Prevention and Treatment of H1N1 Flu Virus

The Ontario Government has enhanced their monitoring of incidents of flu-like symptoms in response to concerns about H1N1 Flu Virus.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children. In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

If you are experiencing these symptoms you should immediately contact your health care provider, including your Naturopathic Doctor (ND), or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. Do not leave your home if possible until you have spoken to your health care provider or a Telehealth nurse. People should only go to Emergency Rooms if they have severe symptoms.

A Naturopathic Doctor can help you support your immune system with a natural approach to health. A strong immune system not only reduces the risk of getting sick, but may also reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick.

Although viruses such as influenza don’t respond to antibiotics, there are anti-viral therapies your Naturopathic Doctor can suggest to you to support your immune system's ability to fight viruses and therefore lessen the severity of many illnesses caused by viruses. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in diagnoses and will refer you to another health care provider where appropriate.

Naturopathic Doctors are highly trained and provincially regulated primary health care providers. Visits to Naturopathic Doctors are covered by most workplace benefit plans. Even if you have a family doctor, your Naturopathic Doctor can complement their care with naturopathic treatment options.

Supporting your immune system

The human body has a natural ability to respond to viruses that attack it. These defense mechanisms can sometimes be weakened and require additional support to effectively respond when you are exposed to viruses. A weakened immune system is a particular concern when new viruses like the H1N1 Swine Flu emerge. Your Naturopathic Doctor can work with you to assess the current status of your health, and support your immune system using advanced natural therapies.

You can do simple things to help your body avoid the flu or other viruses. Here are some basics:

Be proactive Book a prevention appointment with your Naturopathic Doctor. Your Naturopathic Doctor can advise you what to keep on hand and how to use alternatives to pharmaceuticals to stimulate and support your immune system. Everyone is different and there are many ways to support the immune system naturally. Naturopathic Doctors provide individualized treatment plans to help you achieve the best results.

You are what you eat Food is fuel for your body and all its work. Eating a diet high in complete protein, essential fatty acids (EFAs), complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables is important to support a strong immune system. It is particularly important to avoid processed or sugary foods.

Hands off Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly is one of the simplest ways to keep germs at bay. Proper hand washing involves at least 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and hot water. Avoid touching your face since germs often enter the body through the nose, eyes and mouth. Use a tissue or your sleeve for sneezing and coughing—avoid using your hands to cover your mouth or nose.

Keeping the barrier intact Mucous membranes (such as the lining of your nose) must be moist to act as an effective barrier to bacteria and viruses. Using a humidifier in your home or office, or even taking a hot shower helps to keep membranes moist. Staying hydrated on the inside is also extremely important. Make sure you are drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water per day.

Both feet on the ground We all lead busy and stressful lives, and while it’s not possible to avoid all stress, it is important to find a way to achieve balance and reduce stress. Get a full night’s sleep, have an outlet for stress, and make your health and happiness a priority.

If you do start to feel sick

Take action by contacting your health care provider, including your Naturopathic Doctor, or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 as soon as you start to feel the first signs of getting sick.

For more serious cases of viral infections, your Naturopathic Doctor will follow current Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care protocols if screening determines that you may have been exposed to H1N1 Flu, including contacting the Public Health Unit and referral to another health care provider if necessary.

Many Naturopathic Doctors can also offer more advanced treatments in their clinics for viral infections, including injection and inhalation therapies using natural medicine. While there are many natural products out there that can help you, only a Naturopathic Doctor can provide you with expert advice on what works and is best for you personally.

For further suggestions on supporting the body through a viral outbreak click here.