Don't get the Swine Flu!

Artist Luke Jerram's sculptural representation of the ovoid H1N1 Swine Flu virus

We are all concerned about the possibility of a H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic. In America it is not well known that Chinese medicine actually has a very good track record with treating a wide variety of respiratory viruses. When SARS hit a few years back, it was strict precautionary measures and Chinese herbal medicine that got Asia through the crisis.

According to the CDC the week of October 4-10, 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States. Flu activity is now widespread in 41 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness continued to increase and are now about equal to or higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are continuing to go up and are above what is expected for this time of year.

This article is ment to educate you on the facts about H1N1 and how Chinese medcine can help proetct you during flu season as well as treatment for initial expouser and fully egnaged phases of the flu.

What Are the Symptoms to Watch for?
The Centers for Disease Control has stated that the symptoms for swine flu are to be considered "similar to regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea."

What Is the Pathogenesis of Swine Flu?
Unlike the common cold, which attaches to the adenoids, the influenza virus attaches to the lung tissue itself. The lungs become inflamed and the body reacts with "flu-like symptoms." Incubation for most influenza viruses are from 1-4 days. It is not yet known for certain whether H1N1 follows the same incubation pattern.

Two reasons that make the H1N1 virus so dangerous
1) The virus directly attaches the respiratory system. As a result of lung tissue damage, the patient is much more vulnerable to bacterial growth that can lead to phenomena.
2) Young people with otherwise strong immune systems are not exempt from the virus.

What Can Chinese Medcine Do For YOU?
The answer is: Chinese Medicine can do a lot! It is best to break down treatment options into three phases. The phases are: Prevention Phase, Initial Exposure Phase, Fully Engaged Phase.

1) PREVENTION PHASE
Prior to exposure, it is recommended to support the immune system in order to prevent the virus of a future exposure from forming full attachment. In Chinese medicine a strong immune system is characterized by a firm and well-regulated exterior. This means the wei qi (defensive qi) is strengthened with herbal medicine. The wei qi is another name for immune system. The Prevention Phase formulas are only effective prior to the onset of symptoms. So do not wait to start taking herbs that defend against a viral attack!

2) INITIAL EXPOSURE PHASE
If exposure is certain or probable (one example is traveling by airplane), there is a little time to try to kill the virus before it has a chance to reach full strength replication. The incubation period of most influenza is from 1-4 days before symptoms begin. What this knowledge affords us is at least one day, possibly more, to try and kill the virus after a known or suspected exposure. Initial Exposure Phase formulas can be used effectively if symptoms are limited to a tickle in the throat, mild lethargy, slight loss of appetite, or body aches.

If symptoms do not abate within the first 24 hours of use, it is recommended to switch to a Fully Engaged Phase formula or to combine Initial Exposure Phase formulas with Fully Engaged Phase formulas. After the Initial Exposure Phase, the value of Initial Exposure Phase formulas is limited when used alone. The reason for this limitation is that the antiviral action by itself only serves to inhibit the replication of the virus once it is fully engaged with the lung organ. They do not dislodge the virus from the lung tissue, nor do they regulate the body's immune response to the pathogen. It is now time to change to Fully Engaged Phase formula.

3) FULLY ENGAGED PHASE
As stated above, what distinguishes the Fully Engaged Phase physiologically is the attachment of the virus to the lung tissue. Viral replication has reached peak production, and the body's immune response is now occupying or even consuming all available qi. The most common or characteristic symptoms are racing pulse, headache, significant loss of appetite, high fever, pronounced fatigue/weakness, chest discomfort with or without cough, and sometimes body aches. Other, less frequent symptoms can include sore throat, sinus symptoms, diarrhea, or vomiting. At this phase, the strongest formulas that relax the attachment between the lung tissue and the virus are used. Frequently the antiviral formulas in the Prevention Phase are used in conjunction.

What is most important to remember is not to wait till the Fully Engaged Phase before seeking treatment. All of these formulas can be purchased at Boulder Sports Acupuncture. I will teach you when and how to take them. Don’t let the flu season interrupt your life. Let’s get to work now to prevent the flu later.

Steven M. Rizzolo MSOM, Dipl. OM, L.Ac.

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