Support for Flu and Viruses
Lately, the one question that keeps resounding from my clients is “How do I keep from getting sick this winter?” While it would be great if I had the answer to that question, I do know ways to keep your immune system in tip top shape so your body can fight off viruses, colds, and even the flu.
The 4 major illnesses that have hit us hard since the beginning of December are norovirus (aka stomach bug or stomach flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID. I am going to highlight symptoms of the norovirus as reported cases so far this year (2024) are double what they were in previous years. The fast and furious, norovirus shows up with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes stomach cramps and is most prevalent from November to April. One thing to remember about norovirus is you will get sick quickly but it doesn’t last very long, usually one to three days. Symptoms begin approximately 12 to 48 hours after exposure.
How do you protect yourself from exposure? Many of us are exposed and never have symptoms. This virus can survive on hard surfaces for days to weeks. The best prevention is to wash your hands with soap and water vigorously as many times a day as possible and especially after touching anything in public areas, such as grocery carts, door handles, public restrooms, etc. Alcohol in hand sanitizers do not effectively kill or remove this virus from your skin; soap and water are your best options. Covering your coughs and sneezes limits the spread of germs to protect others. To remove germs and dirt on hard surfaces, use household cleaners that contain soap or detergent.
If you do get sick, drink plenty of fluids, in whatever form you can such as tea, water and something with electrolytes such as Gatorade. Other options to help re-establish your electrolytes are chicken soup, broth and potato chips or pretzels.
No one is immune from being exposed to these viruses but there are things you can supplement with throughout the year to help your immune system be in tip top shape. Even if you start armoring up now, you will give yourself a much better chance of escaping these nasty illnesses. My favorite supplement for this is appropriately named Immune Support. What I appreciate about this supplement is that all you need is in a convenient pack taken daily and includes the top immune boosting nutrients and botanicals that work synergistically to strengthen the body’s immune response. Click the link if you would like to have more information or order this product for you and your family. Keep in mind, 1 pack daily for adults.
https://us.fullscript.com/o/care-center/products/U3ByZWU6OlByb2R1Y3QtOTQ3ODk=
If you have children under the age of 13, this is a great product for their immune support.
If you are taking medications, please reach out to me to ensure these supplements will be safe to take with your prescriptions.
Another simple thing you can do for yourself is participate in far infrared or full spectrum infrared saunas, 1 – 2 x weekly. These sessions help detox the body therefore giving the immune system another boost! And what feels better than 120 degrees when it’s freezing outside?