The news about the swine flu (H1N1 Flu) has been very disturbing. As of Wednesday, April 29, 2009, there have been 91 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu infection in the United States, with one death. Thousands are infected in Mexico with hundreds of deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, raised the Alert Level to 5, with 6 indicating a global pandemic. Alert Level 5 means that there is sustained human-to-human spread in at least two countries.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended a series of things that you can do to help stay healthy. Please understand the influenza virus is spread primarily through coughing, sneezing and touching of affected people and surfaces. The CDC recommends that you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and then throw the tissue away in the trash. Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and hot water, especially after you cough or sneeze or have touched surfaces others have touched. Alcohol-based hand cleansers can also be effective. Certainly avoid touching your face with your hands. This includes eyes, mouth or nose. And of course, you should stay home if you get sick; do not travel, go to work or school and spread it to others.
The best approach to the flu is not to get it in the first place. To stay healthy by helping support healthy immune function. Getting plenty of sleep, seven to nine hours per night and eating a healthy nutritious diet is a great start. Try to avoid simple sugars, including high fructose corn syrup found in soda and many processed foods, as this can weaken your immune system.
An oldie but goodie nutrient to help with healthy immune function is vitamin C. Studies have shown that vitamin C can help support immune function and that it helps with maintenance of healthy cartilage.
The above information is copied and abstracted from Dr. Allen S. Josephs’ eNewsletter on May 1, 2009.
Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, cupping, herbs and herbal nasal spray not only ease the symptoms, but also speed up the recovering process. Some Chinese herbs strengthen immunity to prevent cold and flu. Sinus Rinse can clean nasal inflammation and prevent flu and allergy as well.
For more information, please call Dr. Liyan Lu at 661-513-9265, Ping’s Acupuncture and Herbs Center.