Influenza  (Flu)

What you need to know

Every year, it seems, we’re warned of another strain of flu likely to put us on our backs for a few weeks during the winter. Happily, that doesn’t happen to most people - and these days, the most vulnerable are normally offered vaccinations against the year’s most likely ‘nationality’ of the disease.

If you’re one of the unfortunate ones to have had it, however, you’ll know how debilitating it can be. The most important thing is to treat this illness as a serious one.

The most useful Supplements:

During an attack of the flu the initial steps are to take 1g to 10g of Vitamin C three times a day, 50,000 iu (international units) of Vitamin A a day - (but not if you’re pregnant unless your doctor agrees), and a high-strength B-complex once a day

After a week, reduce the dose to 1g of Vitamin C and 1,000 iu of Vitamin A, but keep on the same dosage of B-complex - and continue on these amounts for three weeks.

A clove of Garlic swallowed whole every hour if your throat is sore.

To help boost your immunity from any infectious diseases:

The most useful Herbs:

Homoeopathy

The following homoeopathic remedies may also help.

• Byronia
• Gelsemium

Aromatherapy

Tea Tree oil - this will make you sweat, which should help prevent any worse onset

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

You need to stay in bed for at least 48 hours and, for the first day, have just plenty of fluids, grapes, berries, Citrus fruit and ripe Pears

On the second day, add cooked vegetables and salads

On the third, start eating bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. This will push up your white cell blood count to reduce infection and complement the huge intake of Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

Traditional remedies:

To help with the miserable symptoms of headache, temperature, aches and pains, and the dry cough that nearly always accompanies flu, drink lots of lemon juice, hot water and honey as a general soother for the body.

Copious amounts of Lime blossom tea will help lower your temperature and relieve the aches and pains of influenza.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon to all your drinks increases their benefit.

Other useful advice:

Cold, wet compresses around the neck and on the front of the chest will help make you more comfortable while you have a high temperature.

If you have frequent bouts of influenza, your immune system is obviously under a lot of stress, as a preventative measure follow the advice given in immunodeficiency to learn how to keep your body’s natural defence mechanism in tip top condition. 

If you are thinking of having a flu vaccination as a preventative measure, please note that your immune system needs to be in reasonable shape for this to work. If not, you may end up getting flu-like symptoms or even full-blown flu after you have had your flu jab. Studies show that taking both Korean and Siberian Ginseng several weeks before and after vaccination helps to prevent post-vaccination reactions.

A good post-flu tonic is to combine a decoction of Elecampane root with an equal amount of an infusion of Vervain and St Johns Wort.  

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.