By L. T. “Doc” McGee, N.D.
All viruses must be processed by your immune system. There is no magic pill for it. The stronger one’s immune system, the fewer symptoms one has if they catch it at all. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. Building one’s immune system is the best way of not getting the flu or any communicable disease.
All of the homeopathic remedies you listed will help once you acquire the flu. They do not work as a preventive very well, however. The box of oscillococcinum says “for symptoms of the flu.”
Echinacea helps to increase one’s immune system. Again it helps once you get the flu, not as a preventive. Seven capsules three times daily is a good dosage. You don’t take it until you need it because you will become immune to its benefits over time.
Getting a vaccine is controversial in that the current strain of flu will probably not be the vaccine you get, but last year’s strain. It will take more time to develop a vaccine for this new flu. Prevention is the best cure.
Vitamin C helps as a preventative as well as helps in lessening the duration of the flu once you get it. Taking 2000 mg three times daily is a good preventative during this flu season. In fact you can take several thousand milligrams of Vitamin C to bowel tolerance (a loose bowel movement the next morning). If Vitamin C is not the buffered kind it can irritate a sensitive stomach however. The buffered form is not readily available here in Mexico. The dosage should be reduced to 1000 mg three times daily after this scare is over.
Prevention is really a matter of common sense. Use a mask on flights and in public places. Wash your hands frequently. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth as this is where the virus enters. Try to stay 6 feet away from people, especially those that have a cold, cough or flu like symptoms.
Please note that this is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Please seek the help of your medical practitioner before embarking on alternative complementary therapy. Obviously, this is not intended to be a scientific document.
L. T. “Doc” McGee, N.D. is a Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy. He develops Personalized programs for health & healing based on individualized metabolism profile.
Tel. 376-766-5478, 56 Juan Alvarez (La Paloma), Ajijic, Jal., Mex.