WHACK the Flu

W_ash your hands frequently

H_ome is where you should be when you are sick

A_void touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

C_over your coughs with a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow

K_eep your distance from sick people

Daily news reports the spread of the coronavirus and the uncertainty of treatment. Although there is no vaccine for the COVID-19 virus and treatment is uncertain, there are over the counter supplements that have shown to have antiviral properties and to support the immune system. Although the following have not been validated as effective specifically for COVID-19, they are nevertheless advisable at the onset of symptoms of influenza and viral upper respiratory tract infections and to help maintain healthy immune system.

1. Zinc: Supports immune system.

2. Garlic: Antiviral. Take with food to minimize stomach irritation.

3. Vitamin C: Fights infection and can lessen cold and flu symptoms.

4. Vitamin D: Supports immune system. Higher levels associated with decreased risk of seasonal viral infection and acute respiratory infections.

5. Vitamin E: Potent antioxidant. Supports immune system.

6. Cimetidine: A heartburn drug that has potent immune enhancing properties. It is sold in pharmacies over the counter.

7. Melatonin: Helps with sleep, is an antioxidant, supports immune system. Take at bedtime.

8. Selenium: Powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune support.

9. Green Tea: contains a powerful antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been used to fight influenza for the last 4700 years.

10. (DHEA): Support for the immune system.

11. Probiotics and prebiotics: Supports immune system and antiviral.

12. Elderberry: Rich source of antioxidants, and can help with influenza.

13. Wellgrove Super Immunity+ Olive Leaf Extract: Supports immune system, antiviral, antibacterial.

14. Maty’s Cough Syrup & Maty’s Chest Rub

15. Nature’s Truth Sambucus Black Elderberry extract: Relieves upper repertory distress, supports immune system.

If you have signs of the flue (sudden high fever, fatigue, cough, congestion, or sore throat), you should call a health care provider immediately. The flu can be distinguished from a common clod by severity of symptoms; cold symptoms are generally mild and develop over several days, while flu symptoms are much more severe and develop within a few hours. Treatment must be started as soon as symptoms develop.