This time of year, more than any other, we see lots of people who experience the flu. The flu is a common term heard quite often in the news this time of year, but what is the flu exactly?
Influenza (flu) is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. There are two main types of influenza virus: Types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
If interested, here is a short video about how the flu virus works.
Flu viruses can live up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and up to 12 hours on cloth and tissues. They can remain infectious for about one week at human body temperature, over 30 days at freezing temperatures, and indefinitely at temperatures below freezing. Antibiotics won’t help because they are used to fight infections caused by bacteria. The flu is caused by a virus.
According to the CDC, for the United States, "The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza at clinical laboratories increased from 25.7% to 27.7% this week."
Data from clinical laboratories have shown 12,715 specimens tested positive for Influenza A and B just this week. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
In a recent newsletter from Chi’s Enterprise, Inc., a producer of a line of supplements we use at Docs Outside the Box!, the following recommendations were given to help us all stay healthy or recover our health if we catch the flu. “For those who are experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat or cough. We recommend taking Bamboo Extract and Oxypower. These should help with symptoms. For those who are looking for prevention, we recommend taking Bamboo Extract, in the morning before leaving the house. Even for children, they can take Bamboo Extract for prevention.”
They also noted to not “forget to always wash your hands thoroughly! It will help prevent spreading germs and avoid touching your face.”
The newsletter states “Bamboo Extract has always been beneficial for respiratory issues. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, Bamboo Extract was also recommended. There were many cases where Bamboo Extract was extremely beneficial.”
The most nutritious part of the bamboo is used in the extract, containing a complex source of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Known for its antispasmodic qualities, bamboo extract is also very effective for treating respiratory issues. Antiviral, antibacterial and anti-aging benefits can all be found in this humble Panda food.
CASE STUDY
“J. Blair, ND from NJ, had a 7-year-old girl taking Bamboo Extract, Reishi Spore Extract and Asparagus Extract. About 20% of schoolchildren at her elementary school were found to be H1N1-positive through nose swab technique. In her class, 5 were given Tamiflu, including herself. With flu-like symptoms, 4 children had to stay at home for weeks. However, the girl only had symptoms for one day and then symptoms cleared.”
The bottom line is there are many things you can do to help yourself and your loved ones. Prevention and preparation will be your greatest allies…oh and the folks at Docs Outside the Box! too.