It’s smart to keep your immune system strong, so that you can ward off what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says is a flu that is even worse than last year’s--and that one was historically bad. With fears of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) also sweeping the globe, now is the time to keep yourself fortified.
Exercise
Whether you jog, dance, hike or swim, keep moving. Find an activity indoors that you love, and will keep up. Research shows that exercise provides a boost to the cells in your body that attack bacteria.
Eat Color
Make sure to munch on greens (kale, spinach), reds (beets, berries, red peppers), and oranges (carrots, citrus), rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Reduce stress
Managing your stress through meditation, yoga and quiet time spent doing things that you enjoy, can make your system less vulnerable.
Elderberry
Elderberry has been used to treat infections by native people for centuries, and it is now hugely trendy. During the height of cold and flu season, it can be a good idea to take elderberry syrup, supplements or gummies prophylactically, as elderberry contains antioxidants that help boost immunity.
Try: Gaia Herbs Elderberry Syrup, Zhou Elder-Mune Gummies, MegaFood Immune Defense
Oil of Oregano
An old Italian remedy, oil of oregano was used by the Ancient Greeks and Roman for medicinal purposes. The oil contains phenols, terpenes and terpenoids, which have powerful antioxidant properties, and also give it a fragrant smell. It is a natural antibiotic that can help fight bacteria.
Oregano also has 42 times the antioxidant level of apples and four times that of blueberries, gram per gram, and the oil is extremely concentrated, so you don’t need very much. Also recommended to take prophylactically.
Try: Gaia Herbs Oil of Oregano, Garden of Life MyKind Organics Oil of Oregano
Reishi Mushroom
Found in supplements or tea, or in powder form to stir into your choice of liquid, the reishi mushroom helps boost the immune system, improve sleep and lessen fatigue. It grows in hot, humid climates, largely in Asia. Studies have shown that reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system.
Try: Traditional Medicinals Organic Reishi Mushroom Tea with Rooibos & Orange Peel, Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend Mix
While boosting your immunity is important, make sure you still are using protective measures against the flu and new coronavirus.
The World Health Organization have issued some basic guidelines to help:
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets if the person coughing is unwell.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your body via these areas.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.