Flu Tracker - Natural Flu Remedies

Wondering how active the flu is in your area? Find out.


Check out flu-tracker to find out how active the flu is in your area.

* The flu is easily passed from person to person by coughing and sneezing.

* A person can also get the flu by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

* Fever
* Cough
* Feeling very tired
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Headache and muscle ache

Everyone is at risk for getting the flu, but some people can get very sick. Those most at risk of serious problems include:

* Older adults.
* Very young children.
* Adults and children who have certain health problems like heart or kidney disease, asthma, or diabetes.
* People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or any health problem that makes it harder to fight off disease.
* People who live in nursing homes.

There is no way to make sure that you won't get the flu. But there are some steps you can take to lower your chances:

* Getting a flu shot or spray (vaccine) is the most important step to take. Get one every year. The best time to get it is in the fall before flu season starts. You can also get one in the winter at the peak of the flu season.
* Wash your hands often.
* Ask your doctor or clinic about drugs that can keep you from getting the flu. These drugs cannot be used instead of getting a flu shot.

* Get plenty of rest.
* Drink lots of water or other liquids like juice and soup.
* Don't smoke or drink alcohol.
* No fume.
* Don't spread your germs. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often. Stay home if you can.

Green tea - Shown in studies as natural anti-viral and antibacterial remedy, it is also recommended by some doctors and medical nutritionists in capsule form as a supplement to your daily vitamin regimen. No matter what the source, green tea is a natural immune system booster that may help you get you through the worst of winter season symptoms.

Black elderberry extract - Indicated as a strong remedy for colds and flu, black elderberry is a natural anti-viral agent. Look for it in capsules, lozenges, or syrup form at your local health food store where it is also generally available in sugar-free formulations for diabetics.

Olive leaf extract - . Also known as oleuropein, olive leaf extract is converted into elonolic acid within the body, a process the drug companies cannot patent. Along with its antiviral and antibiotic indications, in some studies the extract has been shown to lower blood pressure and control sugar levels. Look for it at your local health food store in in capsule or liquid form. The typical recommended daily dose is 500 - 1000 milligrams. Consult with your doctor if you are already taking antibiotics, or if you are on a blood pressure or diabetes medication regimen.

Garlic - Used for centuries as a natural antibiotic and antiviral, modern formulations are now available in pill form. Odorless garlic remedies also are available, but some nutritionists recommend that in odorless form the essential ingredient has been removed, and so recommend enteric-coated garlic. The enteric coating helps the pill dissolve deeper in your digestive track to directly combat the flu virus...and doesn't result in garlic breath. Note: since garlic is a blood thinner, consult your doctor if you are currently on an aspirin or prescription blood thinner regimen.

Vitamin C - Popularly known as an immune booster, many studies have shown Vitamin C to have marked beneficial effects for people who are malnourished and/or under stress - the perfect description for those of us during the winter holiday rush. Increase your chances of avoiding the bug with maintenance daily doses and increase the dose when you feel the first signs of cold or flu coming on.

Along with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, be sure to get enough rest - and avoid stress whenever possible - and you'll naturally have a good shot at fighting off colds or flu this winter.

Stopping the spread of the flu starts with you.