If You Are Suffering From... The Flu (Influenza)

The flu is highly contagious virus that spread through contact with infected bodily fluids.  The virus spreads rapidly throughout the body and, aside from specific antiviral medication (like Tamiflu), is only eradicated by your body's immune system.  The video below shows how the flu spreads in your body.



This virus comes with miserable symptoms including fever, body aches, chills, diarrhea, and vomiting.  I personally subscribe to the notion that prevention is one of the best ways to deal with flu but there are helpful tools for 

 

PREVENTION

In addition to the flu vaccine, which by all accounts is the most effective preventative measure, several alternative options can help you prevent the onset of flu, including the following:

(1) Flu Vaccine - not an alternative therapy but by all accounts the most effective.
(2) Lifestyle Choices (diet, exercise, etc.) that help maintain a strong immune system.
(3) Immune Boosting Therapies:

• Echinacea is scientifically proven to help with upper respiratory infections, like the flu, according to Germany's Commission E.  
• Turmeric is also highly suspected to boost immune function (though not scientifically proven). 

(4) Sleep - the primary means for your body to focus energy on internal affairs.

 

TREATMENT

If you are unfortunate enough to be symptomatic, in addition to Tamiflu (an amazing antiviral medicine), the following alternative therapies are worth exploring:

(1) Immune Boosting Therapies:

• Echinacea is scientifically proven to help with upper respiratory infections, like the flu, according to Germany's Commission E.  
• Turmeric is also highly suspected to boost immune function (though not scientifically proven).

(2) Sleep - the primary means for your body to focus energy on internal affairs.

 

WHAT WORKED FOR ME

I have just finished a trial of Echinacea and Turmeric Tea while being in extremely close contact with confirmed flu.  Additionally, I was unable to sleep, due to the flu-driven nighttime needs of my daughter.  Though I did feel more tired than normal, I ultimately did not get the flu.  I'm sold.