What is influenza?
Influenza better known as the "flu" is an infection of the respiratory tract that can
affect millions of people. The influenza virus can be spread from person to person
through coughing and sneezing of an infected individual. Statistics show about 20,000
Americans die from influenza or influenza related pneumonia each year. Pneumonia and
influenza are the 6th common cause of death in the United States. Elderly (65+) make
up more than 90% of the 20,000 Americans who die from this illness each year. A person
may contract the influenza virus and not experience any
symptoms for a few days. The
incubation period for the influenza virus ranges from 1-4 days.
How does the influenza virus infect the body?
The influenza virus causes influenza or the "flu." Viruses are not independently living
organisms. They cannot survive in the absence of a living cell. A virus has DNA or RNA,
which allows it to make copies of itself, however, the virus must be inside a living cell
before this information can be used. Viruses are very small compared to the size of a
human cell. Common parts of all the different kinds of viruses include the capsid, core,
and genetic material (DNA or RNA). The capsid is the outer shell of the virus, which
encloses the protein core. The core of the influenza virus contains genetic material
called Ribose Nucleic Acid (RNA). The influenza virus and all viruses can only reproduce
in the living cells which they infect.
Is there more than one type of Influenza virus?
There are three types of Influenza viruses: Influenza A, B, and C. Influenza A can infect
animals and humans, the remaining two (B and C) can only infect humans. Influenza C virus
causes a very mild illness and does not cause epidemics. When viewed through an electron
microscope, influenza viruses are shaped like spheres or filaments. Immunity to one strain
of the influenza virus does not protect against newly circulating strains of the virus,
which has undergone minor changes or mutations. Influenza A virus can infect many different
types of animals, including humans, swine, birds, horses, aquatic mammals, and others. The
A virus varies; some may infect only one particular animal while others may infect several
different types of animals. At times unlike viruses mix when two different strains combine
in a human or animal resulting in a new unique strain of virus. The
2004 Influenza Vaccine is typically made of three strains,
which include two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B.
What you need to know about Influenza.
Several lab tests are available that confirm the diagnosis of influenza. Swabs of the deep
nasal passage or throat are taken and the virus is cultured. These tests are not practical.
The physician usually makes the diagnosis based on symptoms
and physical examination findings. While some may need the 2004
influenza vaccine, the best way to protect your self from the influenza virus is by maintaining
a healthy immune system. Keep in mind no vaccine is 100% protective. The vaccine can prevent
influenza symptoms in 70% - 90% of healthy young adults.
The percentages are cut in half to 30% - 40% in frail elderly individuals. The elderly are less
able to develop the protective antibodies needed as defense against the influenza virus.
As with almost any type of medication, there maybe side effects
of the influenza vaccine. The flu shot is an inactivated (killed) viral vaccine that is grown in
chicken eggs and harvested. The harvested culture is then purified and tested. If you are allergic
to eggs, you should not be injected with the influenza vaccine.
When choosing strains to include in the vaccine, scientists determine which strain will be the most
dominant that season. Fall is the best time to get the influenza vaccine,
but anytime during winter is fine. Each flu season, the body's antibody
levels decrease a few months after an annual flu shot. Strains in the influenza vaccines are not
always a good match with the strains causing illnesses; this is why it is important to exercise other
option in addition to or in place of the flu shot. The best way to protect your self from influenza
is by keeping your immune defense system in optimal condition.
Växa's Flu Prevention
Pac is a Scientifically Advanced homeopathic medicinal
strategy engineered to naturally support the function,
and thereby the resistance, of the Immune System. When
the Immune System is weakened it is prone to common
bacterial and viral infections, including influenza,
colds, chronic fatigue, laryngitis, asthma and emphysema,
as well as bacillary dysentery, toxic radiation, and
chemical poisoning (and the defective elimination of
such poisons), vaccinal poisonings, herpes simplex &
zoster (shingles), mononucleosis and lymphadenitis,
anemia, typhoid and typhus fever, encephalitis, hepatitis,
tuberculosis, pneumonia, septic blood and auto-infections,
and subsequent diminution of the population of red blood
cells. Växa's Flu Prevention
Pac is formulated to provide nutritional support
for the Immune System.
