Respiratory influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the
nose, throat, and lungs. The viruses responsible for
the flu are known as Influenza A and Influenza B. To
help understand the relationship between diseases related
to, or mistaken for, the flu consider the following:
•
Influenza A and B are aggressive viruses
that attack the respiratory system.
•
A cold is also a viral infection from one
of over a hundred viruses that are less aggressive than
influenza A and B but can also attack the respiratory
system.
•
Avian (Bird, H5N1), H1N1 (Swine) and H3N2 are subtypes
of influenza A. New strains evolve every few years.
See a more detailed description at the end of this page.
•
The stomach flu is also a viral infection
but it attacks the stomach and intestines. These
viruses are of different strains than cold or influenza A
and B viruses.
•
Flu and colds are viral not bacterial.
Antibiotics will not help.
Flu symptoms
One to four days after the virus enters the body symptoms
will begin. Typically a high fever from 102 to 106 °F
(higher temperatures usually for children) is the first
symptom. This will be followed by overall
aches,
headaches, chills, dizziness, and lack of energy. Some
will experience
nausea and vomiting. This can last 2
or 3 days and then symptoms may move to cold like symptoms
of a r
unny nose, coughing, sneezing, and sore throat. For
those severely weakened pneumonia is a danger. For
others the tiredness and lack of energy can last for weeks.
Flu and cold differences
Symptoms for a cold and the flu may be similar. A
cold is much more common and less dangerous. Some
differences and similarities are:
• The
flu hits harder and faster. Symptoms develop rapidly
and are very strong.
• For
adults a fever usually means the flu.
• If
it lasts for weeks it was the flu.
•
Headaches, coughs, earaches happen with both.
•
Early sore throat or runny nose it is probably a cold.
How the flu is spread
The flu is a highly contagious disease that can be
transmitted by coughs, sneezing or other contact with
someone that is contagious. This can occur from one
day before someone shows symptoms to three to seven days
after. This is further complicated since some can have
the virus but not show any symptoms.
Influenza A or B
Influenza A is usually more aggressive and arrives
between early winter and early spring.
Influenza B can appear at any time of the year.
Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
This is a viral infection of the stomach and intestines
that often lead to diarrhea and vomiting in children and
adults. The virus may come from contaminated food or
water or can be spread from person to person. Beyond
stomach discomforts symptoms may include chills, sweats,
muscle and joint aches, and fever.
West Nile, Swine/H1N1, Bird and
H3N2
Flu
Here are some comments from the CDC (Center of Disease
Control) on the most recent world wide flu scares:
West Nile virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness.
Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in
North America that flares up in the summer and continues
into the fall.
• What
Can I Do to Prevent WNV? The easiest and best way to
avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
• What
Are the Symptoms of WNV?
- Serious
Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected
with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms
can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor,
disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness,
vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last
several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
- Milder Symptoms
in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become
infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body
aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands
or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can
last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people
have become sick for several weeks.
- No Symptoms in
Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out
of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms
at all.
• How
Does West Nile Virus Spread? Most often, WNV is spread by
the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected
when they feed on infected birds. WNV is not spread through
casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the
virus.
Avian flu (bird flu)
Usually, “avian influenza virus” refers to influenza A
viruses found chiefly in birds, but infections with these
viruses can occur in humans. The risk from avian influenza
is generally low to most people, because the viruses do not
usually infect humans.
"Human influenza A viruses" usually refers to those
influenza A subtypes that have spread widely among humans.
Currently, H3N2 and H1N1 influenza A subtypes are
circulating among humans and H2N2 influenza A circulated
from about 1957-1968.
Some genetic parts of current human influenza A viruses
had their origin in bird flu viruses originally. Influenza A
viruses are constantly changing, and they might adapt over
time to infect and spread among humans.
Swine Flu (H1N1)
U.S.The U.S. Public Health Emergency for 2009 H1N1
Influenza expired on June 23, 2010. On August 10, 2010, the
World Health Organization … Emergency Committee declared an
end to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic globally. …
Internationally, 2009 H1N1 viruses and seasonal influenza
viruses are co-circulating in many parts of the world.
It is likely that the 2009 H1N1 virus will continue to
spread for years to come, like a regular seasonal influenza
virus.
A Summary of Key Steps
(Dr. David Hill)
10 basics of prevention.
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially
after you cough sneeze or wipe your nose. Tissues should be
discarded immediately in a wastebasket.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough
or sneeze. Discard the tissue immediately in a waste basket.
3. Run your diffuser often in your home. I know there has
been much discussion on our diffuser lately, and we will
address that in a blog soon to come. Dr. Hill and other
leaders have much to say about that. What oils?
On Guard for
sure. It was developed to boost our immune systems, and
guard us against pathogens.
4. While we are talking On Guard, I would also consider
rubbing your own children's feet with On Guard every night
before bed time and every morning before they put there
shoes on for the day. Not only is it a bonding experience
for you and your children, but it will bolster there immune
systems.
5. I would also mist your families bed sheets with a mist
of essential oils before bedtime. 10 drops of On Guard or
some other essential oil with a ¼ cup of water in a spray
bottle – shake well.
6. If there is virus in your area, obviously you want to
avoid contact with those that are sick.
7. Put about 1 drop of Lemon oil for every 8oz of water
you and your family drink. Over time this will greatly
strengthen the immune system. In our home, we have not had
colds or flu of any significance in over a year since we
started incorporating essential oils in our household. And
this is one way we have been consistent with.
8. As always, as you clean regularly around your home,
use essential oils to clean. Purify, On Guard or Lemon in a
spray bottle used for cleaning will assure pathogen free
surfaces.
9. Be aware and recognize symptoms if they strike you or
a family member. Immediately begin an essential oil protocol
and see a professional if you experience symptoms. Swine flu
symptoms are similar to regular flu: Fever, body aches, sore
throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
10. Make your home a happy place, free from stress. A
haven with kind words and positive thoughts. Make a place of
safety and refuge. As storms rage on, have your home be a
house of prayer, gratitude and love. These are all things we
can do that will create of synergy of protection for your
home and family.
Now what do we do if we find ourselves faced with
symptoms of the flu?
Protocol for Viral Flu
At the first indication of a symptom, strike back quick
and hard. Make sure the oils you have are doTerra essential
oils. Why? They are guaranteed to be sourced from the area’s
in which the are indigenous to. They are organically grown.
Harvested by correct methods and at the correct time.
Distilled by professionals at the correct temperature and
pressure. Finally each batch is tested by independent labs
for correct constituents content to guarantee efficacy.
These methods are key to insuring safety and effectiveness.
Oils that are an important part of your germ fighting
arsenal and that are good to have around are; On Guard,
Oregano, Cinnamon, Myrrh, Thyme, Basil, Clove, Lemon,
Peppermint, and the AromaTouch oils. These essential oils
have the ability to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses, get
down into the cellular level and make things right.
Essential Oils are proven natural combatants to boost the
immune system and protect us from and combat against flu
strains including the swine flu.
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Breathe, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender,
Lemon,
Melaleuca, On Guard, Oregano, Peppermint, Purify
Essential oils based
products:
Also consider:
AromaTouch, Balance, Basil, Cassia, Cinnamon,
Cypress, DigestZen, Marjoram, Rosemary,
Thyme
Suggested protocols:
Immediate actions to stop virus:
• Make 00 size capsules of 8 drops
Oregano, 5 drops On Guard and 3 drops Frankincense. Then take the capsules
internally twice daily. Start oils protocol as soon as
symptoms are detected.
• Gargle twice daily with 1 drop
Oregano, 2 drops On Guard, and 2 drops Lemon in 1 or 2 tablespoons of pure water.
After gargling for 5-10 minutes, swallow the mixture.
Actions to prevent spreading:
• Diffuse the air that you are working, living and
sleeping in. If you are suffering from symptoms, consider
oils and blends that will help. If you are trying to
quarantine areas of healthy air, diffuse On Guard.
• Use
On Guard foam cleanser to clean common use areas.
For Children:
• For children that can’t take internal treatments,
use appropriate oils on their feet, chest and using the
AromaTouch Technique
For further help
(those with weakened immune systems, very aggressive virus,
pandemics, etc):
• Oil pull daily with 1 tablespoon VCO, 2 drops
Oregano,
and 2 drops Melaleuca. Pull for about 10 minutes before
expectorating the blend. Then brush your teeth and rinse out
your mouth. This mixture may be hot. If it’s too hot, reduce
the Oregano to 1 drop and add a drop of Lemon. You can also
consider Cinnamon, Cassia or On Guard instead of Melaleuca.
• Always put
Lemon and Peppermint in your drinking water
and drink it often. Staying hydrated is an important part of
assuring the oils work effectively in our bodies.
• Consider other protocols for specific symptoms.
Breathe to the chest, neck and back for respiratory issues,
DigestZen (often in a capsule with Frankincense) for nausea
or digestive problems. Oregano or Cinnamon and Lemon as a
gargle for sore throats.
• In cases where there is obvious inflammation to the
bronchial tubes including cracking or popping sounds while
breathing from the chest, consider a rectal implant. 3 drops
Oregano, 3 drops Frankincense, and 3 drops Thyme in a
capsule. Lubricate with virgin coconut oil then insert
rectally. Al least twice daily. It is not pleasant, but
highly effective and the quickest way to the lungs.
• Do
twice daily AromaTouch technique. Use Virgin Coconut
oil as a carrier for the recommended oils. Add the blend Breathe and
Thyme to Inflammatory
Reduction phase.
• Eat healthy mostly raw foods.
• Get plenty of rest, exercise and fresh air where
possible. For children that can’t take internal treatments,
use appropriate oils on their feet, chest and using the
spinal treatment.
dōTERRA Essential oils does not prevent, treat or cure disease. Your lifestyle choices can help prevent disease. Your doctor treats symptoms and fixes broken parts. Your body cure disease!
