2011-2012 Winter Flu Season Is Now Here in CA

I wrote this post last winter and it still holds today. So I am bringing it to you for this year and am offering the same kits at the same prices.

Typically the flu hits in February. This year is the latest flu season in nearly 3 decades. The mild winter is cited for the late arrival of the flu season.

There have been increased reports of sore throats, stuffy noses, achy muscles and nagging coughs. The strains this year are similar to last year’s so that it is anticipated that people have built up an immunity to the flus going around.

Another reason for the delay maybe due to the milder weather people are outdoors more instead of being inside in close quarters with groups of other people. Close quarters indoors is a great environment for the spread of colds and flus.

Nevertheless, people are coming down with the flu.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
My favorite standbys for when I start to feel something coming are cell salts. Homeopathic cell salts at 3X or 6X potencies are very effective and yet gentle for young and old alike. Best of all they will not interfere with your homeopathic remedy. (In my opinion, but you better check with your homeopath.) Ferrum-phosphoricum 6X immediately when you feel something coming on. Take 3 pellets (1 for children) every 15 minutes to start, best taken in a little warm water. If you are developing sinus congestion, take Kali-muriaticum 6X the same, you can gradually reduce the frequency as you become better.

It has been unseasonably warm and now the chilly rains have hit. If you feel a cold or flu coming on quickly after you have been exposed to wet, chilly weather, consider the homeopathic remedy called Aconite. Look for 30C and put one pellet in your water bottle and sip every so often.

Here are 10 best practices to help avoid getting the flu. 2011-2012 Flu Care Kits are still available. Contact me if you have questions or think you are getting the flu or have had the flu for longer than 1 week and cannot seem to completely recover.

WHAT IS THE FLU (ALSO CALLED INFLUENZA)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF FLUS
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

HOW FLU SPREADS
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

PERIOD OF CONTAGIOUSNESS
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

SOURCE
CDC, “Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine”

This article was brought to you by Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Board Certified Classical Homeopath. Myra teaches women how to recognize their body’s unique needs and cues and uses Homeopathy to help empower women to take control of their bodies, health and well-being. Find out more, she regularly publishes articles with home care tips for health and well-being in several venues. Visit her blog www.myranissen.com/blog.

Posted in Acute Illnesses, Cold & Flu, Featured Post, Homeopathy, Homeopathy for the Family