Influenza Virus

Microbe Orthomyxoviruses (Influenza virus)

Distinguishing Features -enveloped virus -linear ssRNA genome in 8 segments – facilitates rearrangement -important proteins: -hemagglutinin -neuramidase -can cross species -transmission via resp droplets

Lab Tests -usually symptomology and community history are enough for diagnosis -cell culture – non specific CPE in monkey KI cells -virus isolation from nasal secretions

Disease Influenza A: epidemics and pandemics Influenza B: epidemics Influenza C

Ss & Sxs of Disease -flu season lasts 4-6 weeks (Oct-Dec)

Virulence Factors -hemagglutinin (neutralizes protective Abs)

-limited viremia – very rarely spreads beyond lungs -neuramidase (promotes spread) Influenza A: -abrupt onset of fever (lasts 1-5 days), non-productive cough, severe myalgia, rhinorrhea, anorexia) -children may have n/v, diarrhea -persists for 3d-1w -long convalescence for 12w – cough, lassitude, malaise Influenza B: similar course to type A but milder -stomach flu Influenza C: minor URI

-antigenic drift means no long-term immunity (small mutations in epidemics, major recombinations in pandemics)

Naturopathic Modality Nutrition/ Supplementation

Intervention

Support For

Reference

1. Nutritiona. Increase fruit and vegetable consumption

1. a. provides vitamins and minerals necessary for proper immune function

1. Practitioner paper on Influenza H5N1. CAND. Toronto: CAND, 2006.

b. Decrease consumption of saturated fatty acids

b. SFA cause stress on GI system which is integral to immune function

2. Buts et al., 1990. Dig Dis Sci 35(2):251-6. 3. Cole MF et al., 1999. Infect Immunol 67(4):1878-86.

2.Supplementationa. Probiotics b. Vitamin E

2. a. supports cell mediated immunity and increases serum IgA levels

4. Cross ML. 2004. Int J Immunopath Pharm 17(2):127-134. 5. Erickson KL and Hubbard NE. 2000. J Nutr 130:403S-409S. 6. Hattaki K et al., 2001. BMJ 322:1327. 7. Hori J et al., 2002. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 9:105. 8. Muir WL et al., 2002. Br J Nutr 87(6):579-85. 9. Perdiogon et al., 1995. J Dairy Sci 78:1597-66. 10. Tan PH et al., 2005. J Immunol 174(12): 7633-44.

Botanical Medicine

1. Toddalia asiatica compound extract 2. 15 ml of elderberry 3. Mao-to, Japanese traditional herb

1. In vitro evidence as anti-H1N1 virus agent against influenza virus type A 2. Sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from influenza-like

11. Vancikova et al., 2003. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 48(2): 281-7. 1. Lu SY, Qiao YJ, Xiao PG, Tan XH. Identification of antiviral activity of Toddalia asiatica against influenza type A virus. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Jul;30(13):998-1001 2. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40.

symptoms for 48 h or less were enrolled in this randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled 3. Kubo T, Nishimura H. Antipyretic effect of Mao-to, a Japanese herbal medicine, for treatment of type A influenza infection in study during the children. Phytomedicine. 2007 Feb;14(2-3):96-101. Epub 2006 influenza season of 1999Dec 1 2000 in Norway. Symptoms were relieved on 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo.

Homeopathy

1. Euphorbium compositum SN: a minimal antiviral effect against influenza A virus and Human rhinovirus (HRV) shown in this in vitro study 2. Oscillococcinum:

2. Oral Mao-to administration was effective in the control of fever due to type A influenza infection in 60 children vs Oseltamivir drug Rubrics 1. CHILL; alternating with; perspiration 2. GENERALS; Paininternally (malaise), burning; accompanied by: shivering 3. STOMACH,

7. Glatthaar-Saalmuller B, Fallier-Becker P. Antiviral action of Euphorbium compositum and its components. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2001 Aug;8(4):207-12

8. Vickers AJ, Smith C. Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum for preventing and treating influenza and influenza-like syndromes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD001957. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001957.pub3.

Placebo-controlled trials for prevention and treatment of influenza and influenza-like syndromes Homoeopathic Oscillococcinum does not prevent influenza but might shorten the length of the illness 3. Bryonia & Gelsemium TAM

LI4, TW5, ST36

retching, accompanied by, hawking mucus from fauces 4. STOMACH, retching, accompanied by, cough 5. GENERALS; Influenza; Bones; pain in 6. HEAD; pain, occiput, influenza Dispel pathogens

9. Boyle, Wade & Andre Saine. Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy. Eclectic Medical Publications, Oregon, 1988.

1.

2. Hydrotherapy

1. Heating Compress of Chest to treat early influenza 2. Constitutional Hydrotherapy

1. Moist heat via a cold compress applied to chest & covered with wool or flannel kept on overnight to increase circulation & decrease congestion. 2. Improve overall nutrition & boosts immunity

1.

Practitioner paper on Influenza H5N1. CAND. Toronto: CAND, 2006. Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, 2005. Boyle, Wade & Andre Saine. Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy. Eclectic Medical Publications, Oregon, 1988.