Since the April swine flu outbreak, we’ve had a few calls from patients asking us what they can do to prevent themselves from getting ill with the virus.

As of right now, we are not aware of anything that will prevent swine flu in particular. The best advice we can give, then, is what we would tell our patients at all times but specifically when flu and colds are going around more than usual. What you need to do is boost your immune system.

How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally and Prevent Getting Swine Flu (or any flu!)

1. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and long enough (the duration is said to be as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”). Refrain from touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
2. Use homeopathic or herbal immune boosters and anti-virals as recommended by your naturopathic doctor.
3. Take anti-viral foods and vitamins that also boost your immune system. Up your intake of vitamin C. Also garlic, onion, peppermint, and ginger, either raw or in tea form are all anti-viral. Fresh veggies and fresh juices, specifically mango juice, have been shown to destroy viruses.
4. Get rest and as much sleep as you can. Try to avoid negative stress.
5. Use hand sanitizers in public places. Wipe down public surfaces and phones. Avoid large gatherings, and if there is swine flu spreading in your community, lie low and even stay home.

5 Facts about Swine Flu You May Not Know

1. Influenza A viruses (e.g., swine flu) are killed by heating. Normal cooking procedures (meat is well-cooked) will kill the virus, so there is no danger of contaminating yourself if you eat pork and pork products. The virus can be passed from human to human but originally started with people being in close contact with pigs. However, swine flu is not normally passed to humans.
2. The virus will be less likely to spread as summer comes on. Increased exposure to ultraviolet light as well as the coming heat and humidity make it tougher for the virus to survive.
3. Swine flu symptoms are like what you would get with the regular flu. The only way to know for sure if you have swine flu is to have laboratory testing done.
4. There is no swine flu vaccine.
5. The swine flu in humans is most contageous during the first five days of illness, though some people, more so children, can remain contageous for up to ten days.

For more information on the prevention of swine flu, please check out the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

If you have any questions or if you’re looking to book for indivualized treatment based on your current health concerns, please let us know using the contact form on this site or by calling 613-966-9660.