The predominant flu strain in the community is the H1N1 virus. It is responsible for approximately 80% of all influenza illnesses whereas the remaining 20% are the result of the typical seasonal flu virus. While I don’t suggest that all individuals receive the vaccination against the H1N1, I strongly recommend that all individuals consider the vaccine especially those with immune compromise or in high risk category. In addition to living a healthy lifestyle and taking various natural remedies for flu prevention, there are many reasons to justify getting the H1N1 vaccination in patients with immune compromise. The strain does not appear to be mutating and patients with immune compromise are more susceptible to complications from any flu virus. For information on H1N1 vaccination clinics in your area, click here. If you chose to get the vaccine, ensure that you are not sick and do not have a higher than normal temperature.

The following recommendations are in order to empower, balance, strengthen and even in some ways heighten your immune response against H1N1 and any other virus or bacteria. Doing so should also help to ensure a more positive response to the H1N1 vaccine should you decide to have it.

1) Natural remedies: "Pascoleucyn" (Pascoe) as recommended on the bottle. Increase vitamin-D to high but safe upper limits (400iu daily for children, 1,000-3,000iu daily for adults). Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C and supplement with Vitamin C (10mg/kg of body weight three times daily) and Zinc(5-20mg) tablets. Use Moducare or AHCC or Astragalus (as this flu typically complicates the “over responders”) and so any of these help balance the immune system. Use ColdFx as it too has an immune modulatory (balancing) effect. At the first of the flu, take Oscillococcinum. If you develop a cough, consider Oregano oil or Hydrastis to prevent any superimposing bacterial infections.

In order to prevent proliferation if and when exposed to H1N1 and to prevent development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can also be practiced.

2) Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

3) "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you are eating or bathing)

4) Gargle twice a day with warm salt water. H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

5) Similar to 4 above, clean your nostrils and sinuses at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at using a “Neti Pot” but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

7) Drink as much of warm liquids and herbal teas as you can (ie. ginger tea). Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

8) Do some form of exercise daily and get outdoors daily for some fresh air. Stay warm with hats, gloves and scarves and the appropriate fall/winter wear so you don’t run your immune system down with excess external cold. Do your absolute best to keep stress down!

9) When you are coming down with a cold or the flu get plenty of relaxation by staying home and resting. This allows time for your body to heal and for you to take care of yourself. It also prevents you from spreading the virus to colleagues at work. Eat warm, cooked food and drink plenty of warm liquids. Avoid dairy and sugar.