Many of you have asked how to protect your child from the flu season. Advertisements for the flu vaccine dominate the media, retail stores and in every day conversations. But for many of us parents with children that have developed neurodevelopmental issues, including seizures, the risk to value of vaccinating our children is too great. And despite the mass marketing materials, the flu isn’t that effective and it’s mercury exposure may in fact cause more damage. (CDC reports a 25% effectiveness in 2018).
So what can a parent have on hand to help with protecting their child from the flu season? And what can a parent do when sickness arrives?
To protect your child from exposures to the flu, upper respiratory infections and other cold viruses that they may come in contact with, it’s important to look at prevention.
- Identifying food sensitivities, allergies and/or intolerances can support a stronger immune system. Rather than the body’s effort being put into addressing inflammatory responses to foods, the immune system can be prepared for viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
- Supporting your child’s sleep. I know that this is a challenging one for many parents with children that experience seizures. Sleep is an important priority.
- Begin by ensuring no electronics are turned on or in the room.
- Turn off wi-fi in your home.
- Be sure that your child’s room is extremely dark (to help support melatonin production).
- Encourage your child to eat a variety of colored vegetables and fruits to support antioxidant production, as best as possible, even with a limited diet.
- If diet is limited, work with a qualified professional to put your child on an antioxidant combination and a solid MultiVitamin/Mineral. I would recommend here, however, there are exceptions to each child case I work with. For example, turmeric is an excellent antioxidant but can be damaging if a child’s immune response is skewed (TH1 dominant). Active folate can be a problem with certain individuals that don’t handle methylated nutrients well.
- Encourage open detoxification pathways. Try to support your child’s bowel movements, elimination to at least one time per day (more is better!). Support your child’s detoxification pathway with epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) baths (as tolerated). Single- lamp infrared therapy can also be an excellent therapy for children ages 5 and older.
- Vitamin D3. The research shows that Vitamin D3 deficiency can impact the function of the immune system. The Vitamin D Council recommends a maintenance dosage of 1000IU of Vitamin D3 per 25 pounds of body weight (the dosage may be higher in people with Vitamin D deficiency or under the advise of a qualified practitioner). This is an excellent product.
- Vitamin C. Up to 1000mg of Vitamin C per day, divided into multiple doses, can be given on a daily basis. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, known to combat oxidative stress and support the immune system. If your child has high oxalic acid, do not give more than 250mg of Vitamin C per day (in the form of ascorbic acid can increase oxalate load).
- Fish oil (it reduces inflammation) which can only help support reducing the total stress load on the body. Use caution if your child is allergic to fish or has a high histamine response.
- Probiotics – One study showed a dramatic reduction in fever and upper respiratory symptoms in children who took a probiotic with a specific combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium daily throughout the cold and flu season.
What to do if a warning sign occurs, that your child is run down, vulnerable, etc.
Here is a great means to support the body. IF your child has not used this product before, be sure to introduce as an only change and in a slow titration.
- Oscillococcinum – Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic flu medicine that may help to prevent influenza infection. The typical dosage is one vial of Oscillococcinum once/week for kids and adults during the flu season. I’ve used this and other homeopathic remedies with my son, when he was having seizures.
- Xlear nasal spray – One of the MOST preventive things you can do is to irrigate your and your children’s nasal passages with Xlear nasal spray at the end of every day, and after any potential exposure (work, school, playgroups, plane travel, etc.). This is a saline nasal spray with xylitol and grapefruit seed extract, both of which have antimicrobial properties. Please be certain that grapefruit is not a conflict with any medication that your child is taken.
- If grapefruit is an issue for your child, a simple saline solution can be used on a daily basis when nasal congestion is obvious. This will keep the nasal passages clear, allow for better sleep and potentially prevent the fluid from reaching the lungs.
- Elderberry which contains zinc, Vitamin C and antioxidants can help shorten the duration and possibly the intensity of the flu. https://articles.mercola.com/…/elderberry-extract-for-influ…
- Zinc lozenges may be helpful in addressing infection. Supplementing with 5mg to 10mg per day in older children may be well tolerated and helpful.
- Allicin is the active ingredient in garlic that is anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Studies have found that those who took garlic daily for three months had fewer colds than those who took a placebo, and, when they did come down with a cold, the duration of illness was shorter—an average of 4.5 days compared to 5.5 days for the placebo group (these results are better than Tamiflu). I personally take allicin daily. Use caution with allicin if you suspect dysbiosis in the gut. Infections can be affected by the intake of allicin (they can be eradicated!) but may cause a release of toxins, causing “die off”.
- Essential oils- have been demonstrated to stimulate a positive immune response in the body. Lavendar added to the bath, or in a diffuser in the room is typically well tolerated. Eucalyptus is also an excellent oil to use in the room in a diffuser, as tolerated. I have not found any literature that would suggest that these two essential oils (in a reputable quality brand) can cause seizures. I used them with my son.
As with any new supplement, or addition, check with Drugs.com for the Interactions checker for medications and use your expertise as a parent if you suspect your child is sensitive or intolerant to a substance.
Much light,
Lynn
