It’s winter and the start of the cold and flu season. Most people before the winter is over, will get the flu. Getting the flu in the winter, because we spend more time indoors with other people with the windows and doors closed. While indoors, you inhale viruses and you become sick. Two main types of influenza viruses, A and B, cause most cases of the flu. Influenza viruses spread in the air and via direct contact, and our immune systems have trouble handling these germs, because they survive on non-porous surfaces for hours. For example, if someone with the virus touches the handle of a door, and you in turn touches it also, and then put your hand in your face or nose, you will then have infected yourself.
The flu is worse than the cold because it attacks the nose, throat, and lungs and can cause mild to severe illness. It can also lead to pneumonia, ear and sinus problems, dehydration and can also lead to death. The flu will go away in one to two weeks or longer. The symptoms of the flu include: sudden onset of chills, fever, cough, feeling very tired, sore throat, headache and muscle ache, and runny or stuffy nose. The elderly and very young are most at risk for more serious problems if they get the flu. Adults and children who might have certain heart problems, kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer or any health problem that makes it harder to fight off the disease are also at risk.
When you come down with the flu, rather than taking over-the-counter antihistamine , its better to help in the healing process by adding water to your system by drinking warm liquids, especially herbal teas and soup broth. A steam shower is also an added benefit, as well as placing your face over a steam inhaler with added herbs to the water. For example, eucalyptus, thyme, rosemary, and peppermint leaves are a few herbs to use as an herbal remedy for the flu virus. If you are suffering from asthma its best not to use aromatic vapors, because it will exasperate your asthma. Taking a warm bath with drops of essential oils in the water, will help to relax aching muscles and also aid with the chills. Vitamin C helps to promote a healthy immune system. Also, vitamin A, carotenes, zinc, and selenium helps to treat the virus also. Eating vitamin C rich foods such as peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries and leafy greens, is a great idea. Echinacea, along with an extract of black elderberry, help with the recovery and aid in the respiratory tract infection to aid fight the influenza. I use the extract called Sambucol, which you can find in many health food stores. Licorice root another example, is an anti-inflammatory, that can relieve cold and flu system.
The flu shot is another alternative method which I am against taking. Every year the vaccine is changed to match the strains of the virus that is going around. This year the claim is that, they do not have enough vaccine and the vaccine might not work to help aid in the cure of the flu. The possibility that the vaccine might not be an exact match to the strains and not protect you, is alarming to those who rely on the vaccine as a cure for the flu. Some people get an allergic reaction after getting the flu shot and become quite ill.
Therefore, to avoid the flu, and getting sick in the first place, eat an organic well balanced meal, whole grains, fruits and green leafy vegetables such as kale, swiss chard,spinach, broccoli. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, wash your hands often with soap and water, sneeze into your arm, not in your hand. Also, avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and drink a minimum of alcohol, and exercise regularly. Finally, if you come down with the flu, stay home.
