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Just came down with the Flu...need advice.

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Posted 1/31/2020 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter just got over influenza B - 2/3 of her class at school became ill and missed significant time - confirmed cases.

I thought I was in the clear - but low and behold I actually have a low fever 100.5ish (I normally run between 96.5 in AM to 97.4 in PM) and all of my symptoms match hers.

Anyway - I have a few questions since I can’t afford an LLMD and you all are so knowledgeable.

Can I take NSAIDs for pain/fever? If so, which is best for taking with Lyme: ibuprofen or acetaminophen or naproxen?

Should I stay on my herbal protocol (Buhner’s) or give it a rest while I try to recover. I really don’t want to have to restart but also don’t want to hurt myself (liver/kidneys)

Am I more compromised than most due to still fighting some Lyme symptoms? Tamiflu scares me btw.

Any advice in general would be welcomed.

I’m trying to be positive and look at this flu as a sign that my immune system is not completely suppressed & hoping that just maybe it somehow resets my body temperature closer to normal when it’s over.

Thanks!!!
Posted 1/31/2020 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry you are dealing with the flu! I hope that it passes quickly for you.

First, I would not consider that a low fever because your normal temperature in the morning is a full four degrees lower. That's like 102.6 for a normal person. That said, it's good that your body is able to mount a fever response and fight the virus! Let it burn as long as you can sleep and drink fluids, so it can do its job.

If you can't sleep or drink fluids, or if you just feel too miserable, then take the edge off with ibuprofen or whatever you typically tolerate best. Unless you normally have liver or kidney concerns, then I would keep taking Buhner protocol herbs, as they all have antimicrobial properties that work against viruses (not just bacteria). If you are herxing right now, however, then reduce your doses.

Really drink plenty of fluids. I know you have a child, but rest as much as possible. Overdoing it during a virus really trashed my system badly once, and it took months to recover. I'm not saying this to scare you, just to inspire you to regard resting as your absolute priority, including for a week or so once you feel better. Your child can eat snacks and watch movies for a few days without her brain being permanently warped. ;) Maybe she's even old enough to bring you tea?

Vicks VapoRub and a humidifier might help with coughing and congestion, if you don't want to take meds for symptoms. Hot tea is good. Teaspoons of raw honey with cinnamon throughout the day.

Other herbs: astragalus (short-term), echinacea, olive leaf, elderberry. A medicinal mushroom complex would be great, too. While on immune-boosting herbs, watch out for flares of autoimmune issues, if applicable.

Fire cider can be awesome if you have the ingredients or a local source for some of the good, raw, fresh stuff.

Getting the flu on top of the garbage we normally deal with is so unfair. I'm so sorry. Sending you swift healing vibes!
Posted 1/31/2020 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Re: Tamiflu and the other meds people take to shorten healing times, I don't really understand the point. The side effects are all common and gnarly. I think I'd rather have two more days of flu than deal with that, plus hauling yourself to the doctor and being exposed to more germs doesn't make good sense, either. Others will disagree with me here, but I would not bother with the doctor unless your fever gets higher, your fever won't come down with meds, your fever lasts more than three days, you become dehydrated, your pulse becomes very slow or fast, or you have issues with breathing or chest pain that could indicate pneumonia. Unless you have a chronic illness (other than Lyme) that they are familiar with, or documentation of being immunocompromised, then they will think you are a normal person and send you home to rest and jam fluids. :-/
Posted 1/31/2020 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Elderberry is your best friend, cuts the duration of viruses in half, get some at the health food store or high end pharmacy. Its much more effective than tamiflu. Feel better!
Posted 1/31/2020 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
alinia is betteron viruses than tamaflu on paper as well... lomatium really helps me quik
Posted 1/31/2020 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! Resting will be easy due to having an awesome mother, and an equally awesome girlfriend. My daughter is super supportive too. I’m lucky to have such great ladies in my life.

I’m going to try to get ahold of some elderberry and continue with Buhner’s protocol. I had a bad experience taking astragalus when I was on doxy at first - so I shy away.

Fever is actually around 102 now - which I’m praying to the universe resets my normal body temp.

It’s kind of PTSD-y though. Whenever I first became sick, I had what I thought was the worst flu ever. Hadn’t had the flu in a very long time up to that point. It feels so similar, but slightly milder.

Thanks again for the advice everyone. This forum and the folks here are wonderful!
Posted 1/31/2020 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Lomatium is the gold standard herb for influenza. It can cause a hive reaction in some. I have been taking it for months with Isatis and all my other herbs. I started at 10 drops and now take 45. I have not had hives.

I took elderberry syrup in December for a cold or whatever I had and it did nothing for me. Sniffing tea tree essential oil did help. I take way too many herbs for Lyme/co but I have no personal testimonials of herbs making a big difference in any acute illness I have had since starting treatment.

I would stay on your normal protocol if you feel okay with it.

Chinese skullcap can be very helpful for cytokine storms, which acute illnesses can bring on.

Post Edited (WalkingbyFaith) : 1/31/2020 3:56:18 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/1/2020 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
For what it's worth, I do Chinese medicine for Lyme, which includes a lot of herbs common with Buhner.

When I get sick, I stay on my protocol - those herbs are supportive to the immune system and active against pathogens, so I would stay on your protocol.

(I also get acupuncture and moxibustion that really helps chase out the virus, and use tea for symptoms: echinacea for runny nose and sneezing, slippery elm (away from other supplements) for sore throat and cough, peppermint or chamomile for stomach. I haven't touched an OTC in years)
Posted 2/1/2020 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Was feeling extra awful and notice a super red throat with a few white streaks - that had me concerned so I went to the local urgent care.

Tested me for the Flu, Strep, and I requested a mono test.

All came back negative, but the dr informed me that the rapid flu test is only 50-70% accurate and it’s likely the flu. Also diagnosed me with a middle ear infection and prescribed amoxicillin. 875mg x 2 for 10 days.

What’s the chance the Amoxicillin will cause a herx?

Is it cool to take with Buhner’s?

Feeling a bit better today than yesterday, but still trash in general.
Posted 2/2/2020 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
when did your symptoms start? you can sometimes get a false negative if you take the test too soon - that has happened with my kids before. (flu and strep throat)

amoxil is fine with buhner herbs, just PLEASE detox as much as possible

amoxil can surely cause a herx, just keep detoxing

If you do indeed have the flu, or a really bad cold ontop of the ear infection, I personally love Lauricidin. It has shortened the time my kids have to deal with the flu for sure. It is good for bad colds and viruses too.

Lauricidin however can cause a herx, and you must slowly ramp up the dose.

Elderberry, as many have said is awesome

Vitamin C and Zinc are also good choices

Keep hydrated. if you drink water regularly throughout the day, it can help bring your fever down. (at least 8 glasses)

I hope you feel better soon!!
Posted 2/2/2020 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck gc. I've had the flu since new year's Eve. Just can't shake it. Caused a significant relapse and have been down for the entire month of January. Cough is finally getting better but still congested etc. Caught it from my grandson who lives with us, he's 17 months old. Paps buddy so whatever he gets I get. I didn't know s out allinia or lomatium. Guess o should have posted and asked. I always write posts but never actually submit them. When I was flaring it was very neurological in nature and I was not myself or thinking right. Bad times. Anyway hope you get over the flu soon. Good luck
Posted 2/2/2020 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
WV Mike. sad So sorry you have been down so long. These normal bugs can really knock us down. That said, my healthy niece and sister were in bad shape with this year's flu for three straight weeks. I'm glad you are seeing some improvements.

And please do post! I hate the thought that you want to reach out but stop yourself. I'm glad you have your little buddy at home, though, germy though he may be. ;)
Posted 2/2/2020 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Chapelle - my symptoms started 2.5 days before the test. I’m pretty sure it’s the flu due to the symptoms being exactly like my daughters - which were the same as all of the other kids that have missed. We’ve had many school districts close all around us this past week due to it.

I’ve been taking elderberry syrup, eating elderberry+zinc lozenges and Vit C is already in my daily routine (upped it though).

Started the abx and low and behold I’ve have an a HUGE increase in my muscle spasms in my legs. Those annoying things were just about gone. Upping the detox. Low dose Indica THC gummies/edibles help calm the twitches down though.

WV Mike-
From what I’ve heard and seen, this years version is super contagious and hangs on for a good while. Hoping you get better soon. I was just coming out of a flare or herx from early January. - all neuro. (I started taking L-arginine and accidentally nearly doubled my herbs one day. Most likely caused a real bad amonia build up)

My fever is staying bearable for the most part, but this sore throat and subsequent cough is something else.

Thanks for the support and advice everyone.
Posted 2/2/2020 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
I had influenza last year-ten pass ozone broke the fever and ended the body aches within an hour. Ozone works well with virus
Posted 2/3/2020 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
Buhner has two different treatment options I've read about.

1. Chinese skullcap, isatis, licorice, houttuynia and lomatium. Yerba santa, osha, elephant tree and pleurisy root are also recommended but do not have to be included.

2. Gan Mao Ling, 6 tabs a day 3x day. If i start to get sick, 7 tabs 4x day, if i do get sick, 7 tabs 5-6x day. It has worked so far, every year. (I get it from a third party seller on amazon, get the coated, the others taste terrible)

Then he also recommends the ginger drink-- ginger juice, hot water, honey, lime, cayenne. tastes like crap but seems to help.
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