The Flu and Stomach Viruses
With school back in, viruses will run rampant for a few weeks.
This time of year, it's common to hear of a heightened number of cases of the flu. Surprisingly, it isn't quite as common as one might think. Quite often, supposed cases of flu are actually stomach viruses. The “flu” is a respiratory illness while what we know as “stomach flu” is actually a virus which takes up residence in your digestive tract. Regardless, you feel awful, and we would all like to avoid it.
Prevention isn't all that difficult. Nothing is 100% effective, but taking a few steps to protect yourself will often stop it in it's tracks, or at least slow it down long enough for your immune system to rally and take it out at the pass. Some common sense measures include:
-washing your hands with soap and water frequently, and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel when you don't have access to soap and running water. A large bottle of hand sanitizer can be had for less than ten dollars, and will last for ages. Smaller, purse- or pocket-sized bottles can be bought for a dollar or less and will probably last you the season.
-Eating a healthy, balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are used by our bodies to stay healthy, and build a healthy immune system. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially dark-colored varieties, will pump up your system and help your body to fight off invaders.
-Get sufficient sleep. Fatigue can lower your immune response, so stick to a proper sleep schedule.
-Keep your hands away from your face. I have an awful habit of sitting with my chin propped on my hand when thinking or contemplating something. This is a habit that brings my hands, which touch all sorts of things during the day, into contact with my face, near my eyes, mouth, and nose. Germs gain entry here, so it's a habit that I'd be better off without.
-Killing germs in the home environment. Non-aerosol cleaning sprays and a wad of paper towels run over door handles (especially to the bathroom), telephones, computer keyboards, remote controls, kitchen and bathroom taps, and similarly commonly-touched places can help keep the spread of germs under control.
-Use herbal immune boosters. Some people swear by them, some dismiss them, but the fact is that many of our drugs today are based on herbal treatments from years ago. Several herbs and herbal combinations are believed to boost the immune system, and there is no reason to not use them. Vitamin C, echinacea, and garlic are all popular immune boosters, and Cold F/X, an over the counter treatment made from ginseng root, is commonly available.
-Avoid stress. Stress has a strong negative effect on your immune system, and while it's difficult to avoid it, any reduction in stress will help.
-Avoid processed sugar. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that research completed at a California university demonstrated that the immune depressing effects of sugar last about five hours.
Of course, we can't all avoid the bug forever. At some point, you will probably pick up a virus. What to do in order to feel better more quickly? Letting the virus run it's course is often the advice of doctors, and good advice it is. Many viruses leave antibodies which will protect you against the same virus in future, so simply getting through it can be the best thing to do. However, in addition to Mom's advice to get plenty of rest and lots of liquids, there are some things you can do to get through it more quickly, and more comfortably.
-Gargle. Gargling with a warm tea with tannin can help. Tannin acts as an astringent, and can shrink those swollen membranes, making it easier to breathe more clearly. For sore throats, a teaspoon of honey dissolved in the tea while hot, then allowed to cool to lukewarm, can soothe.
-Limit your diet to clear liquids and light soups. The less stress your digestive system is under, the easier it will be for your body to fight off the virus. Clear soups and broths, juices and teas will provide the all-important liquids, sodium and sugars you need while putting the least strain on your digestive system. Avoid dairy products, caffeine and alcohol, all of which can make your symptoms worse.
-Stock your medicine cabinet. Take acetaminophen for pain, ibuprofen for fever, and Imodium for diarrhea. Some of the worst effects are caused by the dehydration which results from diarrhea; getting this under control can help you get over the worst of it more quickly.
Anti-Viral Soup Recipe
¼ cup olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 bulb (about 10 cloves) garlic, minced
1 potato, peeled and diced
3 large carrots, sliced
2 ribs celery, sliced
½ cup lentils
½ tsp salt
½ tsp mustard seed
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp coriander seed
Heat the olive oil in a heavy bottomed soup pot and add the onion. Saute until golden and then add the minced garlic and vegetables and stir fry for a few moments. Add 2 quarts water or chicken stock, lentils, and seasonings. Simmer, covered, for about an hour.
