Oh No The Flu! What to do!?!

As Alberta talks about running out of the flu shot, many are worried about what to do if they can’t get one. Or wonder what to do in the 2 weeks it takes the flu shot to work. Then there is the fact that the flu is able to change! It makes one want to crawl into bed, curl up in a cave of blankets and set the alarm for spring.

You already know the basics:
– Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night
– 10 minutes of regular exercise
– Washing your hands often & properly
– Wiping down knobs & handles
– If sick stay home and so on

But there are some things you may not have thought about.

So get out of your blanket caves and take charge!

Adding garlic and ginger to your meals allows you take to benefit of their natural antiviral properties. Consider a quarter clove of raw garlic on a rice cracker. We already know that Veggies and Fruits help, but in the form of a powdered greens drink can make it extra easy.

Sugars, Alcohol and Caffeine are known to reduce immune system function. Refined sugars can be found in foods such as: white bread, bagels, doughnuts, pop, some juices, left over Christmas baking and chocolates. One Tablespoon of sugar can reduce your immune system by half for up to 6 hours! So reduce your intake or avoid it altogether. Unless when you avoid it, you become a Debbie Downer and might get you fired. Or worse!

Zinc in the form of zinc lozenges, preferably without glucose and artificial sweeteners, can help you reach the required immune boosting dose of 40mg without affecting your stomach.

Avoiding foods you know cause sensitivity reactions. This allows your immune system to use its resources for fighting off the flu and not the food you are eating. Wheat/Gluten, Dairy and Soy tend to be common. You can find out more about what foods you are sensitive to through testing at a Naturopathic Doctor.

If we look to Chinese medicine, the back of the neck is an area that is susceptible to pathogens. Keeping your neck covered by wearing a scarf when you go outdoors reduces your risk of getting ill.

Deal with Stress. Emotional Stress, such as fear and worry can also depress the immune system. Yoga and stretching are useful in dealing with this.

Also remember your body is amazing! It has fought off the flu before and you have survived. That being said if you notice your CHILD has:
– Fast breathing/trouble breathing
– Bluish skin colour
– Not drinking enough liquids from lack of thirst
– Not waking up or interacting
– Irritable to the point of not wanting to be held
– Flu like symptoms improve, but then return with a fever & worse cough
– Develop a rash with their fever

These are all warning signs that require urgent medical attention

In ADULTS, the signs include: Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting.

By making sure to help your body prepare its defence, it will look after you like it has in the past. And if you ever are concerned or have questions, seek out professional care