| Are We Prepared for a Worldwide Flu Pandemic? |
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| Written by Dr. Veronica LaChapelle, ND, PhD(c), CHS, CN |
| Tuesday, 01 November 2005 23:03 |
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The term “pandemic” is being heard on newscasts almost every day, but what exactly does it mean? An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, causing serious illness and spreading easily from person to person worldwide. A pandemic is different from a seasonal outbreaks or epidemics of influenza, which are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses already in existence. Pandemics are caused by new subtypes, or by subtypes that have never circulated among people or haven’t been seen in some time. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption and economic loss. Pandemic viruses emerge as a result of a process called “antigenic shift”, which causes an abrupt, major change in an existing influenza A virus. These changes are caused by new combinations of proteins attached to the surface of the virus, and result in a new subtype. The appearance of that new subtype is the first step toward being considered a pandemic, but it also has to spread easily from person to person. Once a new pandemic influenza virus emerges and spreads, it normally becomes established among people and moves or circulates for many years as a seasonal epidemic of influenza. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization both have large surveillance programs to monitor and detect influenza activity around the world, including the emergence of possible pandemic strains. The largest pandemic during the twentieth century was the “Spanish flu” which occurred in 1918-1919, causing a death toll of more than 500,000 people in the U. S. and up to fifty million world-wide. Most of those who died were young, healthy adults. What can we do to be prepared against the “new flu”? First, there is no vaccine for the new flu, commonly referred to as the bird flu. Currently, this virus strain is mutating and being passed among animals, particularly birds, but also tigers and other cats. There is a large concern that the mutation will continue, eventually being passed to humans and spread by them. No flu immunization for this new virus strain will be available for at least six months, and probably longer. Secondly, many don’t wish to be vaccinated due to possible toxins contained in the vaccine, including mercury, antifreeze, and formaldehyde. If you want to avoid taking vaccines, the healthcare professionals at the Health Matrix recommend some daily preventive activities that can help prevent flu by increasing your immunity: 1. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before eating. 2. Eat healthy foods, and exercise three to five times per week. 3. Drink six to eight glasses of good quality drinking water daily. 4. Use a solid vitamin support program, with good professional advice. 5. When appropriate, use quality homeopathic remedies. 6. Improve lymphatic support and drainage. 7. Massage therapy helps improve lymphatic drainage and improves body energy flow. 8. Limit exposure in crowded places. 9. Make rest and sleep a priority. 10. Laugh a lot and manage your stress levels, since viruses tend to like unhappy people. The Health Matrix, directed by Veronica LaChappelle, N.D., is located at 7212 McNeil Dr. #204, just north of Hwy. 183, and offers natural healthcare by certified professionals, unique spa services and products, and nutritional supplements. Call (512) 335-7179, or visit www.essentialhealthmatrix.com. |
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