As I write this, we in the Seattle area are suddenly the epicenter of the largest coronavirus outbreak in the USA, and apparently it’s been in our community for at least six weeks! My clinic (Swedish Bainbridge Island) has been swamped with calls, so here’s my first in a series of tips on how to avoid coronavirus.… Read the rest
Tag Archives: flu
Chicken Soup: Can It Really Fight A Cold?
So was your mother actually correct in telling you to finish your chicken soup because it’s good for you? Perhaps.
Chicken soup has been considered an aid to the common cold and flu for centuries, by many cultures. In 2001 an interesting research paper (link at bottom of post) showed that chicken soup actually slowed down neutrophil activity and movements in test tubes.… Read the rest
Pregnant Women: Are You Vaccinated Against Flu?
It’s almost like a tidal wave, this outpouring of fear and misinformation regarding flu vaccines. I hope to provide evidence-based data for people to review and provide a basis for a well-informed discussion. Here’s an update: regarding pregnant women, every reputable public health agency is not just recommending but strongly recommending that all pregnant women get both seasonal as well as H1N1 vaccine (when/if available).… Read the rest
Good News For Pregnant Moms: Seasonal Flu Vaccine Protects Your Baby
There is now even more good news about the seasonal flu vaccine and how it can prevent severe infections in pregnant women. As I’ve said before, pregnant women and infants are at most risk of complications from the flu (even more from H1N1), and both groups are strongly recommended to get the annual flu shot.… Read the rest
Surgical or N95 Masks for the Flu?
So typical of modern medicine: one day a study says “try this”, the next week a new study says, “no, try that!” I am now guilty of the same thing. A month ago I quoted a study that said regular surgical masks didn’t work well against viruses.… Read the rest
Fight the Flu? Get Some Sleep!
Here’s a warning shot across the bow for those workaholics and students who are chronically sleep deprived. I’ve mentioned in my slide show about the common cold, as well as my accompanying article, that there are a lot of preventive things you can do to fight off colds and flu viruses.… Read the rest