DR. WALKER

Influenza

What is influenza?

Influenza, in short, flu, is one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract in the U.S., caused by the influenza virus. The nose, throat, and lungs are mainly affected. Underlying health issues such as diabetes or asthma, or pregnancy can cause the affected person to suffer from severe flu. It is highly contagious and most commonly caught in the months of the winter season; the cases start escalating from October through May, reaching the peak from December to February (Flu (Influenza), 2022).

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu can begin in many ways like a cold, such as with sneezing, coughing, and runny nose. However, the common cold can also attack the respiratory system including the nose, but colds come on generally more slowly, while symptoms of flu come on quickly and can be mild or severe in intensity. Flu can sometimes result in death as well. Some symptoms commonly occurring in flu include (Key Facts About Influenza (Flu), 2022):

• Fever
• Chills
• Body ache
• Cough
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Congestion of the lungs and nose
• Diarrhea and vomiting in kids mostly

What are some natural remedies to cope with the flu?

Drink plenty of water and increase your fluid intake as this can help in getting rid of mucus and phlegm. Consider increasing zinc intake as it is credited with a significant reduction of the severity of symptoms, generally within 3 days. Gargling with salt water helps soothe a sore throat. Drink herbal tea as they contain antibacterial and antiviral properties. Use a humidifier, inhale steam, or apply essential oils like oregano oil, peppermint oil, and thyme oil to ease breathing difficulties that may arise from a blocked nose (Iftikhar, 2019).

Increase vitamin C intake as it can boost your immune system and help in controlling the symptoms. Take elderberry to shorten the duration of the flu. In one study, people who took elderberry almost completely recovered in two or three days. Elderberry is thought to boost the immune system by increasing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Ensure that you are getting plenty of rest as this helps in boosting the immune system and subsequently causes it to function optimally.

What do you need to keep in mind regarding influenza?

It is important to remind patients with cold/flu to regularly wash their hands to decrease the risk of disease transmission as these diseases are highly contagious.

Self-Care Tips:

The CDC now recommends flu vaccines for everyone 6 months or older. Problem however is that the vaccine almost never matches the current strain. This is to say, that the vaccine may not help you immediately; if at all. So it is profoundly important to boost your immune system as best as you can to prevent things like influenza.
Although most who get the flu will have symptoms lasting less than 2 weeks, there are some who will continue to have some complications from other viruses or bacteria simultaneously.
Also remember that zinc is a powerful mineral but works best when taken with ionophores like quercetin. This combination helps to diminish viral replication intracellularly and will likely shorten the duration of your symptoms.

Immune Boosters:

Vitamin C 1000 mg twice daily
Vitamin D3 4000 IU. Get levels checked in 6 to 8 weeks to gague levels.
Goal is 80 to 100 ng/ml
Echinacea 500 mg twice daily
Elderberry 1 tablespoon 4 times daily/syrup
Oregano Oil 600 mg daily
Zinc 50 mg daily

References:

Flu (Influenza). (2022, October 11). Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic:
Iftikhar, N. (2019, April 10). 10 Natural Remedies for Flu Symptoms. Retrieved from Healthline:
Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). (2022, October 24). Retrieved from CDC