The 2018 flu season has turned out to be one of the most deadliest and cantagious in almost two decades.((https://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-season-cdc-reports-more-deaths-record-hospitalizations/)). Heathly people, in addition the elderly and children, are dying in record numbers. Succumbing to this year’s flu epedemic may not be avoidable.

The absolutely best way to prevent influenza infection is to wash your hands.

Even with your best efforts, you or your children may become ill. Here are six natural remedies to help you get better quickly. These aren’t your usual home remedy suggestions like vitamin C and echinacea.

 Remember to always consult with your medical doctor or naturopath for advice including home remedies, especially if you are pregnant. All of the suggestions below were given to me personally by healthcare providers, but each human body is different.

Drink Water. Drink Lots of Water

 Doctors recommend that you drink plenty of water when you have the flu, especially when experiencing diarrehea and vomiting. Sweating from a fever and a runny nose can increase dehydration. In fact, for every degree your temperature goes above 98.6 F, you lose about 100 -150 milliliters of additional fluids from your body.((https://www.livestrong.com/article/404617-is-gatorade-good-for-you-when-youre-sick/)) Sore throast make it difficult to swallow often causing sick people to drink less.

Squeeze a little lemon in your water to add some electrolytes. Avoid sugary sports drinks. Sugar can impare the immune system.((https://blogs.webmd.com/food-and-nutrition/2014/10/comfort-foods-to-avoid-when-youre-sick.html))

Water is soo vital to our health. One study even suggests drinking plenty of water can ward off the flu. According Dr David Lewis’, as reported in the Daily Mail found, “The research found that those who drank just three glasses of water a day were five times more likely to get a blocked nose or sore throat than those who drank eight.” ((http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-203142/Why-water-ward-flu.html#ixzz56NBFb700))

Increase Vitamin D

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2006 found 41.6% of adults living in the US are deficient in vitamin D. This number is much higher fo African Americans and Hispanics. ((https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21310306))

A 2017 study found, “Vitamin D supplementation can help protect against acute respiratory infections.” Researchers conducted a data meta-analysis involving more than 11,000 participants around the world.((https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/02/study-confirms-vitamin-d-protects-against-cold-and-flu/))((http://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i6583)) 

Our bodies naturally absorb vitamin D from the sun. It’s called the “sunshine vitamin”. During the winter months, absorption plummets coinciding with flu and cold season. Regular supplementation can ward off the flu, as well as be a first line of defense to shorten the viral infection’s duration.

Just how much vitamin D you should take regularly versus during an acute flu attack should be discussed with your MD or ND. Many naturopaths recommend high doses during the first four days of the flu, half the amount on day five and six, then back to normal levels on day 7. Some research suggest high does of Vitamin D can draw calcium from the bones, thus the period of increased supplementation is brief.

Dr. Gerry Schwalfenberg describes the treatment in the peer-reviewed journal Canadian Family Physician:

In those patients who do have influenza, we have treated them with the vitamin D hammer, as coined by my colleague. This is a 1-time 50 000 IU dose of vitamin D3 or 10 000 IU 3 times daily for 2 to 3 days. The results are dramatic, with complete resolution of symptoms in 48 to 72 hours. One-time doses of vitamin D at this level have been used safely and have never been shown to be toxic.⁸ We urgently need a study of this intervention. The cost of vitamin D is about a penny for 1000 IU, so this treatment costs less than a dollar.((https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4463890/))

Metagenics – D3 Liquid is easily absorbed and administered.

Increase Vitamin A

High doses of Vitamin A at the onset of the flu or cold are very effective at “nipping an illness in the bud,” according to Dr. Weeks. 

How does vitamin A serve us? Conceptually speaking, you can understand vitamin A as the protector and nurturer of mucus membranes. That included the entire gastro-intestinal tract from sniffles to diarrhea:In addition, vitamin A protects the ureto-genital tract, most specifically the female cervix and vagina, which can be successfully treated with vitamin A if ulcers or dysplasia occur.How does vitamin A help protect these mucus membranes? Through a number of mechanisms including immune stimulation (to be specific, it increases IgA antibodies), and it allows for proper functioning of T and B cells as well as cellular immune modulators called cytokines. This means, if your vitamin A level is low, you are not immunologically “buffed”…

Now, you and your doc should be anxious at this high dosage because vitamin A, being fat soluble (unlike vitamin C), can store up in the liver and cause problems.But, remember, toxic levels are determined not only by amount but by duration of exposure.Therefore, 100,000IU for a day or two is not only safe, it’s highly effective.But, don’t come back to me a month later saying you’ve stayed on that dosage.If you stay on vitamin A athigh dosages for too long, the side-effects can include headaches, diarrhea, dry skin, and hair loss.This can occur with routine use of even 50,000 IU/day.

Note:If you are either pregnant or a woman of childbearing age, be advised that too much vitamin A can be teratognic (very problematic) early in pregnancy if a fetus is growing in your womb.((http://weeksmd.com/2009/10/vitamin-a-ok-and-the-flu/))

Genestra’s A-Mulsion drops are great for fighting the flu and are easy to give to children. 

Viracon Herbal Supplement

 Viracon is a potentl herbal supplement to fight the flu. 

ViraCon is a powerful combination of immune enhancing herbal extracts. They function as potent immune system enhancers by increasing cytokines, and the production of other important immune factors. ViraCon helps support and maintain normal respiratory function and energy. This popular supplement is a must for everyone’s home.

Ingredients

Amount Per Serving: 3 capsules contain: Zinc (as zinc citrate) 7.5mg, Elderberry Fruit/Berry Extract (European elder) 187.5mg, Scutellaria baicalensis Root Extract 187.5mg, Propolis 70% 150mg, Astragalus Root Extract 150mg, Isatis tinctoria Root Extract 150mg, Berberine HCI 50mg, Hypericum perforatum Aerial Part/Herb Extract 75mg, Licorice Root Extract 75mg. 

Directions

2 to 3 capsules 3 to 4 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are an effective method for treating the flu, especially for children that don’t like to take medications and supplements. In a diffuser, use On Guard, lavendar, or eucalyptus essential oils. Rub On Guard on your feet. These essential oils have anti-viral properties.

Warm/Cold Sock Method

This flu home remedy may sound a bit whacky, but it works effectively to shorten the duration of your flu. It should be done for three days in a row. Diabetics should avoid this method.

1. Soak a pair of cotton soaks in cold, icy water.
2. Soak your feet in hot water (or take a hot bath with the feet submerged) for at least five minutes.
3. Dry your feet then put the cold cotton socks on.
4. Place dry wool soaks over the wet, cold cotton socks.
5. Keep the socks on overnight or until the cotton socks are dry.

According to North Coast Nauturopathic Medicine, this treatment works:

…to reflexively increase the circulation and decreases congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head, and throat. It has a sedating action and many patients report that they sleep muchbetter during the treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing response during acute infections.((http://www.ncnatmed.com/what-we-do/therapeutics/hydrotherapy/warming-socks-treatment/))