Proactive Measures for Flu Prevention
Prevent the Flu by Building Good Health Year 'Round
Nov 7, 2009
When flu season rolls around (fall and winter in most non-tropical areas), people become upset and worried, and wonder how to prevent the flu. But the best time for flu prevention is long before influenza strikes.
A flu shot (vaccination) is a good proactive move to prevent flu, but there are other helpful steps to take. Alberta Health and Wellness, a provincial government agency in Canada, advises that the best way to avoid the flu is to live healthy year round and to develop good "flu prevention" health habits.
Avoid the Flu and Colds with Respiratory Etiquette
These health habits are good advice not only during cold and flu season, but all year:
- Use disposable tissues and discard them after wiping the nose (or a child's nose).
- Cover the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when sneezing or coughing.
- If disposable tissues are not available, sneeze or cough onto the shoulder or upper arm rather than into a hand.
- Wash hands after coughing, sneezing, or using tissues.
- Keep fingers away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
Prevent Flu with Healthy Living
Alberta Health and Wellness lists these as lifestyle measures for staying well come flu season:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Don't smoke.
- Exercise regularly.
- Take a daily multivitamin (recommended for older adults).
- Decrease stress.
- Be socially active.
Other factors will include getting sufficient sleep and eating a nutritious diet.
Herbal and Other Medications to Prevent Flu or Relieve Symptoms of Flu and Colds
There are a number of herbal medicines and preparations that may strengthen the immune system and help in preventing flu and colds. Echinacea is often cited for colds, and a product called ColdFX has been clinically proven to reduce risk of getting colds.
Although a detailed examination is beyond the scope of this article, Sarah Tomley's "Is there a Herbal Cure for Swine Flu?" (from which the following summary is taken) provides more information and a good start for further research.
Other herbal remedies for cold and flu include the following:
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract has been proven effective against various flu strains.
- Licorice (from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra) is cited as a powerful antiviral.
- Garlic (Allium sativum), when eaten raw, may prevent flu and reduce symptoms (follow with parsley and cardamon seeds for breath freshness).
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), when taken in a tea, may relieve flu symptoms.
- Juniper (Juniperus, various species) inhibits viral droplets when sprayed into the air.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is said to reduce pain and fever and suppress coughs.
A flu shot (influenza vaccination) may give immunity to whatever viruses are around in a particular flu season, but the best defense is probably a proactive approach. This will involve both good respiratory etiquette ("cover your cough"), some basic health habits (hand-washing and avoiding touching the face) and a sound immune system built on good nutrition, regular exercise, and proper diet .
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