Combat the Flu

You may have heard news stories this month about the large flu outbreak and especially the dangers it poses to children and people with a weakened immune system. The flu is a very common illness across the United States during the winter season, with outbreaks generally beginning in October and continuing until as late as May. Millions of people are infected, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized and thousands die from flu each year. This is why it is important to take action early to combat the flu and help keep your body strong during every seasonal outbreak.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the common cold are very similar to the symptoms of the flu, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. The flu typically feels like a more extreme version of the cold, with a cough and sore throat that’s more intense and painful. However, it is important to check your symptoms and speak with your doctor or pharmacist about confirming whether it’s a cold, flu, or something more serious.
Symstoms of the flu include:

• Fever, although having a fever is not necessarily the only indicator of the flu. Not everyone with the flu has a fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Headaches or migraines
• Body aches or chills
• Nausea and vomiting (most common in children with the flu)

Natural Relief

Sometimes the best remedies are the natural remedies. When you first begin to feel under the weather, that’s your chance to deliver support to your immune system and lessen the severeity of your oncoming symptoms. Load your health arsenal with remedies that really combat the flu!
Stay hydrated! Make it a habit to drink lots of water at the first sign of any illness. Also, never underestimate the power of hot tea. Good for soothing sore throats while keeping the body’s liquid intake high.
Gingeng-powered supplements, and there are more than one, can help you reduce the duration of the flu when taken at the onset of symptoms.
Zinc is a popular remedy for shortening the duration and symptoms of cold and flu symptoms. Do not take more than directed daily.

Prevention

1. Washing your hands may seem obvious, but it’s even more important during flu season when millions of people are at risk or carrying the virus. Make it a habit to wash your hands more frequently this season, using warm water and mild soap.
2. Eating healthy and regular exercise are also very important to keeping your body fit to combat the flu or other illness. By creating a lifestyle that values nutritious foods, your body will be better equipped to handle the stress of fighting a virus when that time comes.
3. Omega-3 Fish Oil is a great way to get these immune-fortifying fatty acids.
4. Vitamin D can be taken all season long. Not only does it fight the winter blues, but it can combat the flu as well. When the season calls for shorter days and less exposure to sunlight, your body can become vitamin D deficient. People with the lowest vitamin D levels were 36% more likely to have upper respiratory infections, compared with those with the most D.

Visit either South River Compounding Pharmacy location to speak with a supplement professional for recommendations. We take pride in providing personalized service and our knowledgeable staff is more than ready to assist you in staying healthy this winter!