Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is not just a bad cold. It is accompanied with aching muscles/joints, chills and fever. The flu can lead to pneumonia, which can be deadly. Influenza is particularly serious for elderly, babies and young children, those with compromised immunity, anyone with a weakened immune or respiratory system, nursing home residents, pregnant women, and health-care workers who have regular contact with patients are particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza. Flu shots should be discussed with your physician. The pneumococcal vaccine will not prevent the flu, but protects 70 to 90 percent of healthy adults from common pneumonias, and is 50 to 60 percent effective in preventing pneumonia in the elderly and the immune-compromised.
Flu Prevention:
• Wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap especially if you are out in public places. It may be a good idea to carry alcohol towelettes or hand sanitizer with you as well.
• Avoid people who have the flu.
• Pregnant women are at high risk of developing other health complications if they have the flu.
• Discuss the pros and cons of a flu shot with your physician.
If you have the flu:
• Stay hydrated, which keeps nasal passages moist, making them better defenders against viruses.
• Get rest and stay home. Lack of sleep and too much stress can make the body weak; if you get the flu, rest as much as possible while your symptoms are resolving.
• Take all medications as prescribed by your physician.
Nutrition and Supplements for Cold and Flu
Take a daily multivitamin and antioxidants. Berries, tea (especially green tea) and dark chocolate all provide natural antioxidants.
Immune-boosting foods
• Beef - may be most surprising- a three-ounce portion of beef -- and importantly very lean beef that is low in fat -- is an important source of zinc. However, you should limit consumption of red meat.
• Zinc deficiency can greatly increase your risk of infection. Zinc helps develop white blood cells, the cells that fight off foreign bacteria and viruses.
• Vegetarians and those who do not eat red meat can look for their zinc supply in nuts, grains, legumes, poultry, pork, fortified cereals, yogurt and milk.
• Eat plenty of orange vegetables, especially this time of year - Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, pumpkin or any of the orange vegetables, which are a great source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for your skin, which is the first line of defense for your immune system.
• Mushrooms – another high-immunity food. Add some mushrooms to a lean 3-ounce hamburger. The very best kinds of mushrooms are shiitake and maitake, which are available in most supermarkets.
• Drink black or green tea to boost your immune system. Tea is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants take care of the free radicals.
• Yogurt, another immune-boosting food, is especially important to eat, particularly after you have been prescribed antibiotics. Brands that contain active cultures are a good source of healthy bacteria for your stomach.
• Vitamin C functions as a powerful antioxidant that has a role in the repair and regeneration of tissues. It may also support healthy immune function.
