Cold & Flu Season Checklist

By Danielle Schwaderer Kettler, ND

Cold and flu season has arrived and there is no better time to become familiar with our top immune optimizing products and home remedies to keep you protected all season long. While we do believe it is beneficial, for otherwise healthy individuals, to mount a fever and fight a cold or flu once a year, the healthiest response is one of shorter duration and with less severe symptoms or side effects. Whether you are experiencing common symptoms of the cold or flu, are looking to prevent infection, or want to have resources available in the event that you or a loved-one fall victim to stubborn viruses, we recommend having the following remedies on hand and ready to use:

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for optimal immune health. The immune system relies upon vitamin D to synthesize defensins and other immune system proteins that help fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. Testing your vitamin D level and maintaining an optimal blood level of vitamin D is essential to cold & flu prevention. 
• Vitamins A & C: Both vitamins A and C are very potent antioxidants and are supportive of immune regulation. Maintaining a healthy daily dose of vitamins A & C in a multivitamin or as stand alone supplements during cold & flu season is a reasonable suggestion for maintaining a healthy immune system foundation. 
• Medicinal Mushroom Capsules: Mushrooms are high in beta-glucan and other immune boosting properties. Medicinal mushrooms may include combinations of maitake, shiitake, reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, chaga, agaricus, and more. We recommend our customers and patients take a daily dose, as a preventative aid. Doses can be adjusted during acute illness to help fight an infection more effectively. 
• ​Colostrum: An important immune regulatory protein found in breast milk, colostrum can help boost the immune system and prevent influenza. Research studies have been published over the past 10 years comparing the effectiveness of colostrum supplementation versus the flu vaccine, concluding that colostrum may be more effective than the flu vaccination. See references below. 
• Zinc: White blood cells and the immune system use zinc to work in a healthy capacity of fighting and preventing viral infections. Typical doses of zinc range from 30-50mg for most adults. 
• Herbal Tinctures: Various herbal extracts are available for children and adults and can be formulated for preventative or active infections. Have a general immune blend or children’s immune blend in the medicine cabinet consisting of a combination of any of the following herbs: echinacea, Oregon grape root, astragalus, elder berry, elder flower, andrographis, ginger root or elecampane.
• Herbal & Ginger Teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas encourage a healthy immune response and the excretion of metabolic byproducts during an active cold and flu. Ginger is our ultimate favorite herbal tea (fresh or dried) during cold and flu season, and when it is combined with other immune-loving herbs, that is even better!
• NAC (N-acetylcysteine): An amino acid precursor, NAC can be a useful aid for those with sinus congestion and inflammation or a wet cough. Doses are dependent on the individuals size, symptom presentation and severity. If you are interested, stop by Sonoma Roots or call us for further recommendations. 
• Nasal Rinse or Spray: Rinsing the nasal cavity daily with salt water or using xylitol nasal sprays can help decrease inflammation of the sinuses and keep the sinus cavity free of pathogens. 
• Warming Sock Treatment: An old time home remedy using just two pairs of socks, hot & cold water. This treatment is recommended for any individual or any age during acute infection or at the initial onset. Read our blog post here for treatment details and instructions. 
• Far Infrared Sauna: Far infrared sauna can be a wonderful immune boosting aid for the prevention or initial onset of a cold or flu. If you are in or around Sonoma or have access to a non-fumigated or chemically treated FIR sauna, we recommend you keep this in consideration. 
• Natural Immune Booster Shots: natural immune modulating booster injections are now available at Sonoma Roots. Read our recent blog post to learn more about our Immune Booster. 

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If you are interested in finding out more information about our top cold & flu season products, call or stop by Sonoma Roots Natural Medicine!

Please remember that these tools are not intended to take the place of medical expertise. If you have not been diagnosed with a cold or flu, or you or a loved one you are caring for have a fever exceeding 102 degrees, consult your doctor. ​If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a medical professional before starting a new supplement or herbal program. 

References:
Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination. 
Prevention of flu episodes with colostrum and Bifivir compared with vaccination.