Influenza and RSV Respiratory Illness are on the Rise this Winter

It is annual flu season with a variety of different bacterial and viral illnesses going around. Lung infections have hit many people with vengeance recently and while many different influenza viruses attack the respiratory system, the H1N1 virus appears to be the dominating strain of influenza circulating currently.

The symptoms may start three to five days after exposure to the virus and symptoms of H1N1 are similar to other flus and may include: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and headache. In higher risk individuals, especially children under 5 years, and those with underlying chronic conditions, it may lead to pneumonia. Symptoms of viral pneumonia can last 1-2 weeks and may include: productive cough (green/yellow mucous) fever with sweating and chills, shortness of breath, shallow breathing, stabbing pain in chest loss, of appetite, and fatigue. If your symptoms are getting worse after one week and or not improving after 2 weeks, consult your health care provider.

Antibiotics do not work in viral conditions so what can you do to prevent and or help prevent viral illness this season?

NAC has been shown to increase glutathione (GSH), the body’s major antioxidant, and it has been found to also anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

The depletion of both GSH and NAC antioxidants cause oxidative stress which leads to inflammation. Inflammation is characteristic of many acute and chronic conditions, including most respiratory conditions, influenza, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and more.

NAC has a high affinity for lung tissue and can prevent and or relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, loosening mucus in your air passageways. As an antioxidant, NAC helps replenish glutathione levels in your lungs and reduces inflammation in your bronchial tubes and lung tissue.

In a one-year study, 600 mg of NAC twice a day significantly improved lung function and symptoms in those with more chronic respiratory conditions. NAC helped to decrease the severity and frequency of wheezing, coughing and respiratory attacks.

Studies confirm that NAC is well tolerated and results in significant decrease in the frequency of respiratory and influenza-like episodes, severity, and length of time confined to bed. Over all NAC supports the immune system, suppress viral replication, and reduce inflammation.

Another favourite supplement I used often in clinical practice was RespirActin a supplement that includes rosemary, sage, cloves, cinnamon, chamomile, thyme, spearmint, witch hazel, juniper and black seed oil. These herbs help support the respiratory and digestive systems. It is interesting to note that in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the lungs and large intestine are connected and referred to as ‘husband and wife’. In this case weakness in one system can lead to weakness in the other.

With that in mind probiotics and fermented foods can also help support the gut relationship in respiratory illness.

In addition to NAC, RespirActin, and probiotics, increasing evidence shows that vitamins C, D, E, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against and prevent the progression of respiratory diseases.

Please talk to the knowledgeable staff at the Vitamin Shop to help you support your health during the winter months when many become more prone to different viral infections.