Hello Newcastle!
Medical experts are warning of a ‘triple threat virus’ during flu season this winter. That is a combination of the flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). NSW Covid-19 Weekly report (dated 13 May 2023) has shown an increase of 18% of Covid and 35% of influenza. [1]
Why people are more susceptible to respiratory viruses during winter, yet germs are present year-round. Your nose is the main entry point of a respiratory virus or bacteria. The mucous membrane of your nose is very important in establishing an effective immune response against those germs.[2] They are like security guards at the front gate who keep intruders or unwanted visitors away. Your nasal mucous is the best weapon to do the job. It captures the germs and sends them out the way (when you sneeze or blow your nose or by natural flow of mucous). When cold weather hits, the temperature of the nose drops too which changes the quality of mucous, making it less effective. Cold atmosphere is generally dry in nature so you might have experienced a dry nose or dry skin when transitioning into autumn.
In Chinese medicine, there is a connection between Gut - Lungs - Nose. Your gut and the lungs both have mucous membranes which hoards many microbiomes which are important for immunity. The nose is an entry point to the lungs. When you have the flu, how is your appetite in general? You often don’t have a great appetite. It is because your Lungs - Gut system is down. Therefore, in Chinese medicine, we often treat your gut to improve your immunity.
Things you can do
Eat nutritious and warm food. Eating too much spicy food, and drinking too much alcohol can make the lung system dry. Eating too rich food, cold or raw food can overwhelm your gut system which is important for your immunity. Oat porridge is a good choice for breakfast and your favourite winter soup and roasted veggies.
Keep your tummy, neck, feet warm and covered. Your tummy holds important organs which regulate homeostasis (i.e thermoregulation). When your feet are warm, your heating system works the best as the heat circulates to the top. In Chinese medicine, ‘cold enters through the nape of the neck’ so wrap your favorite winter scarf around your neck.
Moderate exercise can help your body heat to circulate well. However, sweating too much is not good as your pores are going to be opened providing entry for cold.
Acupuncture and herbs
Acupuncture can help your gut system to work better. Chinese Herbs as well as Western herbs can both assist and enhance your immune system. There is evidence that Probiotics can reduce the frequency and duration of acute upper respiratory infections.[3] Andrographis, a Western herb has shown shortening time to symptom resolution.[4]
Come and visit our clinic and boost your immunity naturally this winter!
Reference
NSW government. NSW respiratory surveillance reports - COVID-19 and influenza: Summary of epidemiological week 18, ending 6 May 2023. NSW government; 2023.
A Porzia, C Cavaliere, E Begvarfaj, S Masieri, F Mainiero. Human nasal immune system: a special site for immune response establishment, Journal of biological regulators and homeostatistic agents. 2018; 32 (1 Suppl. 1): 3-8.
Zhao Y, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Aug 24;8(8):CD006895. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006895.pub4.
Hu XY, et al. PLoS One. 2018;13(11):e0207713. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181780
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