Yes, flu season is here! The first case in Colorado was reported just last week in Boulder. So how can you be prepared? I still recommend the flu vaccine, especially for high-risk populations.
The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone over 50; babies ages 6 months to 2 years old; nursing-home residents and employees; anyone whose immune system is compromised by AIDS, cancer, or other chronic ailments like diabetes, heart disease and respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD; and people who work in medical facilities.
If you are vaccinated against one or more strains, you may still come down with flu, but your symptoms are likely to be milder than they would have been had you not had an influenza vaccination.
If you are allergic to eggs or prefer not to get the vaccine, there are other options to help protect you this season.
A homeopathic remedy called “Influenzinum” is very effective. It carries the same strain of virus as the conventional flu vaccine which makes it more specific in preventing this years flu. It changes every year just like the flu vaccine. This is found at health practitioner’s offices.
Oscillococcinum is another popular homeopathic flu remedy that helps in preventing and treating flu symptoms. You can find this over the counter at your local health food store.
The best prevention is taking these precautions BEFORE you get flu symptoms. Here is a list of common symptoms of the flu and the differences between the flu and the common “cold”.
Information on the symptoms related to the common cold and the flu….