April, 2009: Current Affairs

Swine Flu Update - Clear Center is Here to Help

Dear Friends,

In the past few days, whether we watch T.V, listen to the news or read the paper, we've all been saturated with news updates regarding Swine Flu.  As of the latest World Health Organization update 7 countries have reported cases of Swine Flu.  Although 68 of those cases have been confirmed in the United States, as of this writing, the majority of those cases have been mild and people have recovered. Sadly, there has been 1 death reported from the flu here in the United States and according to the news that was a very young child from Mexico who was being treated in Houston, Texas.  All of the other reported cases in the United States have been mild cases, and symptoms have been very similar to the typical, seasonal flu virus.

We know many of you have questions, including:

  • What do you need to know about Swine Flu?
  • What can you do to prevent yourself and your family from getting Swine Flu?
  • How is Swine Flu treated?   

What is Swine Flu?

First of all Swine Flu, despite its name, is not a virus we can get from eating pork or any kind of pork products. Swine Flu is the name of this particular strain of flu, or influenza. Every year we are exposed to a different type of influenza virus. And Swine Flu, also known as Swine influenza A, is one of the new strains of influenza this season.  It's unique because it consists of 4 different types of viruses and, because this disease is usually transmitted among pigs, our bodies have no natural immunity.  This virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets, in the form of aerosolized viral particles which can also be transmitted via contaminated hands and other contaminated surfaces, as well as via coughing, sneezing, and any other contact with respiratory secretions.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

So how do you know if you have Swine Flu?  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to typical flu symptoms which include:  

  • Fever  
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches 
  • Headache 
  • Chills 
  • Fatigue
  • Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea 

Please remember, these symptoms are all similar to the typical seasonal flu infections that our bodies are exposed to each year and to which we are able to mount an appropriate immune response so we recover.

What to Do If You Think You Have Swine Flu?

To know whether you actually have been infected with Swine Flu, please see your local healthcare provider.  Here at Clear Center of Health, we are committed to serving the community during this time of concern and we are testing people to confirm whether or not they have Swine Flu.  If you do experience flu-like symptoms, please call to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.  During the appointment, a sample will be taken from the nasal cavity and then sent to the lab for testing. In 24 hours, we will get results.  Although supplies of Tamiflu (the anti-viral medication that is used to lessen the symptoms and duration of Swine Flu) in Marin County are being reserved for seriously affected individuals, we can help you start supportive treatment with other natural remedies right away.

Treatments which we offer here at Clear Center of Health include:

1)  High dose nutrient therapy to support the body’s own immunity and to counteract the damaging free radicals that the body’s natural response creates during a viral infection

2)  Supportive herbal therapies and supplements to help ease flu-like symptoms

3)  Dietary and lifestyle recommendations to optimize your immune health

4)  Supportive counseling to help ease anxiety and address concerns of family members and caregivers

 We at Clear Center are committed to serving your needs and sharing with you news and advice as it comes in. However, because of the influx of phone calls related to this outbreak of Swine Flu in Marin County, we cannot counsel patients about Swine Flu without a scheduled appointment. If you have questions, Dr. Lissa Rankin at Clear Center will field general questions about Swine Flu on her website, where she has posted 13 Ways To Avoid Swine Flu and Why Not to Freak Out. 

If you come to our clinic with flu-like symptoms, please be prepared to wear a mask, which will be provided for you, to protect others from becoming infected.  Whether you are a new or existing patient, you will be scheduled to see one of our doctors for a 30-minute office visit.  We will do our best to accommodate everyone who needs to be seen.

Please rest assured, that as always, we are here to support you. 

Yours In Health,

The Doctors at Clear Center of Health