The Winter of 2011-2012 Flu Virus

The Winter of 2011-2012 Flu Virus
By Dr. Frank Ervolino

The Christmas time flu virus for 2011-2012 is not an influenza-A type virus but a different strain that is more of a pharyngitis type illness. It started showing up in Florida around November and is still spreading some two months later.
It is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Occipital (the back of the head) Headache which may last for the duration of the illness
• Slight fever and chills
• Some sweating
• Fatigue
• A nonproductive cough
• Mild laryngitis
• Duration of illness can last from as little as 48 hours to 2 weeks.

Management of this viral respiratory infection can actually be simple and effective.
To manage fever, muscle aches and cough it is suggested that you use one of the over the counter medications that contain:

• Acetaminophen which can control fevers, headaches and sore throat.
• Phenylephrine for nasal congestion
• Dextromethorphan for coughing
• Guaifenesin for coughing and to control chest congestion You can usually find all of these combined in tablet form.
  

• Gargle with alka seltzer to relieve the laryngitis.
• If coughing persists then add a guaifensin based cough syrup as well.
• Drink large amounts of warm black tea with honey and lemon in it to relieve the coughing sensation in the throat.

To take a more natural approach one can use:

• Elderberry syrup has been shown to actually kill viruses on contact when taken on a regular schedule. This therapy is especially effective as this virus resides in the laryngeal/pharyngeal area.
• The Chinese herbal pills called Jie Geng Wan to reduce the coughing sensation.
• Another useful Chinese herbal formula is Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian which is an excellent formula for warding off a viral illness.
• For the best defense against the flu and to clear it quickly from the body use an alpha glucan such as Immpower. The beta glucans are not as effective as the alpha glucans for the flu.
• NAC or n-acetyl-cysteine can be used as a mucolytic to help clear phlegm in the later stages.
• Drink large amounts of warm black tea with honey and lemon in it to relieve the coughing sensation in the throat. This is a simple and effective remedy as it also keeps the affected person hydrated.
• If traveling by air one can avoid getting ill by using a cotton swab that has been dipped in a small bottle of cooking oil to coat the insides of the nasal passages. This will prevent your nasal passages from drying out due to aggressive air conditioning used on planes. The virus usually enters your body through these cracked nasal passages.

There are many more OTC and natural remedies available. My intent was not to list them all, but to bring attention to this present viral epidemic and provide a quick working guide towards management of it.