Swine Flu and Parkinson's Disease

How can I strengthen my immune system when I have Parkinson's disease?

Because I worry about things over which I have no control, I worry about the latest flu which is being called Swine Flu (Human Swine Influenza Virus - SIV) although according to an article I just read, it should be called North American Flu because no pigs have been found with it yet and because the genes contain both human and bird viruses as well as two swine viruses. And pigs are susceptible although none have been found with this H1N1 virus thus far.

No matter what you call it, unfortunately because having Parkinsons weakens our immune systems. Parkinson's patients are at a greater risk of dying during an epidemic. There is no new flu shot for our protection now and the one many people got last fall or winter probably doesn't offer any protection either. The earliest date for a vaccine has been said to be next September. There are only two effective antivirals Tamiflu and Relenza (inhaler) and they are in limited supply, so we PD patients need to look to what we can do to increase our own chances of surviving.

Here are a few things you can do to increase your odds of avoiding the latest flu strain. Most of them are things we've been told to do many times before but not necessarily in connection with the flu.

Start or continue a regular exercise program it will help strengthen your immune system. When you exercise you stimulate and circulate the parts of your immune system which give you a better chance of fighting disease.

Eat more green leafy vegetables and fruits and colored vegetables. When you buy vegetables get ones that are locally or organically grown. Ask the sellers if any of their produce is from Mexico or look for labels on shipping boxes. It may not a good idea to buy produce imported from other areas especially Mexico, Texas, California and New Mexico. Addendum: At this time the WHO is indicating that transmission is only through close person to person contact and not through food.

You will read about avoiding sugar and processed foods but that is for diseases such as diabetes, Crohn's disease, organ transplants and liver disease. Other studies from North Carolina and Loma Linda University indicate that sugar can actually give a boost to a stressed immune system.

Take a good quality Omega-3 oil. Make sure your intake of vitamin D is sufficient. You can support your immune systems with other supplements as well:
CoQ10 is the first antioxidant to consider for PD and it is also an imuno-stimulant
Aceytl L-Carnitine is a cell membrane protector
Vitamin A, C and E are antioxidants which support the immune system because of their antioxidant function
Alpha-Lipoic Acid aids Vitamin C and E
An assortment of mushroom extracts enhance the immune system in various ways: Maitake, Reishi, Shitake and Astragalus are all worth considering.
Don't forget about Lactobacillus Acidophilus which help the digestive system maintain a healthy balance - so important with PD whether trying to increase resistance to infection or not.

Options: adding echinacea and goldenseal for a limited time only.
adding zinc is for a limited period - no more than a month at a time for PD patients

If you are really worried: Try to self-quarantine. Go out of your house as few times as possible and when you do, wear a face mask. Wash your hands frequently. Don't travel. Don't take airplanes or any other public transportation except cabs. if you have too,wear a face mask. Get plenty of sleep, try to sleep more than you usually do as sleep will also help your immune system.

Social Distancing is a technique that can help you when you are out of your house; try to stay at least 3' to 6' away from other people. This flu is spread most directly by close proximity airborne particles. It is for this reason that the basic mask will actually be of value. This will help you avoid being the recipient of a misdirected cough or sneeze. Forget the visits with the grandkids to farms, petting zoos or fairs where pigs are present at least until that verdict is in conclusively - more to protect the pigs than from you since at this point the virus is passed from person to person.

Kissing or touching other people is one way the disease is transmitted. Avoid hospitals as they are the most likely places where you can pick up the infection.

By now you have heard that over 36,000 people die of some form of flu every year. Having PD is enough of a statistic to make. We need to take the extra steps to stay as healthy as possible.

The role of antioxidant supplementation:
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/7/1/29

About The Flu:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148119.php
http://www.ohiovma.org/
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/providers/advisories/2009/advisory090424.aspx