Its Flu Season again (2019)

Flu Strains Strike Again

It’s that dreaded time of the year again…flu season. So far this season the most prominent strains tend to be the Influenza A H1N1 and the Influenza A H3N2. Both of these strains have caused devastating outcomes in the past. Historically, flu season tends to peak in February – It’s time to take action now, and protect yourself and your family! Currently, the tri-state area has widespread flu exposure with a readily increasing hospitalization rate. Don’t make the mistake taking the Flu lightly.  

What Can You to Protect You and Your Family?

There are many steps that can be taken, with or without getting a flu shot, to protect yourself. Prevention is key and making sure your immune system is in tip-top shape is essential. 

Black Elderberry – Black elderberry (Sambucus) when used prophylactically or at the first sign of influenza symptoms may be able to decrease the duration of symptoms by up to 2 days. 

Echinacea – In a recent study, a combination product of echinacea and black elderberry was as active oseltamivir (Tamiflu) with fewer adverse effects.

Vitamin C – Regular supplementation of vitamin C had a modest but consistent effect in reducing symptoms of the common cold and flu. Vitamin C administered before and after the appearance of cold and flu symptoms relieved and prevented further symptoms in 85% of the test population compared with the control group. 

Garlic – Garlic has immunomodulatory effects which appear to enhance the function of the immune system. These effects include increasing and stimulating cells that play a crucial role in fighting off infections.

Chicken soup – Chicken soup has been long touted, probably by your grandparents or parents, as the best remedy to battle a cold or the flu. Well, they were right. Some studies have been able to show that chicken soup can have anti-inflammatory actions in the body.

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Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only; it is NOT meant to substitute professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should NOT use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem/disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please schedule an appointment or call 203-693-1429 for individualized natural medicine.

Reference:
* Rauš K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an Echinacea-Based Hot Drink Versus Oseltamivir in Influenza Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Multicenter, Noninferiority Clinical Trial. Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical and Experimental. 2015;77:66-72.

* Koenig K, Roehr CC. Does treatment with Echinacea purpurea effectively shorten the course of upper respiratory tract infections in children? Archives of Disease in Childhood. 2006;91(6):535-537. 

* Rennard, Barbara O., et al. “Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis In Vitro.” Chest, vol. 118, no. 4, 2000, pp. 1150–1157.

* Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182. 

* Gorton, H.clay, and Kelly Jarvis. “The Effectiveness of Vitamin C in Preventing and Relieving the Symptoms of Virus-Induced Respiratory Infections.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, vol. 22, no. 8, 1999, pp. 530–533.

* Hemila, H, and E Chalker. “Vitamin C for Preventing and Treating the Common Cold.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Jan. 2013

* Nantz, Meri P., et al. “Supplementation with Aged Garlic Extract Improves Both NK and γδ-T Cell Function and Reduces the Severity of Cold and Flu Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Nutrition Intervention.” Clinical Nutrition, vol. 31, no. 3, 2012, pp. 337–344.

* Arreola, Rodrigo., et al. “Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds.” Journal of Immunology Research, vol. 2015, Apr. 2015, pp. 1–13.


Author

Dr. Giovanni A. Nelson, ND Dr. Nelson is a licensed naturopathic physician in the state of Connecticut and specializes in a holistic, noninvasive approach to a wide range of chronic and acute conditions. He is the co-founder and medical director at Healing Duo Integrative Family Medical practice. Dr. Nelson is thrilled to be able to share his passion for natural/complementary and alternative health information with individuals to help them live a healthier and more fulfilling life.