Winter is upon us and with it comes flu season. Flu and colds are diseases caused by viruses. These organisms are distinctive from bacteria, though many people do get bacterial infections when they are run down by viruses.
The differences between viruses and bacteria are worth understanding. Bacteria are one-celled organisms, many of which have symbiotic relationships with humans. This means that they live on our skin and in our bodies without doing harm to us and may, in fact, provide benefits. If, however, bacteria enter areas of our bodies where they are not supposed to be or if we come in contact with bacteria that is foreign to us, our immune system responds by making specifically unique antibodies to combat them.
Pharmaceutically manufactured antibiotics that have been developed to protect us against bacterial infections do not have this same specificity which is why they kill so many different kinds of bacteria at once. Some of these bacteria that get killed may be the beneficial kind that live in our intestines and their elimination will leave our gut flora imbalanced causing diarrhea and even lowering some clotting functions that are provided by the normal flora (bacteria).
Viruses, on the other hand, that cause colds and flu, are basically strands of DNA. These strands cause problems by infiltrating our cells and splicing into our own DNA. Once they enter us they are extremely difficult to eradicate. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, though they are sometimes prescribed to address a bacterial infection that may occur when the immune system is compromised by the viral infection.
As is true of most ailments, the best treatment is prevention. Viruses are easily transmitted from person to person or from object to person through touch or inhalation. When we find ourselves in crowded enclosed areas, especially with persons who are sneezing (such as airplanes, auditoriums, family gatherings), it is wise to cover our mouths and noses to reduce inhalation of viruses. It is also a good idea to boost our immune systems or avoid those congested areas all together.
Once a flu or cold has been contracted, treatment is often targeted at relief of symptoms because pharmaceutical anti-viral medicines have limited success.
There are many ways of bolstering one’s immune system to fight viral infections. Increasing one’s intake of Vitamin C is very helpful. There are many herbs that have long histories of enhancing the immune system. The gland, thymus, has been used to increase T-cells which is a major component of our immune system that fights viruses.
Something as simple as raising our core temperature may be effective in increasing our white blood cell count. Many people have been successful at resolving a flu by simply stimulating a sweat. This can be accomplished by taking a hot bath and bundling up and “sweating it out” or “breaking the fever.”
An often overlooked value in enhancing one’s own immune system rather than relying on outside pharmaceutical drugs is that the immune system is then exercised and prepared to combat the next potential infection. Again, this preventive strategy is the best medicine for a long and healthy life.
Dr. Michael Miles’ Clinic is located at 15601 N. Oracle Rd. in Catalina behind Golf Cars of Arizona. You can learn more about the Catalina Clinic and Dr. Miles by visiting the website: www.catalinaclinic.com. To contact Dr. Miles or make an appointment at the clinic call 520-825-8100.