How to combat viral infection this Winter and Spring

By August 13, 2012 Immune System

Latest research indicates that viral infections should not be taken lightly, and if untreated a life time chronic conditions may occur. Find out if you are at risk and what you can do to prevent it.

We have an unusual strain of viral infection this winter. The symptoms are not necessarily the usual aches and pains, temperature, or a dry unproductive cough. Many people experience laryngitis, and if not treated they lose their voice and the infection appears to be symptom free one day, only to come back the next; and this can drag on for months. Some patients may even lose their voice for few months. We must treat viral infections as soon as possible, as not only are we cross infecting our loved ones and people around us, but the biggest concern is that some people “soldier on” too early and do not leave sufficient time for convalescence.

Did you have a viral infection this winter? Do you still not feel 100%?

We see patients with viral infections all year round, but winter and spring in particular are favourable for viral infections with the wet and cold weather. The high Australian dollar has encouraged people to travel overseas thus exposing our population to different strains of viruses. Post viral syndrome is of concern as well. Though debilitating, post-viral fatigue syndrome does improve over time. Some patients may experience symptoms for a few months, whereas others may have had symptoms for many years. Patients can help themselves by not overworking on the days that they feel good, but try to maintain a consistent routine every day, gradually building up exercise and activity. Support from natural medicine can put an end to the ups and downs of post-viral fatigue syndrome.
Post-viral fatigue syndrome is a common disorder, characterized by unexplained persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue for at least six months duration. It is not the result of ongoing exertion, and is not substantially alleviated by rest. It results in a substantial reduction of previous levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities. Common concurrent symptoms include impairment of memory or concentration, diffuse pain, sore throat, tender lymph nodes; headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity; and unrefreshing sleep. Patients are also complaining of exhaustion, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, and invariable psychiatric symptoms such as emotional instability, poor memory/concentration, and depression.

Initially, infection starts with symptoms of viral infections which can suppress immune system, cause food allergies, chemical sensitivities, low energy, a sudden drop in blood pressure, sleep disturbance, leaky gut, IBS, poor detoxification of chemicals, and nutritional deficiencies. It can then progress into post viral syndrome.

Common viruses that cause persistent or latent viral infections are: hepatitis B, herpes virus simplex, herpes zoster, cytomegavirus, Epstein –Barr virus (glandular fever), papovaviruses (that cause warts) and arboviruses causing Ross River fever. A virus can express itself differently in different hosts. Epstein Barr virus for instance has been associated with a chronic fatigue syndrome characterised by fatigue, headache and parasthesia.

Persistent viral infections may be the cause of neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s dementia, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE and many more. So it is worthwhile to see a holistic practitioner and resolve viral infections right from the beginning. Live blood microscopy, available in our Clinic, is an excellent and instant tool to indentify viral infection. Then depending on the symptoms and whether this is a viral infection or post viral fatigue syndrome, appropriate supplements are dispensed. Patients usually recover within weeks of the treatment. Liz, 48, had post-viral syndrome for 12 months while not realising it. She was blaming her stress level for not feeling well. Live blood microscopy had revealed a viral infection and only just after one month of treatment her infection was completely resolved. “I forgot what it feels like to have more energy,” she said.

Our August 2012 Offer

This month we have a special offer: Live Blood Microscopy and a short consultation for only $140 save $80. This offer expires on 31 August 2012 and is available new customers only.

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