Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. There are two different main types of influenza that have been labeled Type A and Type B. Influenza is an infection that reaches your throat, nose, bronchial tubes, lungs and your ears and generally enters your body through your airways. Because this disease is so easy to not only catch, but to transmit as well, it is very common for influenza epidemics to occur. Coughing and sneezing are the only action it takes to spread Influenza from one person to another.

The symptoms of Influenza often start off resembling a common cold with body aches, cough, fatigue, headache, hot and cold sweats. These are symptoms that many people often ignore as a simple cold that will pass, but these same symptoms are also the beginning of the flu. As Influenza begins to set in you may experience a dry throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, weak feeling and uncomfortability. Generally this flu will last for one week to ten days at the most, but unfortunately it takes longer for all the symptoms to be eliminated. During the following days you will still be dealing with coughing and fatigue as you begin to regain your energy and general strength.

Influenza is a condition that is rarely dangerous to your health in any severe level, especially if you are a healthy adult. However, the older you are when you are infected with influenza the more vulnerable you may be when it comes to pneumonia. If you are over the age of 65 years old serious respiratory infections have been found to be the fifth leading cause of death in the elderly today. To avoid contracting the flu, especially if you are in your elderly years, there are some natural remedies and healing alternatives that have been proven to strengthen your immune system and promote a new sense of health.

• Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and immune booster that can be taken in dosages of 15,000 IU daily to receive the maximum results.
  
  
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids strengthens the immune system by increasing the quality and number of white blood cells. With the ability to choose a dosage between 5,000-20,000 mg per day, Vitamin C is a safe alternative to improving your overall health.
  
  
• Colloidal Silver is great for viral infections as it promotes healing and should only be taken as directed.
  
  
• Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties to help speed the healing process along when and if you contract influenza. Garlic should be taken in 2 capsules 3 times a day. Use the brand Kyolic by Wakunaga of America.
  
  
• Maitake mushroom contains beta-1,3D-glucan, which activates immune cells to combat the virus.
  
  
• Boneset is an herb that works as an expectorant and eliminates mucus from the lungs which in turn helps eliminate the infection at a quicker rate.
  
  
• When you have influenza it is recommended to get plenty of rest and have chicken soup to break up congestion.
  
  
• Zinc lozenges will nourish the cells because it is a potent immunostimulant. They should be taken by adults and children over age of 6 years old in 15 mg lozenges every 2 hours for 2 days at the start of flu symptoms and then reduced to 80 mg or less daily.
  
  
• It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids especially pure water, herbal teas and fresh juices to flush the body and prevent dehydration.
  
  
• Overall avoiding sharing glasses, close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands thoroughly several times throughout the day can help decrease your risks of contracting this viral infection.

Influenza is a common infection that millions of people go through each and every year, but for many it can turn into something more serious and can disrupt your life. Take the natural remedies above and input them in your daily routine to help promote a stronger immune system to ward off this condition.