With the Royals visiting, you can bet there'll be a whole lot of shakin' going on.
The recent H1N1 outbreak won't be stopping Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, from pressing flesh during their 12-city tour across Canada beginning today, confirms Clarence House.
"No, they won't be changing protocol on handshaking," says a representative.
It's unclear whether Charles and Camilla's organizers carry hand sanitizers, but if anyone's prepared, it may be the Prince whose family has long believed in alternative health practices including homeopathy and naturopathy.
These time-honoured systems treat chronic conditions but also help to boost the immune system.
And our immune systems need boosting, according to a recent Canadian survey. Eighty-four percent of us agree that boosting our immune system is key to health, but only 35% are proactive in doing so.
"Our immune system is our defence network," says pharmacist Sherry Torkos, author of the Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. "When we are exposed to a virus, it gets taken up by our lymphatic system. The cells, called macrophages, recognize the foreign invader and, like Pac-man, gobble up the virus."
When our immune systems are not in tip-top shape and are exposed to a new virus (such as the H1N1) to which our bodies have had no previous exposure and therefore no immunity, we are vulnerable. Some of us, particularly those in high-risk groups, can become very ill, she says.
"There are plenty of things we can do to help support our immune systems," says Torkos, based in Fort Erie, Ont. "I believe strongly in the power of nutrition."
She recommends a "rainbow diet," which is one where plates are half loaded with colourful fruits and vegetables. (Elderberry and acai berries are great for the immune system.) And don't ignore antioxidants that are common in things like garlic, onions and ginger, she adds.
Sleep is also an immune booster. "When we go without sleep it suppresses the ability of our immune system to work," she explains.
Go for seven to nine hours of nightly shut-eye.
Though fear of this flu stresses us, Torkos says that stress in itself "further hampers immune function." She says that along with smoking (a real immune system stressor), too much alcohol, caffeine or sugar may also suppress the ability of our immune system to act with full force.
With the Internet showing over seven million references for immune booster products, it's easy to become confused, exploited and potentially harmed.
"H1N1 is fairly new so these Internet companies would not have the data showing their products really work," says Torkos. "Look for products with clinical evidence behind them. You have to be careful because some companies take advantage of the scare and worry. It's irresponsible."
There are plenty of natural products that may reduce the risk of getting the flu because they boost immunity, says Torkos.
She believes that probiotics in yogurt help to maintain good intestinal health. "A lot of our immune system resides in our guts," Torkos says.
She also believes in the power of a vitamin D supplement and vitamin C -- both taken on a regular basis. Smokers and women who take oral contraceptives are often depleted of vitamin C, and Canadians lack enough of the sunshine vitamin, particularly in winter.
Reishi mushroom (a type of mushroom extract) also stimulates the immune system.
Astragalus has shown beneficial effects against cold and flu.
Cold-FX (the only natural product with Health Canada approved claims) boosts immunity through ginseng.
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When to seek help
You can become more savvy about flu symptoms by paying attention to the following:
The flu almost always presents with a sudden onset of cough and fever.
COMMON symptoms of the flu include fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, decreased appetite and runny nose.
SOMETIMES there will be nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND CHEST PAIN with the flu are RED FLAGS. If you experience rapid or difficulty in breathing, seek help by calling your doctor or going to an ER - especially if you are at risk of complications.
Other indicators of flu severity not to be ignored are a bluish or grey skin colour, bloody or coloured mucus, sudden dizziness or confusion, persistent or severe vomiting, a high fever lasting more than three days, or low blood pressure.
For more information, go to fightflu.ca
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Cold or Flu? Learn the Difference
Stuffiness, sneezing and a sore throat are common to the common cold, but fever is not. A high fever (38 C to 41 C) is common to the flu, as are headaches and aches and pains. With flu, fatigue and weakness can last for weeks.
"A sudden onset of fever, joint pain and headache is most likely the flu," says pharmacist Sherry Torkos.
"A cold usually starts more slowly, though both can start with a sore throat."
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Flu-fighting Checklist
Four out of five Canadians agree that touching, shaking hands, kissing or hugging spreads germs. But aside from avoiding personal contact, there are plenty of other things you can do to keep the flu from your door:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits and veggies
- Wash your hands often and well
- Sanitize commonly touched items such as computer keyboards, cellphones, pens, keys, purses and briefcases
- Don't smoke
- Take a multivitamin if you suspect you are not getting the nutrients you need through your diet
- Exercise regularly
- Control your stress level
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
- See your doctor about the flu shot
- Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription of an antiviral (Relenza or Tamiflu) to have on hand; be sure to begin taking the antiviral within 48 hours of symptoms
