The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports as many 36,000 Americans die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year from influenza complications.

Commonly called the flu, influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. The nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs are all affected.

While everyone is susceptible to the flu, young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems and chronic illnesses are more at risk. For people like this, the first line of defense is an annual flu shot.

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold, with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Colds however, typically develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on rather abruptly.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever over 101 F. Children with the flu tend to have higher fevers than adults have — often as high as 103 to 105 F.
  
  
• Chills and sweats
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Dry cough
  
  
• Muscular aches and pains, especially in your back, arms and legs
  
  
• Fatigue and weakness
  
  
• Nasal congestion
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  
• Diarrhea and vomiting (common in children, rare in adults)
  
  

When someone with the flu virus coughs, sneezes or talks, flu viruses travel through the air in droplets. An uninfected person can then inhale the droplets directly, or come into contact with the germs from an object and then transfer them to the eyes, nose or mouth.

Three types of viruses cause the flu:

Influenza A – This type is represents the deadly influenza pandemics worldwide that strike every 10 to 40 years.

Influenza B- This type can lead to smaller, more localized outbreaks that generally occur every three to 15 years.

Influenza C – This is most common type. Type C is a fairly stable virus, whereas types A and B are constantly changing.

The regimen outlined below can help treat & prevent the flu safely and naturally:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Wash hands with soap and water often.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.

If infected with the flu virus, stay home and rest.

Drink plenty of pure water and avoid using alcohol and tobacco products.

Avoid dairy products, which increase mucus production.

The supplements s listed below may also be beneficial:

Vitamin A (15,000 IU daily) - Powerful antioxidant and immunity booster.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,000 - 20,000 mg in divided doses) - Strengthens the immune system.

Zinc (for adults and children over age 6, one 15 mg lozenge every two hours for two days) - Nourishes the cells.

Colloidal Silver (take as directed on label) - Promotes healing and aids viral infections.

Free-Form Amino Acid Complex (take as directed on label) - Repairs tissue and controls fever.

Garlic (2 capsules 3 times daily) - Has antiviral and antibacterial properties. I recommend Kyolic, which is an odorless organic supplement.

L-Lysine (500 mg daily on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice & never with milk) - Combats viral infections and prevents cold sore outbreaks.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) (take as directed on label) - Thins mucus and aids in preventing respiratory disease.

Astragalus, Pau d' Arco, Black Cherry, Echinacea, Ginger and Goldenseal - Good for influenza.

Cat’s Claw - May cut the duration of the flu.

Cayenne - Keeps mucus flowing, which prevents headaches and congestion.

Elderberry - Reduces flu symptoms.

Eucalyptus Oil - Relieves congestion.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.