Centennial, CO

It seems like a lot of people are coming down with the flu this year and it’s intense. Influenza or the “flu” is a respiratory-transmitted viral infection. The World Health Organization has estimated that seasonal influenza averages 3 – 5 million cases per year worldwide. An estimated 3,000 to 49,000 individuals in the United States die every year from seasonal influenza. Influenza like most colds, begins to increase in November and remains elevated through the end of March. Colorado officials say the flu has been less severe than last year. Last year, the predominant strain was H3N2, which is known to cause more hospitalizations and outbreaks.This year, the flu hospitalizations mostly are being caused by the H1N1 virus, which is less aggressive than H3N2 strain. The H1N1 strain is notable for causing the flu pandemic of 2009. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, chills and headaches.

Here are my top strategies for staying healthy this flu season.

  • Astragalus – immune boosting and strengthens the body
  • Chaga Mushroom – Beta-glucans found in mushrooms enhance NK cell activity and function
  • Elderberry – High in Vitamin C and flavonoids. Reduces bronchial inflammation. Make your own syrup or buy it. Here is a great recipe: wellnessmama.com/1888/elderberry-syrup/
  • Vitamin D3 – more than likely you are deficient in Vitamin D especially during the winter months
  • Zinc supplement – a deficiency can increase flu risk
  • Vitamin C can reduce the duration of symptoms. Try taking 3 to 4 grams of liposomal vitamin C every hour until you feel better
  • Fermented COD Liver Oil – can ward off the flu and contains vitamin A and D.
  • Vitamin C rich foods – camu camu powder or rose hips
  • Make a batch of Fire Cider – check out our LHH Facebook page for the recipe
  • Drainage Milieu – a detoxifier
  • Wash hands frequently!
  • Get sleep – at least 7+ hours a night
  • Chicken bone broth
  • Reduce stress and add meditation or yoga
  • Probiotics and probiotic rich foods
  • Whole food based multi-vitamin
  • Exercise – 30 minutes 5x a week is ideal to boost your immune system.
  • Eat real nutrient-dense food. Organic, unprocessed, and anti-inflammatory foods.
  • Avoid excess sugar and refined flour
  • Avoid Contact – If you feel like you’re getting sick, take the day off. A person is contagious one full fay before symptoms show up, and up to 7 days after becoming sick.

My hope is these tips will help you stay flu free this season. If you do end up sick, please contact me and we can put together an effective plan to support your body naturally.

In health and happiness,

Maddie

 

Sources

Despite recent spike in influenza cases, this year’s flu season in Colorado is “less severe”

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/10/29/cold-and-flu-prevention.aspx