Flu and Immune boosting

[Flossie44]

I’m worrying about the flu season!! Does anyone take/ know of any reliable immune boosters? There’s so much on the market, I’m looking for something that can be recommended.

The best thing to do would be to get a flu jab.

And then aim for good nutrition, which is best achieved through diet (at least 5 a day, in different colours)

There is some research (Pauling Institute) which shows that good levels of Vit C can shorten respiratory infections (but doesn't seem to help preventing them)

Some people swear by echinacea, but I don't know if the evidence is good. However, there's no downside to trying it.

Flu jab, good nutrition, good hand hygiene.

flu jab
good hygiene (washing hands)
good nutrition, vit d3 supplement
adequate sleep
exercise, preferably outside

Oh gosh yes!

Handwashing. Really important - do it as soon as you arrive somewhere (especially when you arrive home).

Also wear gloves, esp on public transport, so you aren't touching potentially germy surfaces with your bare hands.

To be honest if you're that worried about flu and are willing to spend money, the vaccine does seem the most obvious thing.

The flu vaccine is something I never miss due to falling in the health bracket. I’m constantly washing hands and never touch my face. I’m conscious about what I eat, am a vegetarian and stay away from processed foods etc. I just somehow feel vulnerable to flu still. I read that the vaccine only protects against 40% of cases.

I read that the vaccine only protects against 40% of cases.

That was a particularly bad year, where they'd failed to accurately predict the most prevalent strains. It's usually more effective than that, I believe.

Elderberry syrup easy to make.

Ah thank you. Just googled it. Sounds fab!!

You don't want to "boost" your immune system, you'd end up with a whole host of horrible auto immune problems. Your immune system is doing its job just fine.

But to help avoid catching all sorts:
• Flu jab
• 8 hours sleep, every night, keeping the same routine weekdays and weekend
• exercise, preferably outside in the morning
• Windows open at home for some time every day & be outside as much as possible during the day
• wash hands before eating, every time

The sleep and exercise are the most important and underrated parts (for general health too)