With flu season right around the corner, it is an ideal time to boost your immune system against influenza germs. The popular recommendation from most doctors is to get a flu shot. However, there are measures you can follow in conjunction with a flu shot that may help keep you healthy throughout the flu season.
While the flu shot is recommended by doctors, keep in mind it does not cover all strains of the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states in its article Types of Influenza Virus, “Influenza A (H1N1), A (H3N2), and influenza B strains are included in each year's influenza vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine can protect against influenza A and B viruses. The flu vaccine does not protect against influenza C viruses.”
Here are seven tips for protecting yourself against viruses the shot does not cover.
- Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Peppermint are all excellent for fighting bacteria and boosting the immune system. Many essential oils may be too strong to apply neat, but may be used along with vegetable or olive oil as a carrier oil to dilute it. Apply a drop to the bottom of each foot before bedtime. A drop may also be applied to the chest in the morning. Watch for skin sensitivity. If your skin does show signs of irritation, immediately apply milk to the area and then discontinue use.
- Take advantage of your local juice bar or squeeze your own fresh juice. Both freshly squeezed juice and fruit smoothies are an excellent way to obtain a vitamin boost. Buy frozen fruit, ideally from a health food store, or freeze your own fresh produce. Freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning is quick and easy to make, and full of vitamin C, a natural immune booster.
- Wheatgrass, a powerful blood cleanser high in both vitamin C and vitamin A, also supports the immune system. If it is your first time drinking wheatgrass, ingest the smallest amount available - usually one shot - at your local juice bar.
- There are many pre-packaged internal body cleanses on the market. If you prefer, you may do an at-home version. One example of an at-home cleanse is the popular Master Cleanse. This cleanse consists of drinking a mixture of freshly squeezed lemons, spring water, grade B maple syrup and cayenne pepper, along with consuming a mixture of water and sea salt to clear the bowels. The recommended time frame for this cleanse is at least 10 days. Please consult your doctor before following any cleanse, however.
- Follow the rule to wash your hands often and especially before every meal. Also change your clothing if you have been exposed to germs – and during flu season, have your children change their clothes when they get home from school.
- In the stressful modern world, many people stay up late and get up early, depriving their bodies of the recommended eight hours of sleep. Go to bed earlier during flu season for extra immune boosting. Ideally, sleep until your body wakes up naturally without an alarm clock.
- If you feel like you may be coming down with a cold or flu, take one ibuprofen and go to bed as early as possible.
Following these seven tips, along with your yearly flu shot, may help keep you healthier during flu season.
