As the media whips up the hysteria about swine flu, I am asked this question more and more. My response has several parts.
First, I tell people that if they think they have swine flu, or any medical problem, they should consult a doctor. And that is true for readers of this blog, I am not a doctor, the information I offer is not a substitute for qualified medical care. If you think you have a health problem, please see your doctor.
Secondly, I suggest that it is better to try to prevent getting sick in the first place, and there are some common sense recommendations that help.
The first is one you probably heard from your mother, wash your hands frequently, with soap and warm water. It is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of germs.
Next, getting adequate rest is important. If you are not sleeping enough, your immune system will not function optimally, making you more susceptible to getting sick. Make sure you are sleeping enough to let your body recover from the day's stresses.
Eating a varied and nutritious diet also helps. Foods rich in vitamin C and/or quercitin (a bioflavinoid, which is a good antioxidant and anti inflammatory) especially seem to support the immune system, including apples, blueberries, onions, buckwheat, green tea, and garlic, to name a few. Eating a wide enough diet to ensure your body is receiving adequate nutritional support is important. (Consult your doctor, or a dietitian, if you need help to determine what an appropriate diet is for you.) Include a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, preferably locally grown and seasonal. Some research suggests that taking supplemental vitamin D also supports your immune system, and it may help, but I don't have any experience with the supplement myself. You may want to check with your doctor about this.
Do what you can to support your immune system, and you are less likely to become ill, and to recover faster if you do become sick.
When I get the flu, I usually let it run its course, making sure to get as much rest as possible, and drink plenty of fluids (usually tea, herb tea, or broth); if I feel I need to take something more, I use a homeopathic remedy called Oscillococcinum, which is usually available in health food stores, and even grocery and drug stores. I find that it helps most if you start taking it at the first signs of symptoms.
My strongest advice about swine flu is to remember that media thrives on sensationalism, and generally blows things far out of proportion. Take some common sense precautions, get enough rest, eat well; and take the media stories with a very large grain of salt.
