Whether you’re expecting a bundle of joy in the coming months or are nursing a new addition to the family some guidelines are very clear; Coffee- reduce, Alcohol- no-go, and in terms of your sushi, you’ve now become a vegetarian. But what about cold and flu prevention and treatment? OTC medications are a definite no but there are options available to you including a clinically proven natural alternative.
Health Canada recommends that all pregnant women get the flu shot since their immune systems are suppressed and as a result have weakened defenses against colds and flu. Plus they have an increased risk for serious health risks and complications (not to mention 100 times the discomfort) during pregnancy.
However, with the flu shot’s low efficacy rate in recent years, Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of the Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine suggests that pregnant and nursing women get additional support in the form of natural supplements to ensure their health and that of their baby is maintained. Specifically products made from fresh, organic and GMO free Echinacea purpurea, which has well-established anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
Backed by Science
Clinical research has proven that the use of a fresh Echinacea purpurea remedy like Echinaforce from A.Vogel can reduce the chance of developing colds and flu by over 50 percent. And is approved by Health Canada to be a safe and effective prevention technique that can be taken on its own or combined with the flu shot to give pregnant or nursing women optimal protection. It is also safe to take daily as directed throughout the cold and flu season.
Additional research shows that participants who did get sick had fewer symptoms, shorter sick time and a reduced risk for complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis.
Additional Tips to Keep You Healthy This Winter
It’s all in your hands
Avoid handshakes and touching your face. Wash your hands thoroughly (minimum of 20 seconds) after the bathroom, an outing and before each meal to keep germs at bay.
Eat well and hydrate
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean proteins. During the winter months we tend to be more dehydrated so drink plenty of water (8 glasses per day).
Keep your cool
Reduce stress, it hampers the immune system. A few minutes of meditation and deep breathing per day can make a world of difference. Yoga is great for getting back your chi plus exercise provides great immune support.
Catch those needed ZZZ’s
Make sure to get at least 7- 8 hours of sleep at night and nap when you’re tired. A tired body means your immune system isn’t as fired up as it could be and you’re more susceptible to getting sick.
Freshen up
Bundle up and get outdoors for some fresh air. Get rid of stale and potentially infected air by opening the windows morning, noon and night for 5-10 minutes.
References
- https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/how-to-treat-your-cold-and-flu-while-pregnant/
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4695/5-Benefits-of-Prenatal-Yoga.html
- Melia E Bonomo, Michael W Deem. Predicting Influenza H3N2 Vaccine Efficacy from Evolution of the Dominant Epitope. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2018; DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy323
- Gallo M et Koren G. Motherisk Update: Can herbal products be used safely during pregnancy? Focus on Echinacea. Canadian Family Physician • Le Médecin de famille canadien ❖ VOL 47: SEPTEMBER • SEPTEMBRE 2001
- Pleschka S, Stein M, Schoop R, Hudson JB. Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV). Virol J. 2009 Nov 13;6:197.
- Sharma M, Anderson SA, Schoop R, Hudson JB. Induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory viruses and reversal by standardized Echinacea, a potent antiviral herbal extract. Antiviral Res. 2009 Aug;83(2):165-70.
- Jawad M, Schoop R, Suter A, Klein P, Eccles R. Safety and efficacy profile of Echinacea purpurea to prevent common cold episodes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. ECAM. 2012; 2012: 841315. doi: 10.1155/2012/841315.
- Shah, SA, et al. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold : a meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007;7(7):473-480
- Schapowal A, Klein P, Johnston SL. Echinacea reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and complications: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Ther. 2015;32(3):187-200.
- Jawad M, Schoop R, Suter A, Klein P, Eccles R. Safety and efficacy profile of Echinacea purpurea to prevent common cold episodes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. ECAM. 2012; 2012: 841315. doi: 10.1155/2012/841315.
