Flu Prevention and Protection Strategies

The flu vaccine shortage has forced millions of Americans to consider alternative preventions including options that have shown success in clinical studies. If you are not included in a high-risk group designated by the Centers for Disease Control, the elderly, the very young, those with heart, lung, or metabolic diseases, and those with weakened immune systems, you may want to consider natural options that may help protect healthy adults against flu, diminish flu symptoms, and/or shorten flu intensity and duration. The American Botanical Council (ABC), an independent nonprofit research and education organization provides information about herbal medicine.

Some herbs have demonstrated benefits when taken at the first sign of flu symptoms. There are a handful of herbs with proven safety that can help improve the body's immune functions. These include:

• Echinacea (Coneflower)
  
• Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis Caprifoliaceae)
  
• Andrographis Paniculata
  
• Astragalus Membranaceous

Clinical studies on Echinacea show that it can diminish the symptoms and duration of colds and flu. A recent Canadian clinical trial on an Echinacea extract (Echinilin^®, Natural Factors, Burnaby, British Columbia), showed that the herbal extract lowered respiratory tract symptoms in people with colds.

In a recent Norwegian study, scientists were able to demonstrate that patients using Elderberry extract (Sambucol^®, Razei Bar, Jerusalem, Israel) recovered from the flu four days earlier than patients in the control group. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, findings revealed that Elderberry extract shortened the duration of flu types A & B by four days and that symptoms were lessened with no significant side effects. "Some of the best things about Elderberry are its mildness, its safety, and its great taste," says ABC's Blumenthal. "It's a good remedy for children too."

In addition to Echinacea and Elderberry, Andrographis is an herb with pronounced benefits for the immune system, said Blumenthal. A recent published review of 11 clinical trials shows that Andrographis is safe and effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections associated with colds and flu. Added Blumenthal, "despite its good record of being scientifically documented for its safety and benefits, it has not yet become popular in the United States, although it is available from a few manufacturers."

Andrew Weil, MD, best-selling author and leader in blending conventional and alternative medicine, and a member of the ABC Advisory Board, has been providing advice on alternatives during the flu vaccine shortage. According to Weil, "There are other ways of preventing and treating influenza. My first choice is to take a standardized extract of the well-known Chinese herb Astragalus throughout the flu season. It is nontoxic and has immune-boosting properties."

Extensive information about Echinacea, Elderberry, Andrographis, Astragalus and other herbs is available from ABC at www.herbalgram.org.

Simple, common sense preventatives during flu season:

• Wash hands for at least 15 seconds with warm, soapy water
  
• Avoid touching mucous membranes of nose, mouth, eyes

Once you get the flu, most experts recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids, over-the counter fever reducers and ache alleviators, a light diet, and good old chicken soup and not to exercise until you are well.

The Center for Spirituality and Healing Web site provides general information on health-related topics. The information is for general health education purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Specific advice on diagnosing or treating a health care problem should be obtained from a health care provider.

References

Coon JT, Ernst E. Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Planta Medica. 2004.

Goel V, Lovlin R, Barton R, et al. Efficacy of a standardized Echinacea preparation (Echinilin ) for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2004.

Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, et al. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J International Med Res. 2004.