| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Flu / Influenza Information Influenza, also commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that result in severe sickness that can lead to life-threatening complications. It is estimated the 10% to 20% of the U.S. population contract the flu virus each year. Of these people, 114,000 are hospitalized with severe flu-related complications. Each year, an estimated 36,000 Americans die from the flu. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Flu / Influenza The classic flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are two types of flu: Type A and Type B. Each type also includes several offshoots or strains of the virus. The flu is extremely contagious. When an infected individual sneezes, coughs or speaks and the virus is released into the air, other people who inhale the virus may become infected. When the viruses enter the nose, throat or lungs, they multiply, causing symptoms of the flu. Viruses can also be spread when a person touches an object with the flu virus on it (like a handkerchief or door knob) or by shaking hands with a person infected with the flu virus. Adults may be contagious from one day prior to developing symptoms to up to seven days after being sick. Children can be contagious for a week or longer after coming down with the flu. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Flu / Influenza Symptoms of the flu include high fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches and pains. Children can also develop gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Those who are at a special risk of complications from the flu include people age 65 and older, pregnant women, children 6 months to 23 months of age and people of any age with chronic medical conditions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Flu / Influenza According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. If the vaccine is not available, people can prevent the flu by avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing hands often and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. People who get the flu can avoid spreading the virus by staying home when they are sick and by covering their noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing. Rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco products. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and immunity booster. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids strengthens the immune system. Zinc nourishes the cells. Use in lozenge form. Colloidal Silver promotes healing and aids viral infections. Free-Form Amino Acid Complex repairs tissue and controls fever. Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties. L-Lysine combats viral infections and prevents cold sore outbreaks. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) thins mucus and aids in preventing respiratory disease. Astragalus, Black Cherry, Echinacea, Ginger and Goldenseal are good for influenza. Cats 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. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |