Information About The Seasonal Flu & Natural Remedies

Flu, otherwise known as influenza, consists of a common viral infection that
attacks the immune system, particularly the respiratory tract, and weakens it.
The virus that causes flu may be one of three strains, A, B and C, of the
influenza virus. Symptoms of flu include fever, chills, accompanied oftentimes
by colds and cough. The duration of the weakened condition of the body may
last between 3 to 5 days. With adequate rest, even without any form of
medication, the infection can cease in a few days.

It is common for individuals to experience some form of sore throat several
days before the flu strikes. The presence of sore throat indicates that the
body’s initial defense is working against the virus. The throat is commonly the
initial line of defense that fights the flu virus. If the flu is not arrested
by the fighting antibodies on the throat, the flu takes sets in and weakens
the person. The other symptoms of the disease include a lack of appetite
and the insensitivity to taste.

Flu is very common and it strikes virtually 100% of all persons at least once
in their lives. However, this disease is very easy to avoid when one takes
the usual and natural precautions to avoid disease.

Since the flu virus sets in when the body’s defenses are down or not fully
functioning, it is very important to give the body adequate time to rest.
This usually means 7.5 to 8 hours of continuous sleep each day. A lack of
rest considerably weakens the body’s defenses to fight against common viral
and bacterial attacks.

Some doctors do not recommend antibiotics for patients who have flu. Instead,
they prescribe water or liquid therapy for the patient. In this case, the
person should take in a lot of water and fluids (i.e. juices). The bodily
discharge brought about by urine, in the course of applying water or liquid
therapy, is a good indication that the body eradicates all unneeded chemicals
that may otherwise aggravate the weakening caused by the flu.

There are many natural and nutritional supplements, like Colloidal Silver that help fight flu.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene enhances the immune system when a person has flu
or influenza. Beta-carotene, which is a forerunner of Vitamin A, is an
anti-oxidant that helps the body to fight the influenza virus. Vitamin C
helps stimulate antibodies that fight influenza. Zinc, on the other hand, is a
mineral akin to Vitamin C, in the sense that it is very much used for the
production of white blood cells. Zinc and other anti-oxidants may help reduce
the symptoms and effects of influenza. These vitamins and minerals hastens
recovery of persons afflicted with flu or influenza.