Living Smart:: Flu Epidemic & Natural Remedies to HELP!

What do you know about the "Flu Epidemic" 2013?

 

Have you or your family been effected at all? It seems like every time you turn on the news, they are talking about how wide spread the flu is. I was watching World News Tonight and wanted to share (cause that's what I do!) some information about what is currently going on with the statistics and some natural ways you can help your symptoms.

It seems that the FLU "Major" Outbreak has hit every state except California, Mississippi & Hawaii, but with that being said, the CDC is still reporting the peak may be over!

This season hit a a month early with 6 or more weeks to go. With that being said, there have been reported shortages (especially in the south) and the shot is only 62% effective if you do get it. What does that mean? It means, that if you get the shot, there is still a 38% chance you could STILL get the FLU. Also, there are currently 3 strands of FLU out there this season, so the flu shot could protect you from one and not another! SMH!

You can visit www.FLU.gov if you would like to know where you can go get a FLU shot! My personal doctors office is out, so I will be looking on this site as well. I went to two CVS's last week, only to be turned away. I went to the health department, but honestly I didn't feel like waiting in line. I spoke to my "Baby" Doctor this morning, he told me "GET THE FLU SHOT! YOU'RE PREGNANT!" So, I am off on the hunt again trying to locate this SHOT! I told them that if they recommend pregnant women get the shot, they should supply the shot in their office! It's more money for them once a year! They loved the idea!

Home Remedies:
Many people (like myself) do not like medicine if there is a natural alternative. Here are three that I learned about.
1) Elderberry pill - (extract form) - It is commonly used in the first stages of a cold, as it is a high antiviral. It also works well for nasal and chest congestion.
2) Tumeric - It's actually an Indian seasoning - It contains cumin and helps the virus from spreading in your body. Curcumin decreased viral replication in infected cells, but also seemed to protect other cells from becoming infected
3) Chicken Soup - can help clean up congestion and affects white blood cells. A study found that there is a mild anti-inflammatory effect that reduced symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
The test soup recipe contained chicken, onions, sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, carrots, celery stems, parsley, salt, and pepper. But canned soups were also found to inhibit the movement of neutrophils in the research.

 

Also, keep your hands clean and out of your face! Most virus are transmitted through the eyes, mouth and nose! And people unknowingly touch their faces 20+ times day! Keep your hands out of your FACE and Sanitize those hands!!!!!!

So, I hope this post help a little and gave you some information you can use. Please share with friends.

Did you get the FLU shot? Are you? I have only had one and that was last year. I am going to get it this year because the pregnancy. It supposedly protects a newborn for up to 6 weeks after birth.