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Influenza \ Common Cold
Treatment Pathological Considerations Physiological Considerations
PATHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Influenza is caused by a viral infection. It can be classified as type A, B, or C. It infects the upper respiratory tract. It can cause fever, coryza, cough, headache, malaise and inflamed respiratory mucous membranes. It is spread via contact with the mucous membranes of the throat, nose, mouth, bronchi, lungs or middle ear, is contagious, and can be spread via airborne droplets. Some methods of contagion are coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated items. Influenza is has seasonal prevalence in fall and winter.

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

There is a 48 hour incubation period after infection where the virus replicates in the respiratory system followed by the onset of symptoms similar at first to a common cold. Chills and fever may begin suddenly with generalized aches and pains occurring with prostration and fatigue. Headaches are common.
Secondary bacterial infection of the bronchi and lungs is most commonly caused by pneumococci or staphylococci and is suggested by persistent or recurrent fever and cough into the 2nd week of infection. Signs of Pneumonia are seen in a worsening of the cough with the presence of bloody sputum.
Influenza can range from relatively mild to fatal. The ‘common cold’ being classified as an afebrile (no fever) inflammation of the airways, nose, sinus, throat, and larynx.
Standard medical treatment:
Although antibiotics are effective against any secondary bacterial infections they are not effective against viral infections. Antiviral drugs can be given but are quite strong and may have adverse side affects. Immunization is the treatment of choice.

TREATMENT

Influenza is best treated in the early or preventative stages to avoid aggressive therapies.

*Oscilococcinum (Anas barbariae) (Boiron)
A homeopathic remedy from Boiron is very helpful at the beginning and first signs of a flu.
One unit dose tube at the onset of symptoms (dissolve entire contents of tube in the mouth). Repeat for 2 more doses at 6 hour intervals
 
*Oregano Oil (SuperReg) Pacific Health Sciences
Oregano Oil in its oral grade form is a strong effective immune stimulator and anti pathogenic substance.
4 drops on the tongue followed by a cup of water. Avoid contact with lips.
 
*Olive Leaf extract capsules (Pure Encapsulations) (17-23% oleuropein and bioflavanoids)
Olive leaf extact has been shown to be helpful as a potential anti viral substance
2 caps 2x/dy when symptoms are present.
 
*Instant Immune liquid extract (PHS)
A powerful combination of immune enhancing herbs such as Cordyceps, Reishi and Shitake, combined with Zinc, Vit C, Colostrum, Propolis, Coloidal Silver, Larex and other herbs that help fight off pathogens while stimulating the immune system.
3 droppers in a small amount of water every 2 hours when symptoms are present.
 
*Thymus 150 (Atrium)
Thymus glandular is shown to be supportive of increased immune function in compromised situations.
2 tabs 2x/dy during symptoms
 
*Pro Boost (Longevity Science)
Thymic Protein A, a protein extract from the thymus gland has been shown to be a helpful immune stimulator of the thymus gland.
One or Two Packets / dy
 
*Clear Lung Plus liquid extract (Pacific Health Sciences)
Thins respiratory mucous, increases expectoration, anti-infective in lung conditions. Herbs and colloidal silver.
3-4 droppers in a small amount of water every two to three hours during symptoms.
 
**Zinc lozenges
Helpful if sore throat is a symptom.
 
**L-Lysine Herpanicine (Diamond)
An anti-viral amino acid.
2caps - 2x/dy
 
**NAC (N-acetylcysteine) (Pure Encapsulations)
An amino acid derivative of L-cysteine NAC has a high affinity for lung tissue which it supports through mucolytic and antioxidant action. Thins mucous and increases tissue levels of Glutathione a powerful antioxidant.
1-2 capsules per day (1000mg caps) between meals
 
**AntiOxidant (Super AntiOxidant) (Montiff)
Antioxidants are helpful in a variety of immune system challenges whenever free radical production is increased.
2 caps - 2x/dy During symptoms and preventatively.
 
*Other helpful Homeopathic Remedies:
Bryonia:
(Wild Hops)
Pain produced is a stitching, tearing; worse by motion, better rest.
Mucous membranes are all dry.
Physical weakness.
Irritable.
Talks of business.
Modalities:
Worse, warmth, any motion, morning, eating, hot weather, exertion, touch.
Cannot sit up gets faint and sick.
Better, lying on painful side, pressure, rest, cold things.
 
Gelsemiuim sempervirens:
(Yellow Jasmine)
Motor Paralysis.
Dizziness, drowsiness, dullness, and trembling.
Paralysis of various groups of muscles about the eyes, throat, chest, larynx, sphincter, extremities, etc.
Muscular weakness.
Infuenza.
Dullness, languor, listless.
Apathy regarding illness.
Modalities;
Worse, damp weather, fog, before a thunderstorm, emotion, or excitement, bad news, tobacco-smoking, when thinking of his ailments; at 10 a. m.
Better, bending forward, by profuse urination, open air, continued motion, stimulants.
 
Ferrum Phos.
(Phosphate of Iron)
Early stages of febrile conditions.
Nervous, sensitive, anaemic, with the false plethora and easy flushing.
Face more active than gelsemium.
The remedy for the first stage of all febrile disturbances and infalmmations before exudation sets in. expecially for catarrhal affections ofthe respiratory tract. Ferr. phos. 3x increases haemoglobin.
Modalities:
Worse, at night and 4 to 6 a.m.; touch, jar, motion, right side. Better, cold appications.
 
 
Baptisia:
(Wild Indigo)
The symptoms of this drug are of an asthenic type (loss of strength, weakness), simulating low fevers, septic conditions of the blood , malarial poisoning, and extreme prostration. Great muscular soreness and putrid phenomena always are present.
Thinks he is broken or double, and tosses about the bed trying to get pieces together. Inability to think. Ideas confused. Falls asleep while being spoken to.
Modalities:
Worse; humid, heat; fog; indoors.
 
Eupatorium perforatum:
(Thoroughwort)
Relieves pain in limbs and muscles that accompanies some forms of febrile disease, like malaria and influenza.
Bone pain.
Worn out constitutions from inebriety.
Modalities:Worse periodically. Better, by conversation, by getting on hands and knees.
 
Arsenicum album:
(Arsenious Acid)-Arsenic Trioxide
 
A profoundly acting remedy on every organ and tissue.
Restlessness, with nightly aggravation. Great exhaustion after the sllghtest exertion. Irritable weakness. Burning pains. Seaside complaints. Fear fright and worry. Ptomaine poisoning. Odor of discharges are putrid. Septic infections and low vitality. Great anguish and restlessness. Changes place continually. Fears.
Modalities:
Worse, wet weather, ater midnight; from cold, cold drinks, or food. Seashore. Right side. Better from heat; from head elevated; warm drinks.
 
Other Helpful Products:
Thymex (Standard Process)
Congaplex (Standard Process)

Gan Mau Ling (Chinese Patent formula)
Zhon Gan Ling (Chinese Patent formula)

KEY

*Primary
**Secondary

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The information on this page no matter how effective it may be does not replace the advice of a licensed health care professional. The food and drug administration has not evaluated this page or any other integrated or complementary treatments. If you are not sure about this treatment, speak to a licensed health care professional that has had training in complementary treatment.
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