Natural Flu Fighters

There are several ways to avoid getting sick, during flu season: getting vaccinated, frequent hand washing, wearing face masks and avoiding contact with sick people. But, if you do get sick, there are things you can do to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Oscillococcinum
Oscillicoccinum is a homeopathic remedy that is known to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Oscillococcinum, or “Oscillo”, comes in both adult and children’s formulas. Take oscillo at the onset of symptoms and repeat dosages several times a day, per package instructions.

Nasal Irrigation
Rinsing the sinuses breaks up nasal congestion and removes virus particles and bacteria from the nasal passages. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and eight ounces of warm water in a neti pot. Lean over a sink or bowl, tilt your head to one side and pour half the salt mixture into one nostril. Allow the water to drain and repeat with the other nostril. Irrigate the sinuses as needed, throughout the day.

Eat Healthily
There are several foods that can help you fight infection, ease symptoms and reduce the duration of your illness. Bananas relieve stomach problems, bell peppers have immune boosting vitamin C and blueberries are high in natural aspirin and may lower fevers. Mustard and horseradish both break up mucus, onion helps clear bronchitis and both black and green tea have natural antibiotic and anti-diarrhea effects.

Avoid Treating Symptoms
In some cases the best treatment is no treatment at all. Viruses cannot survive above body temperature so a fever is actually beneficial. Coughing helps clear mucus and germs from your lungs. If you can endure a fever and coughing for a few days you may reduce the overall severity and duration of your symptoms.

If you have severe symptoms, or your conditions get worse, call your doctor.