By Carol Roy

In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April and an estimated 10-25% of Canadians may get the flu each year. When most people think of flu symptoms, they think of body aches, fatigue, and maybe a cough. However, influenza, or the flu, actually begins as a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus from breathing in droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who has the flu. Touching a contaminated surface and transferring the virus to your own eyes, nose or mouth will also land you with a case of the flu.
A strong immune system is one of your best lines of defence against this annual scourge. An invading virus is no match for a battle-ready immune system. And did you know you can eat your way back to good health? By eating the right foods when you’re sick, you fuel and support your immune system, giving it its best chance to beat the virus. Maintaining a sanitizing routine is another advisable line of defence; your hands, the surfaces in your home, the interior of your car, and so on.
For the flu, your physician may suggest pharmaceutical supportive therapies such as acetaminophen but there is also a host of non-pharmaceutical supportive therapies in your home that you can take advantage of right away.
Human influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Strains circulate every year, making people sick. Influenza typically starts with a headache, chills and cough, followed rapidly by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children.
Most people will recover from influenza within a week or ten days…some – including those over 65, and adults and children with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer, are at greater risk of more severe complications, such as pneumonia.
The Latest Arrival: H1N1, Explained Swine influenza, or H1N1 flu virus, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the influenza A virus. Swine influenza viruses do not normally infect humans. From time to time, human infections do occur, resulting in the H1N1 flu virus. H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal influenza. It is believed that [H1N1] is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza…from person to person when germs enter the nose and/or throat.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

As you can see, the symptoms for seasonal influenza and the H1N1 version are essentially the same. If your symptoms become severe, or if you have serious underlying medical conditions, check with your medical professional sooner rather than later for his/her professional opinion. On a brighter note, a large proportion of individuals who contract the H1N1 strain of the virus recover without even knowing that they were affected by H1N1 and not simply the annual strain of the virus.

Eat Your Way Back To Health

Sometimes your appetite is the first thing you lose when you get sick. But you must remember, to give your body it’s best fighting chance, try to eat specific foods while you’re unwell. This means drinking fruit juices, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Maintaining an electrolyte balance in your body is essential to the normal functioning of our cells and our organs and by eating clear soups, like chicken soup, you will replace lost electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Teas also contain antioxidants. Drinking tea will help hydrate your body and keep you warm. If you can stomach solid foods, stick with fruits and yogurt. Yogurts that contain active bacterial cultures (the good ones!) help ensure proper digestion of the nutrients your body needs to fight off the flu.

Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 9 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist.

Nutters Cranbrook 1107 Baker Street Cranbrook 250-426-5519 or 1-800-426-5519

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