CAM to treat the cold and flu
Dr. Mark Moyad (photo) is Director of Preventive and Alternative Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.
His recommendations.
- Wash up
- Ethyl alcohol hand gel and plain soap and water should be encouraged.
- Antimicrobial soaps should be discouraged.
- Gargling and nasal sprays
- Gargling with water and using nasal saline spray are also cost effective and supported with clinical evidence.
- Vitamins
- Vitamins C and D have the largest benefit-to-risk ratio for patients and may reduce the risk of pneumonia.
- Other supplements
- Echinacea, vitamin E, and zinc, have some research support for their use, but also have potential long-term safety issues.
- High-calorie antioxidant beverages
- These only encourage weight and waist gain.
- Honey
- A teaspoon or 2 of honey has antimicrobial activity and may suppress cough.
The bottom line?
He concludes, “Vaccine compliance as early as possible should be promoted as a selfless act that reduces viral transmission that could cause morbidity and mortality in the most immune vulnerable individuals.”
1/23/10 19:30 JR