Natural Treatment of Swine Flu, H1N1 Virus - No Tamiflu?

A few months ago, pharmacies couldn't give Tamiflu (oseltamivir) away. Pharmacies who had stockpiled for the regular 2008-2009 Influenza A season found that the virus was immune and consequently physicians were not prescribing it. Now, suddenly there is a huge worldwide demand for Tamiflu and the related antiviral Relenza (zanamavir) due to the recent "Swine Flu" outbreak.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, this "Swine Flu" is actually a virus that has genetic components of avian flu, at least two types of swine flu - from both Europe and Asia, and from the regular Human Influenza A. It has infected thousands worldwide and continues to spread. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that this virus is sensitive to both Tamiflu and Relenza causing doctor's offices to experience a flood of inquiries for prescriptions.

The problem now is that many pharmacies have run out of Tamiflu and likely Relenza and they will most likely not be getting more until the situation has passed. All supplies from manufacturers and drug suppliers alike are being diverted to governmental agencies to stockpile for this "impending" pandemic. Pharmacies, drugstores, hospitals and physician's offices who order replacements - will not receive them as the drug is "unavailable" to the public. So, if you don't have yours yet - you probably won't be able to get it.

What if you actually need it? According to The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, several natural supplements have been shown to have antiviral activity. With Tamiflu or Relenza, you have to wait until you know you are sick. These natural supplements can be taken upon exposure or perhaps as a preventative. All of these supplements should be available at your local health food or vitamin store. Some can even be found at your local drugstore, grocery store or large discount stores such as Target and Walmart.

• Elderberry extract, also known as Sambucol - contains a component called antivirin which reportedly blocks the virus from entering cells and has been proven effective in flu outbreaks
• Oreganol/Oil of Oregano - has been shown to be a powerful antiviral and effective against the "bird flu"
• Ginger - reportedly contains over a dozen antiviral components and shows antinflammatory and may help to reduce fever
• Garlic - has many sulfur compounds which have shown to be antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic
• Shiitake mushroom - long known for infection prevention in Asia, believed to boost natural interferon to inhibit viral activity

And finally, the old standby

• Vitamin C/Ascorbic Acid - long known for boosting the immune system, laboratory tests show high doses are useful for preventing viral infections

One interesting note, Echinacea and Goldenseal (which are usually recommended as "immune boosters" for the common cold) are NOT recommended for the swine flu because of the possibility of pushing the body's natural immune system response too fast resulting in an increased risk of hemorrhagic fever - which is believed to be a primary cause of death from the current "Swine Flu".

Obviously good hygiene is essential, hand washing, hand sanitization, avoiding crowded public places and taking general care of one's self. One should always get plenty of rest, eat appropriately and stay hydrated to help ensure you are in good health especially if you are likely you be exposed to illness.

Sources:

United States Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Progress In Reverse Against New Swine Flu Strain

Center for Disease Control (CDC), Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

MotherNature.com: The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, Antiviral Drugs