Fit N Fresh

Bird Flu in the News

With disquieting news of the continuing spread of bird flu and more human victims,
there is increasing concern that this illness, caused by the Avian Influenza virus
H5N1, could spread even to parts of the world so far unaffected. Many people are
already at risk and many more potentially vulnerable, so we focus here on bird flu
and some natural prevention and treatment options.

What is a Virus?

A virus is a minute infectious agent consisting of a nucleic acid core with a protein
shell (or capsid) which is often multilayered (covered) with fats. This capsid shell is
an impenetrable obstacle for many herbs and drugs, including antibiotics, which are
therefore no use against viral infections. Certain herbs can penetrate or break down
the capsid and these are the herbs we refer to as anti-viral herbs.

The Effects of Viruses

Viruses vary greatly in their effect on the body. The common cold, for example, is
an acute, short-lived viral infection which usually produces mucous in the throat
and sinuses. To take an example at the other extreme, the polio virus can produce
serious symptoms and can lead to paralysis.

Viral infections usually manifest symptoms like fever, generalized aches, chills,
fatigue as well as typical symptoms for each specific virus. The particular strain of
flu known as bird flu, avian flu or H5N1 has the symptoms mentioned above of high
fever and fatigue, as well as specifically attacking the respiratory system and thus
the lungs and the oxygenation of cells.

Of the hundreds of different viruses that may potentially affect humans, some have
the ability to mutate. A specific anti-viral drug may be successful against a virus for
a period of time but, once the virus it is treating mutates, the drug will no longer be
effective.

For example, the flu virus mutates quite quickly, which explains why a ‘flu shot’ will
not necessarily provide any protection. It is made up of antibodies to the previous
year’s flu virus strains – usually from 5 to 10 of the most common ones – and thus
may not protect against the current year’s strains.

The Value of Natural Anti-Virals

Natural anti-virals are particularly valuable as they contain many constituents which
make them effective over a broader range of viruses. Even leaving aside concerns
over bird flu, it is a good idea to include some antiviral foods and herbs in your diet.

As well as breaking down the virus’ shell anti-viral herbs also have strongly
protective effects on the body. They stimulate the immune system, specifically
increasing macrophages which destroy foreign agents as they enter the body. Anti-
viral herbs also protect the individual cells, strengthening the cell walls in an anti-
oxidant manner thus preventing a virus from taking hold in the body.

Please remember that in the preparation of herbal medicines, oils, etc. the quality of
the raw material as well as the extraction method used hugely affects the final
product and its efficacy. Cheaper products may be made with inferior herbs and
dubious manufacturing methods. It is a false economy to buy cheap herbal
products.