Getting prepared for the flu season

As summer turns to autumn, it is a sure sign that the flu season is approaching. Nobody wants to be bed-ridden with fever, chills, coughs, body aches, headaches and a clogged or runny nose. So with winter just around the corner, you will need some heavy artillery to build up your immunity and keep yourself from being infected. 

To understand the solution, we must identify the cause. The flu is an infectious disease which is caused by a type of viruses. There are three main types of flu viruses – Influenza A, B and C. Type A can be deadly and tends to strike every 10 to 40 years in the form of an epidemic. Type B can also create epidemics, but is milder than Type A. Type C is associated with the common cold and tends to spread locally.

These influenza viruses can either infect healthy people through coughing or sneezing, or by them touching things which have been handled by an infected person. Once inside the body, the viruses target the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, therefore it is necessary to take action against this problem to prevent it developing into more serious complications like pneumonia and bronchitis. 

Although flu shots and antibiotics are available to help control this disease, neither of these is 100 percent effective. Flu shots usually do not include the new strains of virus and so may not help at all to prevent infection, whereas antibiotics are designed to control bacterial infections, and can do little to help in viral flu infections. 

So, rather than focusing on controlling the flu once it has already taken hold, it is a far better option to build your own immune system to give you stronger defences against the disease. However there is not a lot of point taking immunity building supplements when you already have the flu. By starting now and gradually building the body’s inner strength, you should be able to prevent at least a significant portion of the flu viruses from taking hold..

Mother Nature has provided us with different components to help fight the flu. One of the most common herbal discoveries for fighting the cold is Echinacea. This herb helps in increasing levels of properdin in the body, which is a chemical that is responsible for boosting the immune system’s defence mechanism, thus enabling it to fight off viruses and bacteria. Another natural medicine for the flu is garlic. With the plant’s anti-bacterial properties, this, too, will help the immune system to ward off harmful micro-organisms. 

Ginger is also essential in fighting the flu because of its antiviral compounds. Other important herbs include sage, peppermint, lemon, blackberry, borage, juniper and yarrow. While many of these are not available separately, there are a number of wonderful supplements that combine the most effective ingredients into palatable and convenient forms.

Vitamin Warehouse has an extensive supply of flu-fighting herbal remedies including Organic Echinacea Tea, Garlic tablets, Echinacea and Goldenseal tablets, and lemon lozenges. These supplements will boost your immune system as well as provide some relief for the symptoms of flu.  So stock up in preparation for this flu season and support your body in the natural fight against flu.

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