With the kids back in school, they are more likely to be exposed to colds and other viruses
– this exposure can be from simply touching common or shared items like cafeteria trays,
scissors or water fountains. And in addition to colds, the more virulent flu season begins in
late October to early November.
So what can be done to prevent this onslaught of viruses?
Washing hands is very important – it is one of the most successful methods of stopping the
spread of infection. Since children frequently tend to touch their faces and then surrounding
surfaces around them, hand washing and hand sanitizers both can play an important role
in stopping the spread of infection, particularly since viruses can live on objects for several
hours.
Hand sanitizers packed in the lunch box can provide an opportunity for the students to
“wash up” before eating.
Teaching children who have a cough or cold to cough and sneeze into their sleeves or
elbows, instead of their hands helps to prevent the spread of the viruses.
Exercise and regular sleep habits also help to support the immune system. It is good for
children to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day and 8 – 9 hours of sleep at night
to better help then resist the viruses they may be exposed to at school.
A well-balanced diet with emphasis on vegetables and fruits and avoiding fast food and
sugary foods also helps to strengthen the immune system – this is true for adults too, not
just children.
Specific treatments for viral infections are numerous. There is the annual flu shot, however
each year the flu vaccine is developed based on the previous year’s strain of flu virus. The
only problem with this is that the flu virus that circulates one year rarely repeats the next
year. Some people seem to be more sensitive to the flu shots and end up developing the
flu after receiving the injection.
There are some new flu vaccines prepared as a nasal spray that contain a live virus. A
drawback to this therapy is that it can result in the flu and a sneeze by someone who has
used the nasal spray can inoculate an entire room.
Immune-compromised people (the very old, the very young and people with AIDS or those
using steroids) should not use the nasal spray and should avoid contact with anyone who
has used it for at least 21 days.
At Premier Wellness we offer more natural alternatives that have been proven effective in
combating the viruses and flu.
Some of these include:
#1 Homeopathic preparations based on the most virulent strains of flu we have
experienced in the US this past century. Because it is homeopathic and not a live virus
there is no risk of acquiring the flu from it. Dosing is easy! The tablets are taken under
the tongue and taste sweet! No needles!!! For smaller children the homeopathic can
be dissolved in water and then taken as a drink.
#2 A combination of vitamins – specifically Vitamins C and D – support the immune
system.
#3 Specific Immune supportive products are another option.
When used in combination, these supplements are extremely effective in the prevention
of colds and flu viruses.
We would like to help you stay healthy!! Come and talk to our Naturopathic physicians
today before the flu bug bites!
Dr. Jo Turner
Naturopathic Physician
Premier Wellness Center
42211 N. 41st
Anthem
Dr Ste A109