In the current times of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us have placed more importance in ensuring that we do not fall sick and the demand for flu vaccines have also increased. But, does flu vaccines really work? Do we have other alternatives or natural remedies that can also help with preventing flu?
There are studies each year to determine how well the influenza (flu) vaccine protects against flu illness. While vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine.
In general, current flu vaccines tend to work better against influenza B and influenza A (H1N1) viruses and offer lower protection against influenza A(H3N2) viruses. See “Does flu vaccine effectiveness vary by type or subtype?” and “Why is flu vaccine typically less effective against influenza A H3N2 viruses?” for more information.
What are the factors that influence how well the vaccine works?
The flu vaccine’s effectiveness can vary from season to season and it can also vary depending on who is being vaccinated. The following factors play an important role in determining the likelihood that flu vaccine will protect a person from flu illness:
Characteristics of the person being vaccinated (such as their age and health)
Similarity or “match” between the flu viruses the flu vaccine is designed to protect against and the flu viruses spreading in the community
The type of influenza viruses that are circulating during that season
Each flu season, researchers try to determine how well flu vaccines work as a public health intervention. Estimates of how well a flu vaccine works can vary based on study design, outcome(s) measured, population studied and the season in which the flu vaccine was studied. These differences can make it difficult to compare one study’s results with another's.
Hence, it remains unclear at this point whether flu vaccinations do help to reduce the risk of people falling sick. What can we do as an alternative treatment to prevent flu?
Use alternative natural food and products to cure your flu, it can work wonders for you!
1. Gargle with salt water
Do this as soon as you start feeling sick! Not only can it help relieve a sore, scratchy throat, but if you go back to your middle school science days, water follows salt (#osmosis) so the idea is that gargling salt water actually pulls viral fluids out from the throat area. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gargle it all 1-2x a day.
2. Honey
Honey not only helps soothe a sore throat it also works as a cough suppressant. Honey can soothe irritated mucous membranes which helps remove the irritation that is fueling the cough reflex.
3. Take a Ginger Shot
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It has been known to help with congestion, nausea, colds, and fevers. You can either pick one up from a local juice store or juice a knob of ginger yourself. Eating ginger can also help but for the best bang for your buck, go for the juice shot as the ultimate home remedy for the flu.
4. Elderberry syrup
Elderberry is a fruit grown from the elder tree that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making it a powerhouse when it comes to fighting colds. Studies have shown taking elderberry syrup can shorten colds and flus and also relieve sinus infections.
5. Propolis
Did you know that bees produce more than just honey? Yep, they make propolis too. Propolis is the substance bees use to seal in their hives so it’s super anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It’s great at fighting the common cold or sore throats.
6. Essential oils
There are many powerful essential oils for cold and flus but here are a few that are easily accessible: Eucalyptus oil has antiviral and antimicrobial properties which have historically been used to treat the common cold. Peppermint oil is used as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. It’s like a natural VapoRub. Just make sure when applying topically that you mix with a carrier oil.
7. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. Garlic is packed with minerals, enzymes, vitamin C, sulphur, and selenium which all help bust colds and flus. Enjoy garlic in your meals or eat a clove whole if you’re seriously brave.
8. Bone Broth
Bone broth, or that chicken soup Jewish grandmothers have been making for centuries, actually isn’t just a tall tale. A bowl of chicken soup, or homemade bone broth can be effective in helping to fight colds and flus. Bone broth contains anti-inflammatory amino acids and is packed full of immune supporting vitamins and minerals that are extra easy for your body to digest. Don’t reach for those chicken cubes that you can get from the supermarket though – you need to use the real stuff to get the benefits!
9. Epsom salt bath
Add Epsom salt to a hot bath along with some essential oils if you’d like to have a relaxing, detoxifying evening. Again with the osmosis thing, the minerals in the bath cause the toxins in your body to be released in the bath so not only is it relaxing, but it’s good for you too. We have tested this when we had flu and it works wonders!
See this link for more details on the benefits of Epsom Salt Bath
BONUS: Sleep! Give your body the rest it needs. I’ve learned this lesson many times over, but to really help your body heal you need to sleep as much as your body needs. Don’t just try to push through illness. Your body is working extra hard to fight something so rest and allow it to recover.
Tags: #flu, #epsom, #sleep, #garlic, #natural, #remedy, #ginger, #bonebroth, #essentialoils, #saltwater, #honey
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