MountainView

Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 if you have symptoms or concerns, and you can speak to a nurse 24 hours a day. If you decide to see your doctor or health care provider, call ahead and inform the office of your symptoms so appropriate precautions can be taken.

To help prevent spread:

· Washing your hands regularly or cleaning them with a hand-sanitizing lotion

• Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or even your sleeve is better than into your hands.
• Keep children and adults who are sick at home. Do not send children to school or daycare.
• Minimize stress levels and make sure you are well rested.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Minimize sugar intake.
• Increase anti-oxidant consumption with Vitamin C, Green tea, or Elderberry. In one study extracts of green tea were found to be more effective at inhibiting H5N1 Influenza A (Avian flu) than anti-viral medication.
• Consider getting your vitamin D status tested. Recent literature has shown that individuals with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to get more severe symptoms from seasonal influenza; animal models have shown vitamin D deficiency causes increased susceptibility to swine flu infection; and there is also evidence that vitamin D plays a role in the way the immune system protects the respiratory tract from viral infections.
• Studies have shown that certain homeopathic combinations (Gripp-Heel) are as effective as conventional medications for flus and colds
• 
  Engystol is an immunomodulating medication which has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms during an acute viral infection and help protect from subsequent infections.

Mountainview Wellness Centre H1N1 Supplement Program

Prevention Protocol

· Metabolic Nutrition: ½ tsp x 2 times/day ($52.40)

· Engystol ($19.99)and Gripp-Heel($18.20): Initially 1 tablet every 15 min for 8 doses. Then continue with 1 tablet three times daily for 5 days. Stop for a 4 day rest and start again for 5 days with 1 tablet 3 times per day. Continue for four weeks. Wait one month before starting again.

· Ultra Flora Plus DF Powder: ¼-1/2 tsp per day with water or juice away from food($49.40)

Treatment Protocol

· Anti Viral Formula: ½ tsp x 2 times/day 20 minutes away from food, mixed with water or juice ($29.99)

· Gripp-Heel: 1 tab hourly as needed

· EGCG SAP: 1 capsule 2 times per day ($86.18)

Intravenous Treatment Options

Myer’s Injections (high dose Vitamin C, B1,2,3,5,6,12, Mg, Ca, Na, Se, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mb, 2 anti-viral homeopathics; $65, 15 minute treatment) may be used weekly for prevention or for treatment

Hydrogen Peroxide (with 2 anti-viral homeopathics; $130, 2 hour treatment) is available for aggressive antiviral treatment

What about Vaccinations?

Whether or not to offer and/or recommend vaccination is a decision each member should reach on his or her own.  The BC Naturopathic Association believes informed consent of benefits versus risk (observed and theoretical) is integral to patients as they choose, or choose not to receive the flu vaccine. 

Preliminary reports on 415 volunteers are starting to give us come indication regarding efficacy and safety. 96% of vaccinated individuals showed a robust immune response following the shot. Mild adverse reactions were observed up to 86% of the time and resolving within 72 hours which included redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Moderate (2.5%) and severe (less than 1%) side effects included symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting and fainting. Rare and theoretical concerns include: protection is limited to the current H1N1 virus only; ingredients such as thimerisol (in multi-dose vials) and adjuvants (squalene) will be used; and potential for increased incidences of rare serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions, autoimmune and neurological conditions like Guillian Barre Syndrome(1 in 150,000)

The estimate with vaccination is a 70-90% reduction in incidences and therefore a lower number of deaths attributed to H1N1. Anyone in the high risk category (pregnancy, seniors, youth under 10 years of age, individuals with obesity, respiratory or circulatory conditions) should consider the vaccination option.

Testing and Treatment

Testing and naturopathic treatment options for H1N1 are available at the Mountainview Wellness Centre. If you have questions or would like more information please feel free to call us at (604)538-8837. Complimentary 15 minute visits are also available to the public.