Flu season has struck with a vengeance which makes these tips for preventing the flu super timely. Here in LA, people are dying from a particularly virulent flu strain. Even if you got a flu shot, it doesn’t work against this puppy. So, keeping healthy and flu free is at the top of my mind these days.
The real key to preventing the flu and not feeling sick as a dog is taking proper precautions. If you wind up sitting next to someone with the plague (as I did the other day at lunch), make sure to both wash your hands and consciously keep them away from your face. I also always apply a thin layer of either Polysporin or Neosporin inside my nose (more on why later).
In general, it’s a smart idea to do everything you can to boost your immune system. So, it’s important to:
- get enough sleep
- eat lots of brightly colored fruit & vegetables
- exercise
- watch your sugar intake
- laugh more
Believe it or not, laughter is one of the best things for improving your immune system. So go ahead and binge watch your favorite comedy. It’s good for you.
Preventing the Flu: Homeopathics
There are also quite a few homeopathic treatments that truly work at preventing the flu. My acupuncturist and all around amazing healing, Dr. Mark Holmes, recommends Oscillococcinum.
Personally, I use Kick Ass Immune Activator by Wish Garden Herbs.
It tastes like ass, but frankly, the bad flavor only lasts for a few seconds. Totally worth it for something that actually works. My brother, who teaches skiing so he’s surrounded by little kids with runny noses, takes it everyday during the season and so far, so good. Also, if you do wind up getting sick, it helps you to get better faster. A total win/win in my book.
Preventing the Flu: Polysporin Up Your Nose
So, at this point, you are probably wondering why I stick polysporin up my nose whenever:
- I am around anyone with a runny nose or cough
- on an airplane
- in a mall, movie theater or restaurant during flu season
Well, here’s the reason. We are around germs all the time, right? And one of the main ways that germs get into our system is through the nose. Polysporin acts, first, as a physical barrier to germs thanks to it’s vaseline like consistency. I think of it like a fly trap. Second, it also has antibacterial properties to kill those germs.
Whether the polysporin really works preventing the flu or is simply a placebo that I think works doesn’t really matter. Since I have started being religious about using it on airplanes, I have not gotten sick when I travel. And I used to. All the time. So, for me, another winner.
Lessening the Flu
Sometimes, however, no matter how many precautions we take, we wind up getting sick. It sucks, but there are steps that you can take to lessen your symptoms and speed up the healing process. These include:
- 4,000 IU of Vitamin C
- Yin Chiao (fantastic Chinese herb; follow package directions)
- Cinammon Twig Combination (I’ve never taken, but Dr. Holmes recommends and I trust the man with my life)
Also, as I said, continue to take your Kick Ass Immune Activator. It really helps your immune system to get strong so that your body can fight off the flu virus. And even though you probably won’t feel like eating, this recipe for Flu Season Soup is a must. It is easy on the stomach, has ginger & chilis to blast open your nose and is chock full of anti-oxidants.
My friend Jules swears by Manuka Honey with hot water and lemon. I have been known to add a drop of bourbon to this at night. My great aunt Florence used to make it for my brother and myself when we were kids to put us to sleep. Only she used moonshine…. talk about a great sleep aid!
No to Antibiotics
Both the flu and a cold are viruses. So ANTIBIOTICS WILL NOT HELP. It is a common misperception that they will. However, there is a truly miraculous homeopathic called Virus Nosode by Professional Formulas that will. Take 10 drops a day as a preventative measure or 10 drops, 3 times a day if you have symptoms. This sucker has saved my life on more than one occasion.
Ok, so there you go. My best friend handbook tried and true tips for preventing the flu. Let me know how they work for you. And if you have something that’s worked for you, share. We best friends need to stick together this flu season.
