Fight Flu Boost Your Immunity

 

Fight Flu Preventive Strategies

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness called influenza caused by a virus. It can vary from mild to severe illness and even sometimes end in hospitalization or even death. The flu spreads mainly through airborne droplets made from people who have the flu then cough, sneeze or talk.  Flu symptoms appear suddenly and can include fever, chills, sore throat, runny stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, and headache,  Most people who get the flu will recover in just a few days or less then two weeks while some people will develop complications such as pneumonia as a result of the flu which can be life threatening.  Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs which inflames the air sacks in one or both lungs, causing symptoms of cough with mucus, congestion, fever, chills, chest pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, fatigue and muscle weakness.  Causes of pneumonia are due to viral or bacterial fungal infections. 

Common causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae while viruses like influenza and Covid-19 may lead to pneumonia.  If left untreated pneumonia can lead to serious health complications including bacterial infections (infections of the blood stream) acute respiratory distress, and lung abscesses.  It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of pneumonia especially if you are in the high risk group.  It is important to practice good hygiene like washing your hands regularly, and avoid contact with sick people.  Influenza is an acute viral infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract that is marked by fever, chills, and generalized feelings of weakness including pain in the muscles together in varying degrees of soreness in the head and abdomen.  According to the CDC since October 1, 2024 estimates there have been between 20-35 million flu illnesses, 8.9 million to 16 million medical visits, 250,000 to 540,000 flu hospitalizations, 11,000 to 53,000 flu deaths through January 25, 2025. 

The cumulative burden of the flu is an estimate of the number of people who have been sick, seen a health care provider for, been hospitalized with or died as a result of the flu within a certain timeframe.  Antiviral drugs amantadine and rimantadine have beneficial effects on cases of influenza involving type A virus.  However resistance to these agents have been observed thereby reducing the effectiveness.  A newer category of medications, neuraminidase inhibitors which include oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) was introduced in the late 1990’s.  These medications inhibit both the influenza A and B viruses.  Standard treatment for the flu still remains pertinent, getting plenty of bed rest, ingesting fluids to stay hydrated, and the use of analgesics to control fever.  There are several natural methods that may help reduce symptoms of the flu to help support your recovery.  Stay hydrated drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day like water, herbal teas, fortified sports drinks, clear soups and broths to help loosen congestion. 

Certain teas such as ginger, peppermint, elderberry and peppermint have properties that may help ease the discomfort of flu symptoms.  The warm liquid of tea can relieve soreness of the throat and ginger tea can reduce inflammation. “A number of studies have shown that certain teas such as green tea can boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, promote cardiovascular health, and even prevent the development of certain cancers.  These health benefits are associated with specific antioxidants found in tea known as polyphenols.” Harvard Health Naturally protect your family fight flu elevate symptoms. Each year people in the United States possibly face a significant health burden due to the flu virus and may consider self treatment or medical care solutions for treating flu symptoms. Elderberry is a common natural remedy for the flu. Studies suggest Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration due to antibacterial and antiviral effects reducing the duration of influenza.  Black Elderberry Syrup by gaia Herbs is Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) promotes immune support. 

A delicious daily tonic to support your immune health.  Elderberry syrup is often used to boost antioxidants to help maintain the body's natural defenses against cold and flu.

Cheers! 

Patricia Lynn

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