Shingles Prevention

Shingles is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, also known as the chickenpox virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1 million cases of shingles have been reported every year in the United States, and almost 1 out of every 3 Americans will develop it once in their lifetime. In some rare cases, an individual can have a second or third episode. Anyone who has recuperated from chickenpox may develop shingles, though it is more prevalent among men and women 60 years of age and older.
Once the chickenpox virus enters the body, it remains dormant in the nerve roots and for some people, it stays dormant forever. However, in some cases it still has the tendency to act up due to aging, increased stress levels or diseases. While it isn’t life-threatening, shingles can cause painful fluid-filled blisters, red rashes and itching. Some people also experience fever, chills, headache and fatigue. Here are several recommendations that can help in preventing shingles:

Vaccination

● Chicken Pox vaccine (varicella) – This vaccine has been a part of the childhood routine for decades, and its intent is to prevent chickenpox from occurring. Not always 100% effective, the vaccine does dramatically decrease the odds of a child contracting the disease. It can also be effective for adults who have never had chickenpox. The vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get shingles or chickenpox, but it can reduce the severity of the disease as well as the complications.
● Shingles vaccine (varicella-zoster) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the use of Zostavax, which is a shingles vaccine for people age 60 and older. This vaccine aims to boost the immune system, and protect you against shingles, or even stop it from recurring. Shingles vaccines contain live viruses, and should not be administered to those who have weakened immune systems. This vaccine is also not recommended for those who have an active case of shingles, or those who have severe allergic reaction to some components found in the shingles vaccine. Consult your doctor before making a decision to get vaccinated.

Nutritional Supplementation

● Vitamin B12 – This vitamin can be very helpful in preventing the development of severe cases of shingles, especially if it’s injected. This can also be taken as an oral supplement, though it may not be enough to fight off the shingles virus. B12 shots work better if given early, upon the onset of the infection, and it is extremely safe even if it’s administered several days in a row. This essential vitamin helps in preventing nerve damage and mitigating nerve pain linked with postherpetic neuralgia.
● Vitamin C – Intravenous vitamin C is another treatment for more significant infections, which can also be administered along with B12 injections. This vitamin helps in supporting the immune system in a number of ways. It works by protecting the vitamin E in the body as well as an antiviral, which strengthens the functionality of white blood cells in fighting off infections. The body can absorb limited amounts of vitamin C orally, but when it is administered using intravenous treatments, concentrations can reach much higher levels in the blood stream. Bioflavonoids can also help in improving vitamin C absorption in the body.
● Vitamin E – This vitamin also plays an important part in supporting the immune system. It protects the cells against viral attacks, and acts as an antioxidant that prevents nerve damage responsible for residual pain. It also aids in tissue repair and healing, which can minimize scarring.
● Vitamin A – Vitamin A helps in fighting off infection by increasing the body’s infection-fighting cells during an outbreak. It also boosts the immune system and promote rapid healing.
● L-lysine – This amino acid has been proven effective in interrupting the virus from replicating by competing with its need for amino acids l-arginine, which result in reduced severity and duration of the symptoms.
● Selenium – Selenium used to be a toxic substance, but modern science confirms that small amount can be beneficial to our health. This mineral has been found to be helpful in fighting off infections by stimulating the antibody response and promoting more energy in the body. Selenium works better with vitamin A, E, and beta-carotene.
● Probiotics – Probiotics, or Lactobacillus Acidophilus, are good bacteria that is essential in keeping the digestive system healthy. This is necessary in having a good immune system, which can lower your risk against infections, like shingles.

David Novak is an internationally syndicated columnist, covering lifestyle and health matters. His byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world. He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications, discussing health, wellness, diet and fitness. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline. To visit his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/.

Natural Cold and Flu Prevention | Guest Post

There is no known cure for the cold and flu, thus a conscious effort towards prevention is your next base option, and for that matter, your only option. The best approach is to keep your body healthy to keep you from being susceptible to infection caused by cold and flu viruses. Getting a flu shot is effective, though it doesn’t guarantee you will never get sick. Vaccinations can help in keeping the symptoms more mild, as well as shorten the duration of the illness in case you get sick. However, if you don’t want to get a flu shot, here are several natural remedies that can help you survive the cold and flu season.

Practice proper hygiene
Cold and flu viruses usually spread by direct contact, so washing your hands is extremely important. Germs can stay alive for hours on objects, and they can be easily picked up by another person just by touching that object. Avoid touching your face as well since cold and flu viruses enter the body thru the eyes, nose or mouth. Make it a habit to wash hands using soap and warm water. If you don’t have immediate access to water, you can use an alcohol-based sanitizer. When coughing and sneezing, always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose. Avoid using your hands since this can only spread germs onto the objects you’ll touch.
Exercise
Exercising regularly speeds up the heart to pump larger quantities of blood. This promotes the production and good function of white blood cells, which attack viruses. Overall, exercise can help in keeping your body healthy, as well as lowering your risk against diseases including cold and flu. It is not necessary to do strenuous exercises. Rather, walking around the neighborhood or taking the stairs instead of the elevator will suffice.
Eat foods containing phytonutrients
Foods that are high in phytonutrients include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and tea. The natural chemicals found in these foods help in preventing disease, and keep your body in superb working condition. There are more than 25,000 phytonutrients found in plant foods, and each one has their own potential health effects.
Vitamins and Supplements
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with fortifying your body with additional vitamins and minerals. If you can’t get these nutrients from food sources, supplements are the next best thing. Here a few that will benefit you during the cold and flu season:
● Omega-3 – Omega-3 fatty acids have immune-fortifying properties that can help in lowering your risk against the common cold and flu. According to a study by Britain’s Institute of Human Nutrition and School of Medicine, Omega-3 works by increasing the activity of cells known as phagocytes, which fight flu by eating up bacteria. It also increases the airflow and protects the lungs from numerous respiratory infections. You can also obtain omega-3 fatty acids in certain foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, salmon, sardines and halibut.
● Astragalus – This Chinese root is known to help fight infection by stimulating the white blood cells. It supports and enhances the immune system, making it a good remedy for colds and flu. Research also shows that long-term use might help in cold and flu prevention.
● Zinc – This mineral helps in slowing the proliferation of the virus in the throat and nose. Zinc interferes with the ability of rhinoviruses, which are known to be responsible for 80% of all colds. It also blocks the ability of these viruses to attach to cell membranes that causes infection.
● Vitamin C – The effectivity of vitamin C in preventing cold is still vague, but several studies show that it can reduce the duration of the cold. There is no downside to consuming a lot of vitamin C-rich foods; however, avoid megadoses of vitamin C supplementation since this can cause diarrhea and even internal bleeding in children.
● Echinacea – Evidence on the effectiveness of echinacea is still unclear, though some studies show that it can reduce the severity and duration of colds. Side effects are minimal, which can include diarrhea, wheezing and rashes.
Avoid smoking
Based on statistics, smokers are more susceptible to severe colds and other respiratory infections. Smoking keeps the number of white blood cells high, which is a sign that its fighting against damage and inflammation caused by tobacco. It temporarily paralyzes the tiny brush like hairs in the airways known as cilla, which is responsible for clearing your lungs against mucus and dirt. So if you smoke, cutting back will decrease the chances of regular colds and flus.
Drink plenty of water
Water is essential to our overall health. Sufficient supply of water in the body prevents dehydration, and it also helps in lessening congestion due to colds. Avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas and alcohol since this can worsen dehydration. Alcohol also suppresses the immune system, making you more prone to cold and flu viruses.
David Novak is an internationally syndicated columnist, covering lifestyle and health matters. His byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world. He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications, discussing health, wellness, diet and fitness. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline. To visit his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/.