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Dr Justin Gallant ND
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How to Prevent Cold and Flu by Dr. Justin Gallant ND

11/24/2014

2 Comments

 
Cold and flu season is here and preventing the flu can be a matter of saving yourself a couple of sick days or saving your life. Influenza (The flu) is a consequence of being exposed to one of a variety of strains of viruses. We all harbour several different viruses, but it’s not until our terrain is jeopardized that the virus flares up or we contract a new strain which causes us to manifest symptoms of that virus.

There are several things you can do to strengthen your terrain and minimize your risk of getting the flu. The main goal is to keep our immune system strong, minimize exposure to new strains, and minimize transmission if the virus is active.

Click on read more if you're interested in preventing the flu. 

Here are some easy ways to reduce your chances of getting the flu: 

1)      Avoid contact with virus-filled respiratory droplets (Other people’s spit). When microscopic droplets leave one person’s mouth and enter another persons’ nose or mouth the virus will implant in the respiratory mucosa and multiply quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be on the couch for a week spraying out of both ends. A couple of ways to prevent exposure are avoiding being around those who have the flu, being outside as often as possible and washing your hands frequently. If you’re healthy, you can contract the flu but not exhibit any symptoms. This makes it even more important to avoid being inside too often, because you can’t be sure who is breathing flu particles out. The more you’re outside, the less chances you’ll breathe in someone else’s virus-filled respiratory droplets. Catching a cold from being out in cold weather is a myth, it's being inside more often due to cold weather that is the issue here. 

2)      Wash your hands! Disinfectants and detergents can actually inactivate the flu virus. The most common way to spread the flu is to get saliva on your hand, touch a surface and someone else touches that surface and then touches their eyes, nose, mouth, etc... They will pass the virus particle to their mucosa (internal lining) and the virus will start to multiply.  

3)      Reduce stress! I know it’s easier said than done but stress makes us secrete a hormone called cortisol which weakens our immune system. 

4)      Get lots of sleep. Sleep deprivation is another factor that weakens our immune system. When you’re feeling like you need more sleep in the winter, listen to your body and your immune system will thank you later. 

5)      Vitamin D (Since we’re not making it from the sun), vitamin C and zinc are just a few of the prophylactic nutrients you can take to prevent the flu. Talk to me about proper dosages and forms. There are several other nutrients for prevention and treatment of the flu. Be aware that there are thousands of products out there aimed at preventing the flu but they don’t have the proper ingredients or doses to do so. There are also quite a few supplements that work time and time again but don’t get enough publicity. 

6)      Using herbal medicines that have immune boosting and antiviral properties. I suggest you see me if you’re going to be taking these herbs though. I’m well-trained in Botanical (Herbal) medicine, so I’m aware of which herbs will interact with your medications, which herbs you’ll be allergic or sensitive to and which herbs you shouldn’t take based on your health. A couple examples of this are those who have ragweed allergies can be allergic to Echinacea which is a common immune-booster and licorice root, which has anti-viral properties, is contra-indicated in those with high blood pressure. There are also different forms of herbs that work better than others and there are a lot of products out there that don’t use proper doses. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are a good recipe for flu transmission. The combination of sharing drinks, drinking alcohol, stressing over family and holidays, no sun or fresh air, being stuck inside with a large group of people who may have the flu virus is bound to end in the flu. It's a good idea to take preventative measures before you expose yourself to a virus-filled get together. 

If you feel like you have the flu and you’re unsure what to do don’t hesitate to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000. They have nurses you can talk to, to direct you when you’re in doubt. Thanks for taking the time to read this! I could write a book on this subject but this article will do for now. If you have any questions or comments, please comment below or contact me via email drbkinnd@gmail.com  

This article was adapted from my post in the Sherman Hub News.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Justin Gallant 
Naturopathic Doctor 
Hamilton, Ontario
59 Dunsmure Road (Advantage Chiropractic)
437 Concession Street (Mountain Wellness Centre) 
2 Comments
Dr. C.R. Shaler
12/3/2014 04:31:35 pm

"Influenza (The flu) is a consequence of being exposed to a variety of strains of viruses"

- While it is true that a variety of influenza strains exist and a multitude of which are infectious to humans, this statement is inaccurate in that exposure to various strains is NOT required for infection, rather only one. Influenza is not the consequence of being exposed to a “variety of strains of viruses", it is the outcome of infection with one specific strain of influenza in which the exposed individual does not have adequate pre-existing immunity to prevent infection.

"We all harbour several different viruses, but it’s not until our terrain is jeopardized until the virus flares up and we manifest its symptoms."

- This statement is highly misleading and doesn't accurately depict the viruses that cause influenza or the common cold (rhinoviruses and adenoviruses), both of which are acute, not chronic viruses as would be implied by your statement. While it is highly important to keep your immune system strong to prevent the flare up of chronic virus infections such as herpes (HSV-I/II, EBV, varicella zoster), HPV, etc, and equally important to keep your immune system strong in order to prevent Influenza infection; Influenza is not a “flare up” rather an acute infection.

- What about the flu shot?? This is has been well documented to prevent or limit the severity of influenza in the most susceptible populations, including the elderly, and children. This would make far more sense then protecting our “terrain”, which I can only assume you mean microflora??

As a healthcare professional, it is important that you disseminate accurate and meaningful information about the causes and prevention of common communicable diseases. You have a strong ability to promote change in the lifestyle of individuals under your care and as such, have a responsibility to fact check the information you release as ‘advice’ to the community. A stronger adherence to professional standards should be considered in the future. A very useful resource would be the public library or many online resources such as US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health (pubmed - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or even the highly popularized WebMD.

Reply
Dr. Justin Gallant ND link
7/15/2015 10:03:39 am

Hey Dr. Shaler,

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond.

Pardon the confusion.
When I said exposed to a variety of strains I meant there are a variety of strains out there that we can be exposed to, not that we need to be exposed to several of them. It should read, "Influenza (The flu) is a consequence of being exposed to one strain out of a variety of strains of viruses."

My apologies for combining acute and chronic viruses, a significant oversight on my behalf. I will make the change soon!

Would it make more sense than protecting our terrain?
There are also well-documented reports of the flu vaccine being less than 30% effective. Stats can be skewed according to whatever the author's agenda is as you should know from taking research courses. Should we really depend on a vaccination rather than working on the person's health, hygiene and lifestyle? What if these people think, "Well I got my flu shot, I don't need to worry about it anymore." Which gives them a care-free attitude since they're "covered".

By terrain I mean much more than our microflora... I mean ensuring proper vitamin D status, zinc status, antioxidant intake, hydration, blood sugar control, protein intake, treating chronic sinusitis or other underlying conditions, ensuring the nasal mucosa isn't too dry, ensuring WBC's aren't low before flu season, proper sleep, reducing stress, you name it Doc!

I will definitely consider a stronger adherence to professional standards in the future, thank you for your kind guidance.

Thank you for the references, so simple yet so much knowledge in 3 different places. Part of my writing is to bring something new to the table so I prefer to use my brain and clinical experience when coming up with material. Just like any literature out there, my information may be susceptible to mistakes and some may even disagree with what I have to say. If I have numerous patients who only start getting the flu after getting the flu shot and patients who abate their viral symptoms in a much shorter duration once they start taking herbal antivirals, certain vitamins and antioxidants, those results are going to be at the forefront of my brain. I get all of my patients to make their own decision about whether they get a flu shot or not but I always support them year-round to reduce their risk regardless.

Thanks again for chiming in!

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    Dr Justin Gallant ND

    Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for teaching about health. Health detective, health guide, health ambassador and health educator. 
    Hamilton, Ontario

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