Avian Flu! Oh My!

For more information visit www.cdc.gove/flu/avian/

Media coverage of avian flu peppers the news these days.  Many people are concerned about the possibility of a human epidemic of avian flu. Unfortunately, the media once again proves to be  a poor source for accurate and complete health information. 

The concern elevated recently due to reports of infected wild birds in Canada. However, this is the first time that the government has ever tested the birds in this way, and so it is unclear how long these infected birds may have been around.

We must remember that avian flu naturally occurs in wild birds. They carry the virus in their intestinal tract but rarely suffer any ill effects. The virus spreads easily between wild birds and has spread to domestic birds such as chicken and turkey in Asia. 

Human contraction of avian flu rarely occurs.  The few infected individuals came into contact with either infected poultry, or surfaces contaminated by the feces of infected poultry. All of these cases have been in Asia.  Person to person spread of the virus has occurred a handful of times and has not spread beyond one person. 

Americans are at low risk for contracting avian flu.  Again, all human cases of avian flu have occurred in Asia.  This may be due in part to the fact that flu virus affects the upper respiratory system.  Many Asian cities suffer from poor air quality which may predispose individuals to upper respiratory infections.

Bacteria and virus strains evolve and change constantly. There is no way to specifically protect ourselves from every single strain.  Instead, we should focus on keeping our bodies and our immune systems healthy so that we are ready to deal with any new invader. 

Not everyone exposed to a virus will contract an  illness. The rate depends on individual immunity, genetics, predispositions, and overall state of health. The best way to prepare yourself for this winter’s cold and flu season is to support your immune system. The following list provides suggestions on daily immune support. 

• Get quality and adequate rest: 8-9 hrs.
• Keep your body hydrated and drink adequate water: 64-80 oz/ day.
• Minimize sugar and refined carbohydrates. They deplete the immune system and feed the pathogenic bugs.
• Manage your stress: Yoga, meditation, exercise.
• Get on a homeopathic flu vaccine program for the winter months.
• Take vitamin C daily (1-2 grams) or foods rich in Vitamin C.
• Limit or avoid coffee.

More specific and focused actions should be taken by those with compromised immunity or a history of sub-acute, chronic infections including Epstein Barr and Lyme.  See your physician for advice.