DR. BETTY'S ARTICLES

Return to List AVOIDING ALL FLU BUGS© Betty deMaye-Caruth RN, PhD,CHTP www.minervaed.com   Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and keep your hands away from your face. While you are washing, sing the alphabet song, this will have you washing for at least 20 seconds to kill the germs. Rub vigorously. If you are using a public bathroom, use your hand towel to turn off the water faucet and open the door; then toss it into the trash. If there is no soap and water available use hand washing gels containing alcohol (Purell� is a good brand). This is a practical solution when you are eating in a restaurant or having a sandwich or snack on the run. Mom was right � always wash your hands before eating.  Use Clorox� wipes to wipe off a phone and computer keyboard that is used by the family or more than one person at work. At home, keep counter tops clean with the wipes and wipe down any surface that an infected person may have touched. Use a disposable tissue to cover your mouth when you sneeze. If you sneeze into your hand, wash it immediately or sneeze into your sleeve. Infected droplets are spread far and wide with a good sneeze. Keep your hands away from your face. The flu germs will be easily transmitted into your body via the nose, eyes and mouth. Avoid fast food and foods high in sugar (this includes corn syrup). Try to eat more fruit and vegetables. Take a good multivitamin every day. Drink plenty of water � at least eight glasses a day. Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. Naps are good during the day even a short 15 minute nap will be helpful. There are some herbs that will help boost your immune system. Astragalus is one that is recommended by Dr Andrew Weil. You can obtain it at your local health food store. Taking a dose of this every day will help your immune system stay strong (follow the directions on the bottle). Use a nasal wash every day to keep the immune system strong. I use the Neti Pot� from the Himalayan Institute. This little pot looks like an Aladdin lamp with a spout that fits right into your nostril. All you have to do is fill the pot with warm water, a small amount of sea salt or kosher salt and stir to dissolve the salt, tip your head, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and gently pour the water into your nostril. It will come out the opposite nostril. Blow your nose and repeat in the opposite nostril. You will not drown and you will be removing any germs or pollen that are lurking. If you wish to order a Neti Pot� go to www.himalayaninstitute.org. Try to get some exercise in each day. A 20 minute walk outside will help to keep you in shape and strengthen your body, mind and spirit. If you do come down with the flu STAY HOME and sleep alone to avoid transmission, this virus is extremely infectious and will be easily transmitted to your co-workers and family. Drink plenty of fluids and increase your intake of Vitamin C (up to 1Gm per day) rest and  replace your toothbrush. If you have been exposed to the flu, taking the herbal formula Immunostim� 3x a day may help you to avoid becoming ill. Use the Neti Pot 2x a day and drink plenty of fluids. (Immunostim� is available through the Himalayan Institute and can be ordered on line www.himalayaninstitute.org.) There is a homeopathic formula called Oscillococcinum� which should be taken immediately when the symptoms of the flu are felt. Follow the directions on the box. Most health food stores and some pharmacies carry this homeopathic preparation. I recommend that everyone have  tissues, antibacterial gel if they can not wash their hands with soap and water, and Clorox� wipes. Remind your children that they need to cover their mouth when they sneeze. Although the flu virus does not live on inanimate objects for too long, wiping down the mouth piece of a phone, and a computer keyboard is an extra precaution that will pay off in the end.   I hope that these tips will help you to avoid this nasty bug. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at minervaed@aol.com   None of the information in this presentation is to be used as a substitute for conventional medical care. Always contact your medical practitioner for further advice and treatment.