Fighting Flu Symptoms And Ways To Protect Yourself This Flu Season
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Fighting Flu Symptoms And Ways To Protect Yourself This Flu Season
Chris Harmen is a writer for Respiratory Guard. Respiratory Guard provides immune support (http://www.respiratoryguard.com) using elderberry extract, which has been scientifically proven to block the attack of viruses and to boost the immune system, helping everyone to avoid getting sick.
It is far easier to prevent the flu than it is to treat the symptoms. Basic hand washing and common sense can prevent many cases of both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. There are vaccines available for both flu varieties and there are other steps individuals can take to both avoid getting the flu in the first place and then to significantly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, once infection occurs.
Cleanliness, avoidance of those who are ill and physical barriers can protect your body from becoming infected. Staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a good body weight can all work to provide better immune support. Vitamins, minerals and other supplements can also help build immune support. Since the only way to guarantee that you won’t become infected with either flu virus is to live the life of a hermit, you are far better off to practice basic hygiene, build strong immune support, and know how to treat the flu if you should become infected.
Physical Barriers To Use When Fighting Flu
Physical barriers, such as surgical masks, disposable gloves, safety glasses and goggles, and, in extreme cases, respirators, can all prevent the flu virus from entering the body. When the H1N1 flu virus was first identified and made public, nations hardest hit implemented the use of masks and gloves to prevent the spread of the disease.
Once the H1N1 virus was publicized, schools, bus stations, train depots, and airports were closed. Since the flu virus is spread from person to person through particles in the air and on surfaces, creating physical barriers and avoiding contact with others can be very effective. These high traffic areas were then disinfected to kill any lingering viruses. Viruses can be destroyed with direct sunlight, detergents, and disinfectants. Disinfecting your home, car, school, and work place are important preventative measures one should take during the flu season.
Most People Can Use Vaccines To Help Fight Flu Viruses
Flu shots and nasal spray vaccinations are excellent preventative measures against both varieties of flu. Flu shots are made using killed flu viruses, whereas the nasal sprays use live, weakened viruses. Pregnant women should not use the nasal spray. Flu vaccines should be used by children aged two to five and their caregivers, adults over the age of 65, healthcare providers, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Flu vaccines should not by used by individuals who are allergic to chicken eggs or other vaccine ingredients. Flu shots should also not be used by individuals who have had adverse reactions to flu vaccines in the past. Individuals with Guillain-Barre Syndrome should also not use the flu vaccine.
Good Hygiene Helps To Prevent Contracting Flu Viruses
Hand washing is, by far, the best prevention when fighting flu season. Hands should be washed frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds. Since viruses can live for hours on countless surfaces, you never know where they might be. Hand sanitizers are also effective at fighting flu viruses. Other preventative measures to practice when fighting flu include:
a. Avoid people who appear ill.
b. Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
c. Disinfect your home, car, school, and workplace.
d. Avoid crowded, public areas.
e. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables with soap and water.
f. Avoid ordering fresh fruits and vegetables restaurants during flu season.
g. Drinks plenty of fresh, clean water.
h. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
i. Wipe down your pets with a damp towel after they have been outside.
Using Immune Support Products When Fighting Flu
Vitamin C and Zinc are both well-known immune support products. Without the proper tools, your body cannot protect itself. Recent scientific research has provided us with yet one more tool to use when fighting flu season: elderberry extract. Elderberry extract has been used for hundreds of years, both as food and medicine. Traditionally, elderberry extract has been used to make syrups, wine, cordials, marmalades, and many other tasty treats. It has also been used for its immune support properties to treat vision and respiratory problems.
At the 15th Annual Conference on Antiviral Research, the results of research conducted at the prestigious University of Oslo were made public and published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. This research into the effectiveness of elderberry extract demonstrated that products that contain elderberry extract prevent the influenza virus from attaching to host cells, thereby preventing infection.
In addition, the scientific research demonstrated that elderberry lozenges and other products containing elderberry extract have a profound effect on reducing the severity and duration of flu symptoms, once an individual is infected. Fighting flu means avoiding becoming infected in the first place with good hygiene, physical barriers, disinfectants, and the immune support provided by elderberry extract.
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