CAN YOU PREVENT GETTING FLU WITHOUT HAVING FLU SHOT?

Winter is just on our doorstop approaching fast with dreadful flu season. Flu (Influenza) is caused by a virus and mainly spreads from person to person through the air by coughing, sneezing or talking and by touching a person’s hands, surface or object. Flu differs from cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches which develops suddenly and last about a week. It can cause complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Prevention is always better than cure. There are many ways to prevent getting Flu.

Flu vaccination is one of them, but do you really need it?

Flu vaccine contains killed influenza virus. The killed influenza virus is injected into muscles or skin and stimulated the immune system to produce an immune response to the influenza virus. How well the flu vaccine works can range widely from season to season and depends on the age and health status of the individual. The vaccine is only effective against the strains of the virus that match the vaccine.

In addition, the Vaccine contains list of nasty chemicals which causes short and long term side effects. After receiving flu vaccination, some people immediately suffer from a low-grade fever or cold-like symptoms for one or more days. Some flu vaccine contains formaldehyde which is known as carcinogen (can cause cancer). It also contains the preservative thimerosal, derivative of mercury, a known neurotoxin linked to brain damage and autoimmune disease. Aluminium is another flu vaccine ingredient. Mercury and aluminium have been associated with an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

So can I avoid vaccination and prevent getting Flu?

Thankfully there are many effective and safe ways to prevent getting flu. Boost your immune system and have a good hygiene which could be done by following simple steps

1. Eat your green vegetables everyday

Green vegetables are like superfood. Vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C (kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, capsicum, lemon, oranges, berries etc.) help to boost immune function.

2. Do not forget daily dose of vitamin D

Vitamin D boosts immune system and prevents respiratory infection which makes it perfect for flu prevention. It can be available free from sunlight however, if someone is deficient of it than ask a naturopath for good vitamin D3 supplement.

3. Include Garlic and ginger in your diet

Garlic has antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic activity. Garlic can help relieve symptoms from colds and mild upper respiratory tract infections, supports immune function and relieves mucous congestion and coughs. Antiviral property of ginger fights with flu. Ginger can be taken raw, cooked or in tea.

4. Drink Herbal teas

Herbal tea made from lemon, ginger and honey is warming during winter months and helps to boost immune function.

Echinacea is immunostimulant, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant. Clinical studies support the use of Echinacea in common cold, bacterial sinusitis, influenza-like viral infections and streptococcal throat. It can be taken as supplement or tea.

Cat’s claw is also good immune enhancing herb which can help to prevent getting flu. It can be taken as supplement.

Elderberry has been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory infection, including colds and influenza.

Astragals is antiviral and immunostimulant herb. It can help to fight viral infection and prevents from flu.

5. Probiotics

Probiotic are beneficial intestinal bacteria which strengthen the immune system, inhibit pathogens and help in the absorption of nutrient from the food.

6. Get enough rest and relax

Sleep is best remedy for relaxation. Eight hours good night sleep is essential for immune system to recharge itself.

7. Exercise everyday

Exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day and 3 to 4 times a week helps to boost immune system. Exercise is also helpful to reduce stress and its harmful effect on immune system.

8. Keep yourself hydrate

Drinking plenty of water and herbal tea is important because dried mucus membranes are susceptible to inflammation and infections.

9. Proper hygiene

Flu is mainly spreads from person to person through the air by coughing, sneezing or talking, and by touching a person’s hands, surface or object. Simple hand wash with soap and water helps to prevent getting flu. Another simple thing is to cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing prevents spreading viruses in air.

The best way to prevent flu is staying healthy and not getting any infections. If you are getting flu or cold like symptoms frequently or every year you do not need to follow the same things all again. Make a booking for naturopathic consultation to find out how you can boost your immune system and to stay healthy this winter.