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How to Avoid the Flu

Influenza Season is Here, But You Don't Have to Get Sick

Nov 7, 2008 Stephen Allen Christensen

The winter months bring a higher incidence of viral infections. Influenza, a serious, potentially life-threatening illness, is largely preventable.

Winter is bearing down. The holidays are nearly here, and stress levels are rising. Some people are already feeling that old, familiar ague: the sure sign of an impending cold or influenza.

Nobody wants to get sick. But a lot of folks really don’t know how to stay out of harm’s way during this season of viral mischief. And now, with ominous warnings of influenza pandemics (and H5N1 lurking on the horizon), one might wonder if it’s time to simply hole up and wait for spring.

It's a good time to review what can be done to steer clear of the worst of winter's bugs.

Influenza Prevention 101: The Basics

Cold and flu viruses can be spread from person to person via droplets from a cough or sneeze, from touching a contaminated surface (doorknobs, desktops, microwave or copier buttons, etc.), or from inhaled aerosols (usually generated from sneezes or coughs, but also arising from perturbation of heavily contaminated surfaces—such as a shaken handkerchief).

Wherever there are people, there are viruses. The following measures will help to reduce exposure to others' pathogens:

Frequent hand washing. Antibacterial soaps are not necessary; they’re not effective against viruses, anyway. Spend at least 30 seconds lathering your hands. Rinse. Repeat.
Avoid touching your eyes and nose. Viruses enter the body via these convenient portals.
Wipe the surface of your desk, doorknobs, kitchen counters, cell phones, steering wheel, computer keyboard, etc., once daily with a disinfectant wipe (a cloth dampened with a mix of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach will do in a pinch).
Keep a box of wipes in your car; they’re nice to have when you’ve grabbed the handle of a shopping cart that’s sticky with…who knows what?
Consider skipping some of those organizational gatherings. An office party or church bazaar is a great place to share influenza.
Get plenty of sleep.
If you do get sick, stay home. Your workmates will thank you.

Other Strategies for Avoiding the Flu

It’s no revelation that eating the right foods will help individuals stay healthy. Tailoring one's diet to include specific nutrients—and possibly adding a few supplements—will provide an additional edge on respiratory viruses:

Flavonoids, found in fruits and vegetables, are potent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. One in particular, quercetin, has demonstrated promise in helping reduce viral activity. Quercetin is found in red onions, apples, broccoli, tea, and grapes. Supplements are also available.
Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6): IP6, a B-vitamin derivative, supports the acitivity of NK cells, a specialized population of lymphocytes that protect us from viral infection. IP6 is found in high concentrations in whole grains, legumes, and wheat bran. It, too, is available as a supplement.
Transfer factors (TF): Premier stimulators of NK cells, TF is present in small quantities in colostrum. A better source is available commercially.
Mushrooms: For fungal devotees, shiitake, agaricus, and maitake mushrooms all contain beta-glucans that stimulate cytokine production. (Yuminamochi, et al. Interleukin-12- and interferon-gamma-mediated NK cell activation by Agaricus blazei. Immunology 2007 Jun;121(2):197-206)

When it comes to preventing influenza, a bit of vigilance and some dietary changes might get you through the season. If you’re skeptical about your chances (or if you have risk factors), by all means consider getting a flu shot!

The copyright of the article How to Avoid the Flu in General Medicine is owned by Stephen Allen Christensen. Permission to republish How to Avoid the Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Flu Season