My son was just diagnosed with the flu, and yes, he had the vaccine but got it anyway. :-(
His pediatrician recommended that I take Tamiflu as his caregiver given that I'm exhibiting some small symptoms of flu, outside of my typical lyme symptoms.
I haven't had a flu vaccine but I was always one of those people that never caught the flu before.
I'm going to call my LLMD in the morning but I wanted to see if anyone has experienced anything similar.
All thoughts and experiences are appreciated!
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
My son had the flu and took Tamiflu. He was over it in 3 days.
I took the chance because a baby one county above me had died that weekend of the flu.
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
Well, he's not technically in active treatment. He's only on supplements to maintain. So, my advice may not be much help. But, he had no problems with the med.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I think LDM-100 (Lomatium), Allicin, Andrographis, Elderberry Extract are all better options. IMO.
A LL ND, or even a regular ND (naturopathic doctor) or acupuncturist would be better able to guide you regarding flu support and direct antiviral targeting.
Tamiflu was originally developed from one particular strain of Star Anise - and the pharmaceutical company bought up all the trees, very nearly so it could no longer be available as an "herb" to just anyone. Although, Tamiflu is not an herbal extract, it's now synthesized in the lab.
And it's not all that impressive, really. I spent hours studying this a couple years ago but my study notes were lost when my MAC crashed. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Note: an excellent cough drop. Helps nourish lungs and calm stomach. Good for adrenals. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- HIMALAYAN SALT PIPE
Carol in PA introduced me to this method. I've not tried it yet but it remains in my awareness. Just search that term at Google Advanced Search.
Maybe Carol will add to this. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- And avoid acetaminophen, it can "clog" lungs, and the liver, and all cells in the body, really, as it blocks glutathione from being able to enter the cells to get rid of cellular waste and let in the new good stuff our cells all need.
. . . Even a single dose of acetaminophen can reduce the body’s levels of glutathione, a peptide that helps repair oxidative damage that can drive inflammation in the airways, researchers have found. . . .
Tiny overdoses of Tylenol can add up to deadly damage
By Rachel Rettner 11-22-11
Taking even slightly too much Tylenol over a period of several days can lead to an overdose with deadly consequences, a new study says. . . . -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- A couple specific HOMEOPATHICS can also be very helpful.
muco ciccinum -- and other one similar to that.
by UNDA. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- To help calm nausea and vomiting. From my file notes, a while back:
Best to get ORGANIC. Top brands are Eclectic Institute and Oregon Mountain Harvest. Those are also in many natural foods markets. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- One big problem with any acute "flu" can be the cytokine "storm" - how this may help:
[ 01-23-2014, 08:14 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- When buying any support products, be sure they are free of junk. Not all brands are good quality. Some of the code words to look for in supplements and teas, not just in food packages:
First, avoid all coloring that may be added. And generally avoid flavor enhancements unless from the real food that would provide such flavor.
Sugar? Of course avoid added sugar and always avoid any corn syrups or added corn in any way.
over 50 reader reviews, a near perfect composite 5 star rating.
One reader notes: "Conducive to almost all specialty diets out there! GAPS, Paleo, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, real food......you name it, you will find a lot on this book for you." -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Jessig,
I hope you don't mind that I ran away with your question. I've been meaning to compile something like this so thought you might want it, too.
Hope it helps -- and to save for reference, send to others, etc.
I hope others will add to this, as well.
MASSAGE, MUSIC, LAUGHTER, LOVE - "unplugging" and dimming lights early in evening . . . also key elements at this time (and all times). -
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
I'd like to chime in (thanks, Keebler, for all the very good information!) and recommend Oscillococcinum, which has worked for me in the past. It needs to be taken at the onset of symptoms (just follow directions on package). It shortened, even stopped, the flu from becoming full-blown!
Olive Leaf Extract is very good. Seagate brand has the most oleuropein in it. Oleuropein is the active ingredient found in olive leaves which is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal.
Btw - I am not affiliated in any way with this company, just a consumer who is also trying to help others.
You might also want to read Dr. Morton Walker's book entitled, "Olive Leaf Extract". Check your local library or by it used like I did for a couple of cents on Amazon.
Posted by Gratitude (Member # 31314) on :
I just got over the flu very quickly after taking Tamiflu. I'm so glad I took it!
My LLMD had given me a prescription to have on hand because last year I had a terrible relapse after getting the flu.
I've also heard good things about Oscillococcinum.
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Tamiflu is good for many years, up to six, I think after expiration date. I have some Tamiflu, but never used it. I'm keeping it just in case because I relapse after flu shots.
Posted by Jessig627 (Member # 36240) on :
Thank you all so much!
My sons doc wants me to take it as well since I'm his caregiver.
A few hours ago I felt crummy.
Now I feel like I went 5 rounds with Mike Tyson! I hurt everywhere! Especially my neck, shoulders and arms.
I will see what the LLMD says in the AM.
If I would have known it was okay, I would have taken it from the pediatrician. At least now I know! :-)
Stay healthy everyone!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Just a few articles that come up with a search, as you weigh all information and reports of those using this.
Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida (CCHR Florida)
Warning: Tamiflu Causes Mental Health Issues
- December 7, 2012
Excerpt:
. . . Tamiflu causes delusions, hallucinations, suicide and psychosis. With potentially such serious adverse side effects, it should have an FDA warning but it does not. . . .
. . . The main point here is that you need to do your homework when it comes to drugs. The FDA, the CDC and the drug manufacturers are not the sources to go to for the full true story regarding the drug in question. . . .
-- [Much more specific detail in the article and there are numerous links listed at the end for further reading.] -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Study: Tamiflu may do children more harm than good
CNN Europe - August 11, 2009
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Treating flu-stricken children with anti-viral medication including Tamiflu and Relenza could do more harm than good, a new report has warned . . . . -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Department of Health and Human Services - Internal Memorandum
Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) Pediatric Safety Update: Background Summary and Review of Clinical Review Team Activities, 2007 to Present
April 19, 2012
Excerpts [note: AE = adverse effect]
. . . These skin reactions appeared unlikely to be related to influenza illness and the Tamiflu label was revised later that year to include precautionary language regarding severe skin reactions. . . .
. . . A number of additional steps were taken to evaluate a possible causal association between Tamiflu and the neuropsychiatric AEs. . . .
. . . Another 32 cases of neuropsychiatric AEs were reported in the pediatric age group including cases of delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, convulsions, encephalitis, and others. . . .
. . . An additional 5 pediatric deaths were reported from November, 2005, to November, 2006, including 2 U.S. cases. One of the U.S. deaths occurred in an 8 year old many months after a severe episode of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
and the other occurred in an otherwise healthy 3 year old who developed “severe strep pneumonia” with subsequent respiratory and cardiac arrest.
Three Japanese patients’ deaths were related to apparent self-injurious behavior (e.g., falling/jumping from balcony, running into traffic) in adolescents shortly after receiving their first dose of Tamiflu.
These reports focused attention on the neuropsychiatric AEs particularly events described as abnormal behavior or delirium.
The updated review of neuropsychiatric AEs identified 129 AERS reports in all age groups (range 1 ½ to 90 years) in the intervening year. . . .
. . . Delirium with prominent behavioral disturbances – 60 total cases (1 U.S.)
· Convulsions – 12 (1 U.S.) · Depressed level of consciousness – 4 (1 U.S.) · Loss of consciousness – 4 (1 U.S) · Miscellaneous – 9 (1 U.S.)
. . .
Summary
Cases of neuropsychiatric and other AEs continue to be reported in association with Tamiflu but the increased number of reports during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic appears to be commensurate with the increased use of the drug during that period.
Although rates of specific events can not be accurately determined from passively collected AERS data, serious AEs occur uncommonly based on estimates of drug usage. . . . -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- "Pill Curing" is excellent to ward off vomiting.
But, it should be the newer version without acetaminophen.
Of course, there may be times when we need to have whatever is causing the uproar just get on out of us . . . but if not, and if taken at that first wave (we all know it, that feeling like "uh-oh", Pill Curing can really turn that around for the better.
Especially good to calm dry heaves. I swallow some of the dose and let the rest melt in my mouth for faster action.
The original brand contains acetaminophen and that, IMO, should never be taken, especially when ill. It blocks glutathione in all cells in the body. And can damage the liver &/or ears with just one dose for some folks.
Here is a formula based on "Pill Curing" but without acetaminophen:
All naturopathic doctors are familiar with this brand and most should be familiar with this formula or offer advice for something more specific to each person's needs -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Mushrooms are excellent immune support & oh, ever so tasty!
over 50 reader reviews, a near perfect composite 5 star rating.
One reader notes: "Conducive to almost all specialty diets out there! GAPS, Paleo, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, real food......you name it, you will find a lot on this book for you."
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
GREEN TEA - Links Set -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Have on hand to make a gruel and get some nutrients if stomach is touchy:
Quinoa Flakes
Slippery Elm bark powder
Greens powder - better if you have your own juicer
Coconut "flour" - just finely ground coconut, nothing else in it -- just add water and make a gruel of sorts . . . it can put some kind of food in in a pinch
Chicken broth in freezer. Keep a supply so that you never run out. Small glass jars are good for a condensed broth.
Foods that can be "blenderized" according to whatever blender model you have.
Note: it took me a very long time to figure out that broth made from rotisserie chickens just was not as rich as made from chickens I baked myself. I think a lot of the good juices run out when they are in the rotisserie at the store. -
[ 12-12-2014, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Oct. 2011 - 12-minute video at YouTube -
Posted by Phoiph (Member # 41238) on :
Coincidentally, I was at a Christmas party tonight, and had an "off the record" discussion with an immunologist about Tamiflu.
His take was that it is a heavily promoted drug due to political/financial reasons, but is not proven to shorten the flu by any more than 4 hours (not days), has myriad possible side effects...and not worth the risk.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :