each other by sharing genetic material, so that a person who gets a regular flu and is infected with avian flu at the same time can become a laboratory for the avian flu virus to learn from the regular flu virus how to go person to person.

The second reason for concern is that if avian flu goes pandemic, none of us has any antibodies for it, because this virus has never been in the human population before. There is currently a 50% fatality rate for those infected. Hospitals do not have enough ventilators for those who would need them to breathe.

The third reason for concern is, there isn't currently a vaccine, and Tamiflu, the anti-viral drug that might be effective, is not available in nearly enough doses.

So what can we do?

Do what you can, now, to keep your immune system strong. Exercise, a deep breathing practice to keep your system well oxygenated, vitamin C, and good general nutrition are all helfpul. A good liquid vitamin supplement such as Body Balance gives good bio-available nutrition that is easily absorbed by the body. A flora supplement supports a healthy immune system. Selenium combats the stress of being ill (and most of us don't get enough from our food due to depletion of the soil).

Elderberry syrup has been shown to reduce duration of flu to half the number of days. It is to be taken within 48 hours of first symptoms, and continued for 5 days.

Affirmations, laughter, and de-stressing practices also correlate with a strong and healthy immune system. Try saying "I have a strong and healthy immune system" 20 times as you are getting dressed in the morning.

If there is a pandemic, be extra careful in use of handwashing. Most germs spread by contact with hands, which then get to our eyes and nose and mouth.

Check out masks at www.allheart.com -- the 3M N 951860 mask stops you from Inhaling the virus droplets. It's about $20 for a case of 20.

Keeping nasal membranes moist (with a saline spray, or lavender oil, which has anti-bacterial properties) helps keep a barrier against infection. Similarly keep mouth and skin protected with balms and lotions.

The lactic acid bacteria in souerkraut helps speed recovery from regular flu if you do get sick -- might help.

Grape juice from concord grapes inhibits the reproduction of flu virus. It's not known if this will work with avian flu, but it can't hurt.

None of this is gospel! Please research on your own. But I hope it gets people aware so we can prepare in the event of this or other viral threats.

If you have other useful info, please share! Peace and good health