H1N1 Insight

H1N1 is a new strain of virus that is affecting people with flu like symptoms even during mild temperatures.

The factors that lead to the development of new strain of viruses are:

1.   Overuse of some pharmaceutical drugs encourages the mutation of viruses.
2.   Increased global travel.
3.   Global warming.
4.   Habitat destructions result in conditions which increase the likelihood that viruses jump from other species to humans.
5.   Food market s in where there is a common practise of eating wild animals. Here animals are caged in unhealthy and stressful conditions in close proximity to each other. Resulting in virus spreading easily and mutating to produce new strain of viruses.

In my opinion, public health professional tend to promote fear among the general population as a manner of advocating their programs. This is counter-productive since fear is the most powerful immune suppressors.

The reality is that most of the population exposed to the virus will not get sick. Most of them will experience mild to moderate flu like symptoms. Only a minority will develop serious complications. These individuals already have an underdeveloped or compromised immune function. E.g. infants, seniors, and the chronically ill.

So what are the major factors that lead to compromised immune function?

1.   Poor Diet
2.   Exposure to chemical pollutants (work or home)
3.   Regular use of pharmaceutical drugs
4.   Lack of exercise
5.   Insufficient sleep
6.   Too much stress
7.   Negative emotions: Anger, fear, frustrations, hatred
8.   Vaccinations

How do we strengthen our immunity?

1.   Take vitamin B (stress relief)
2.   Mineral Supplements (Increases effectiveness of vitamin B)
3.   Anti-oxidants – Vitamin A, C, D, E, mineral selenium and manganese, carotenes, Flavonoids and other polyphenols.
4.   Fresh Fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms
5.   Herbs: Echinacea spp, Plantago spp, Inula helenium, Calendula officinalis, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica and Solidago spp
6.   Virus fighting Herbs: Achillea millefolium, Hyssopus officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Origanum majorana, Orijanum vulgare, Prunella vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis and Verberia hastate

In conclusions by being aware we can take the correct steps to handle H1N1 crisis.