Here we go again!  Flu and respiratory season have arrived.  It is better to prevent than to receive and to minimize the duration and severity when possible.   Unfortunately,as has happened so many times in the past, it’s the belief that the flu vaccine is  – not very effective this time around.  On top of that, we know that viruses mutate by mid-season. 

What to do?  Well, diet, exercise, sleep and consistency with taking supplements are always crucial.  Good hygiene, frequent hand washing, avoiding crowded venues and air travel, if possible, is also good.  This is the season to be considerate and not expose others if you do get ill.

Take extra vitamin c!  Our very own supplement, Hank and Brian’s Really Serious C! has 500 mg of Vitamin C per capsule as well as N-acetyl cysteine, R-lipoic acid, grape seed extract and other goodies that help support immune function.  The recommended dosage is 4 capsules daily but during flu season, or if you are ill, you can take more without any concerns of upsetting your intestinal tract.   Colloidal silver is another wonderful addition to your arsenal as it is a natural anti-microbial, killing germs on contact.  It can be sprayed in the throat and around the face when exposed to infection.

Extra N-acetyl cysteine, which is a strong antioxidant, can also help prevent and ward off flu symptoms in those already infected with the virus.  Coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and olive leaf extract all have strong anti-virual properties and can be of great benefit.   Vitamin D also helps to prevent or minimize the severity of the infection.  And, of course, probiotics (Biopro and Russian Choice) are crucial in keeping the immune system operating at it’s peak.

Treatment options include:  Vitabotics (vitamin C, bioflavonoids, echinacea, garlic, myrrh, ginger and cayenne).  In addition, homeopathic immune stimulation with auto-sanguinous therapy by injection is a powerful tool that I frequently use during flu season, as well as my homeopathic sinus remedy, salt water gargling, medicinal mushrooms, elderberry and many others.  So, as you can see, there are a lot of great natural options.

Regarding pharmaceuticals, prescription antiviral medicines can be used in the first 48 hours for influenza. Influenza is, of course, a virus and not responsive to antibiotics, but sometimes antibiotics are needed for treating secondary bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections and strep.