The New Fashion in Flu… H3N2v
H3N2v Influenza Virus is said to have first come on the scene in July of 2012
This is another flu that comes from pigs.
Signs and symptoms
• Similar to seasonal influenza
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhea have been reported in some children
• Milder cases without fever have also been reported
• Duration usually 3 to 5 days
People with other conditions (i.e. asthma) are more likely to have complications from the infection. Children under 10 years are considered to lack immunity to H3N2v and are therefore likely to be most susceptible.
Without tests it’s not possible to distinguish H3N2v from seasonal flu A or B.
H3N2v is resistant to the antiviral drugs amantadine and rimantadine.
There is no vaccine specific to H3N2v available at this time, and the seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t give protection either.
For you Herbwalkers who use natural methods to help you through the flu season, now’s the time to stock up on your supplies. After all, it’s a lot easier to look after yourself when the stuff you need is already in your cupboard.
Many plants are helpful for a variety of different reasons. Those of you who know me know that I like to keep Echinacea and Elderberry (berry tincture) in the cupboard at this time of year. But not everyone likes the same things. Other plants that you may find useful include:
• Elder flower
• Yarrow
• Oregano oil
• Labrador Tea
• Linden
• Peppermint
• Catnip
• Horseradish
• Garlic
Some people like to mix up what’s called a Master Tonic. Which is generally a mixture of equal parts ginger, horseradish, garlic, and onion, steeped in apple cider vinegar, then strained and the liquid is used as the tonic. Do a search on Google for Master Tonic Recipe, and you’ll find plenty to help you. Mixed with olive oil it makes a pretty tasty salad dressing too.
So, look after yourself this fall and winter.
The Herbwalker’s Apothecary would love to help.
Be healthy!
What are your thoughts on flu shots? Or, is this outside your realm to comment on?
Quick answer: I personally don’t get them.
Long answer: I’m not comfortable with them. When I was growing up they didn’t exist. After so many years without them I don’t feel a need to get them. Plus there is no guarantee that you won’t get the flu because they can only make them for a couple of the ones that they THINK will be going around that year. Yet there are often many going around at any given time.
Secondly, as I learn more about vaccines it seems that the science isn’t really there to back them up (at least not the way we’re told). I can’t find any long term studies on their safety, only short ones (days usually). Maybe it’s just me, I’ll keep looking.
The way they are “sold” to the public is upsetting too. They aren’t offered the opportunity to make truly informed decisions. The H1N1 “pandemic” looked more like a lesson in selling based on fear rather than real medicine (in my opinion). People aren’t openly told about their side effects when asked at the doctors to make a decision. Things like febrile seizures (a problem with the flu shot in Australia, last year I think that was), neurological disorders, viral shedding from certain types of vaccines, which could potentially carry the illness to loved ones that the person was getting vaccinated to protect. Insisting that pregnant moms really need to get vaccinated even though there aren’t studies proving their safety for pregnant moms (unless there are new ones I haven’t seen yet).
We are immersed in microorganisms, (incl. virus’) all the time whether we get sick from them or not, whether we vaccinate or not. This too makes me wonder.
The learning journey of the Herbwalker(s) continues.
In the meantime I personally use Echinacea and Elder berry. The first because of it’s benefits for a well balanced immune system. The second because of the growing evidence of it’s effectiveness against such virus’. Ever since I became a herbalist and started using such things I have been sick far less, and when sick, for far shorter periods of time than those around me. Clinical experience has to count for something 🙂
I SOOOOOO agree with you Elizabeth, I have never taken the flu vaccine and I don’t expect to anytime in the future either. I don’t feel like being a “guinea pig”. I have an Elderberry syrup in the fridge and my “Winter Fire Cider” (Rosemary Gladstar’s blend) in my cupboard!!! I feel better protected with these 🙂
I have to agree with you about the vaccines. I don’t think that we need them. I have recently discovered olive leaf has beneficial properties when sick with the cold or flu.
As you have said above no one has tested for long term safety. So how do I know that it can really be trusted.
The one and only time that I got the flu shot I was sick for 3-4 days afterwords as if I had the flu. So after that experience I don’t trust them.
Great publish, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector don’t realize this. You should proceed your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!|What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid different users like its aided me. Good job.