US Flu Map Feb 6

Flu activity is below last year's level in the United States, but an official from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention expects flu activity to pick up in the next few weeks. Additionally, models developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory predict the flu season will peak in February. These stories are reported in Health.com and livescience.com respectively. 

Click here for DioxiRinse Mouthwash product page

"Flu fighters" like us not only get vaccinated but gargle and rinse with DioxiRinse Chlorine Dioxide Mouthwash to relieve sore throats that occur during flu season. Gargling with good-tasting DioxiRinse does much more than the often-used saltwater rinse, such as, killing virus and bacteria and providing immediate pain relief. Chlorine dioxide in DioxiRinse is thought to neutralize inflammatory compounds such as oxygen free-radicals and interleukin 8, a natural protein, both of which cause pain and irritation.

According to a study published in Nature, the International Weekly Journal of Science, the flu virus is reported to thrive in the soft palate, or roof of the mouth.

Therefore, at the onset of sore throat and flu symptoms, gargle with DioxiRinse a few times, about 15 seconds each time. Tilt your head back so the solution reaches the back of the throat and the soft palate, then gargle. For all you advanced garglers, maneuver some liquid to the entrance of the nasal cavity, sometimes called the nasopharynx. After expelling the liquid, you may also use a snoring action to force some of the residual liquid into the back of the nose.  

A slight burning or tingling usually indicates that you’ve “reached the right (infected) spot.” If necessary, repeat the procedure later during the day, or before sleeping. It is not necessary to rinse your mouth with tap water after the procedure.

When past the initial stages of flu or bronchitis, the disease may be too internalized for achieving good reduction of irritation. But otherwise the relief of pain is fast and noticeable.

Another tip: using a humidifier during dry winter days may prevent and also soothe your sore throat.

Links:

Flu Season Off to Slow Start in the US

Flu Season Will Likely Peak in February, Model Suggests

The soft palate is an important site of adaptation for transmissible influenza viruses, In Nature, The International Weekly Journal of Science

 

January 21, 2016 — Valerie Alliger