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Feb 24, 20215 min read

‘Influneza Di Freddo’: An Influence of Cold Weather

The contagious influenza is an illness caused by two main strains of viruses; A and B (1). The illness, mainly affecting the respiratory system puts children , older adults and those individuals with certain health conditions at a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, ear and sinus infections and the aggravation of medical conditions like diabetes and asthma. Extreme cases of influenza infection can even result in hospitalization and even death (2).

With the varying types of flu all over the world, the 2013 reports of Avian influenza A (H7N9) in China affecting humans and live poultry, is of major concern, as those infected become severely ill (3).

When it comes to the common seasonal influenza, although people feel safe, they definitely don’t feel their best. A runny nose, fatigue and a sore throat are all usual symptoms of this condition. While the symptoms are not limited to just the aforementioned, people may experience other symptoms. (4)

A large study found that between 2003 and 2008 the average number of deaths per year, in every 100,000 people was 4271 in only 8 cities of China (5). These were the deaths specifically associated with influenza. This figure is huge!

Prevention is Better than Cure

Even though we don’t have much control over environmental pollutants, we do have control over our lifestyle. Given that physical activity is one of the most important factors in preventing disease (4), Australians are encouraged to do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular exercise per week. Combining this with resistance/strength training 2-3 times per week can improve aerobic capacity, weight status and body strength (5). Studies support this, as results have shown that exercise leads to improving respiratory capacity (6).

Suggestion: Avoid outdoor activity during times of rush hour, when there is higher than normal pollution or choose places that are away from main roads.

Food for Health

You know how the saying goes. It’s always easier to take the relevant precautions!

Experts claim that the virus is spread via droplets in the air that are created when people talk, cough or sneeze. When these droplets land in the mouth/nose of nearby people, they can become infected (6). In other rare cases, if a person comes in contact with a surface that has the virus on it then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, they may become infected (6). It’s no wonder the doctor tells a person suffering from the flu to stay at home and rest.

The number one method of prevention recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide is the flu vaccine (7). However, different flu vaccines are approved for use in different groups of people. It is best to consult with your doctor for advice.

Daily Preventative Actions (8)

  • Daily Preventative Actions.

  • If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except when you’re getting medical care or for other necessities.

  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Extra Protection

Vitamin C

Of all the many vitamins, most people think of vitamin C as the saviour when it comes to the flu. And there is truth behind it! Studies have found that vitamin C intake just before or even after symptoms of the flu appear, can relieve and prevent the symptoms (9).

That’s great news for orange lovers. But what other options are there?

Did you know that a single large orange contains approximately 100mg of Vitamin C (10). Wealthy Health’s Bio Maxi C high strength vitamin C formula designed for your convenience and wellbeing contains 1000mg Vitamin C. That’s ten times more than an orange!

Wealthy Health Bee Products

The word ‘propolis’ comes from the ancient Greeks, meaning an outer wall of a city (pro: before, polis: city), relating to its protective characteristics11. Bees tend to use it to seal the openings of their hives, maintain and keep them free of harmful bacteria. Used in Russia as toothpaste, this health delicacy is well known to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (12). Since propolis on its own has a bitter taste, we’ve combined the sweetness of Manuka honey for its sweet and long list of benefits.

Studies have shown that propolis may play a significant role in restraining the infectious activity of the influenza virus (13)

Wealthy Health’s range of Propolis and honey products are ideal for adults who want to protect themselves against the stressful symptoms of the cold and flu. The below listed products are an excellent range to choose from.

  • Dark Organic Propolis 2000

  • Olive Propolis 2500 Plus

  • Propolis with Olive Leaf Liquid Spray

  • Eucalyptus Pure Organic Honey (can be given to children as well, considering they have no allergies to bee products)

Wealthy Health Colostrum Milk Powder

Colostrum is the first fluid produced by mothers after delivery. It is rich in immunologic components developmental factors and other essential nutrients (14). Not only is it beneficial for babies but can also be beneficial to older children and adults.

At Wealthy Health we have a premium, bovine sourced Colostrum formula filled with the goodness!

  • Immunoglobulin’s-natural compounds that surround foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses in the body in order to destroy and eliminate them.

  • Essential amino acids - the building blocks of proteins involved in breaking down food, growth and repairing body tissues. ‘Essential’ amino acids cannot be made by the body and can be sourced from foods such as eggs, milk and meat.

  • Lactoferrin - a protein found in human and cow’s milk. It is important for regulating the absorption of iron in the intestine and its delivery to cells. Iron is also an essential component of the oxygen carrying molecules in the body. There is 7 times the amount of lactoferrin in Colostrum compared with the milk produced later on (15).

  • Vitamin D - is vital for the uptake of calcium in to the bones. Main source is the sun. Salmon, tuna, eggs and fortified milk are some food sources of vitamin D.

Don’t wait, place your order now!


REFERENCES

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Influenza (Flu) Viruses. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/index.htm. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Seasonal Influenza: Flu Basics. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  3. World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. Available: http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/influenza_h7n9/en/. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Flu Symptoms & Severity. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  5. Feng L, Shay DK, Jiang Y, et al. Influenza-associated mortality in temperate and subtropical Chinese cities, 2003–2008. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2012;90(4):279-288B. doi:10.2471/BLT.11.096958.

  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). How Flu Spreads. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  7. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2014). Seasonal Flu. Available: http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/seasonal/. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). CDC Says “Take 3” Actions To Fight The Flu. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  9. Gorton HC, Jarvis K.. (1999). The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections.. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 22 (8), p530-3.

  10. New Health Guide. (2015). How Much Vitamin C Is in an Orange?. Available: http://www.newhealthguide.org/How-Much-Vitamin-C-Is-In-An-Orange.html. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.

  11. Włodzimierz Więckiewicz, Marta Miernik, Mieszko Więckiewicz, and Tadeusz Morawiec, “Does Propolis Help to Maintain Oral Health?,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, Article ID 351062, 8 pages, 2013.

  12. Shruthi. E, B. S. Suma. (2012). Health from the Hive: Potential Uses of Propolis in General Health. International Journal of Clinical Medicine. 1 (3), 159-162.

  13. J. Serkedjieva, “Anti-Influenza Virus Effect of Some Pro- polis Constituents and Their Analogues (Esters of Sub- stituted Cinnamic Acids),” Journal of Nat Products, Vol. 55, No. 3, 1992, pp. 294-302.

  14. Human Milk Composition: Nutrients and Bioactive Factors. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 February ; 60(1): 49–74.

  15. WebMd. (2009). Lactoferrin. Available: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-49-lactoferrin.aspx?activeingredientid=49&activeingredientname=lactoferrin. Last accessed 13th Feb 2015.


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