echinacea Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Natural Antibiotic Alternative

AHA Publisher — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:00:05 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – When we had strep throat as kids, my brothers, sister, and I were given a spoonful of penicillin then sent to bed. We stayed home from school for a couple days until we felt better. Today this simple sore throat can be deadly… Here’s why. Decades of misuse and overuse of antibiotics have caused us to lose our power to fight infections. In fact, drug-resistant infections of all kinds are expected to kill 10 million people by 2050.1 But, the problem is even worse than we thought. For decades, doctors have been fighting antibiotic-resistant infections by increasing the dosage of drugs they prescribe. This worked for a little while… But ultimately, these mega doses created bacteria with “higher overall fitness,” according to a recent study from the University of Manchester’s School of Biological Sciences. In other words, they’re reproducing at record speeds – which could result in even more resistant bacteria. If nothing changes, diseases and deaths from minor occurrences like cuts, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections could soon become the norm. The germ that caused my strep throat infection is called Streptococcus. The CDC reports that from 2013 to 2019 – just six years – infections from this bug have quadrupled!2 It’s time to step back and re-examine the natural cures our ancestors used for thousands of years. Concerned these natural cures won’t protect you from an infection? A recent study found herbal antibiotic remedies are just as effective in treating bacterial overgrowth as chemical antibiotics.3 One of the herbs I’ve been researching is CBD. So, I was relieved to see that a study published just this week revealed CBD can effectively kill antibiotic-resistant superbugs – specifically gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria are one of the most significant public health problems in the world. Gram-negative bacteria are responsible for food poisoning, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis, sepsis, gonorrhea, and gastroenteritis. This type of bacteria has existed for centuries. Even the bubonic plague in the 14th century was caused by gram-negative bacteria, resulting in an epidemic that wiped out 50% of Europe’s population. The CBD study, published in the journal Communications Biology, is being hailed as a medical breakthrough around the world. This research could lead to the first new antibiotic treatment in more than 60 years. Gram-negative bacteria have a tough extra outer membrane that acts as an additional line of defense. And this makes it harder for traditional antibiotic drugs to penetrate it. But the cannabidiol in CBD kills bacteria by breaking through this outer cell membrane. The study comes on the heels of research published in 2020. In this Danish study, scientists found combining CBD with traditional antibiotics makes antibiotic medications much more effective at destroying gram-positive bacteria, like staph and strep. When researchers treated the bacteria with this combination, three things happened: The bacteria could no longer divide normally. There was less cell division. The bacterial membrane became unstable. This one-two combination punch means that less of the antibiotic drug is needed to achieve the same effect. This will lead to fewer drug-resistant bacteria in the long run. Use Nature’s Answer To Wipe Out Superbugs Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics revealed moldy bread was used to heal infected wounds. And a 1,000-year-old recipe using garlic and wine still works today to cure staphylococcus infections or sties in the eyes. Here are two supplements I recommend to my patients… Curcumin: A recent study found that curcumin’s antibiotic action killed 100% of MRSA within two hours. E. coli was wiped out by 80%.4 And a South Korean study found that curcumin not only killed bacteria on the skin, but also created a barrier that prevented further infection from entering a wound.5It also acts against the inflammation caused by the infection. Curcumin reduces inflammation by blocking two inflammatory enzymes (COX-2 and LOX).6 When looking for a supplement, make sure you choose one with at least 90% of curcuminoids. Also, look for one that contains piperine, a black pepper extract that boosts absorption. I suggest taking between 500 mg to 1,000 mg a day. Echinacea: Before the introduction of Big Pharma’s antibiotics, echinacea was the preferred treatment for infections. It contains a complex mix of active substances with antimicrobial, antibiotic, and immune system boosting properties. A study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology revealed echinacea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes — the bacteria behind strep throat, toxic shock syndrome, and the flesh-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis.7 I recommend 500 mg twice a day. I prefer liquid echinacea extract, which can have a powerful antiviral effect on the mucous membranes of the back of the throat. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Solly M. Drug-Resistant Infections Could Kill 10 Million People Annually by 2050. Smithsonian Magazine. 2. More People in the United States Dying from Antibiotic-Resistant Infections than Previously Estimated. Centers for Disease Control. Published 2019. 3. Chedid V, et al. “Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.” Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 May; 3(3): 16-24. 4. Poonam T, et al. “Bactericidal activity of Curcumin is sssociated with damaging of bacterial membrane.” PLoS One. 2015;10(3): e0121313. 5. Mun SH, et al. “Synergistic antibacterial effect of curcumin against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus.” Phytomedicine. 2013 Jun 15;20(8-9):714-8 6. Rao CV. “Regulation of COX and LOX by curcumin.” Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:213-26. 7. Hudson JB. “Applications of the phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in infectious diseases.” J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012;2012:769896. To read the original article click here.

The post Natural Antibiotic Alternative appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Discover the AMAZING Health Benefits of Echinacea

AHA Publisher — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:00:44 +0000

Wendy Miller via NaturalHealth365 – As days go by, more and more people come to realize that supporting our bodies’ natural defenses is the best strategy when facing invisible viruses and other potential invaders. Thanks to Mother Nature’s generosity, we do not lack natural ways to fight off viruses, strengthen our immune systems and maintain optimum health. Thankfully, herbs like echinacea do exactly that, bolster our immune system and help our body fight off a variety of illnesses. Echinacea Is Rich in Antioxidants, Boosts the Immune System Echinacea is known to be rich in antioxidants. Why are antioxidants important? Because antioxidants are potent fighters against free radicals that cause oxidation in the cells and control the free radicals found in our environment. Free radicals cause changes in the cells of our bodies that lead to various types of cancer and other health conditions that can be chronic and debilitating. Including echinacea in your nutritional regimen is a great way to get the antioxidants you need to boost your immune system. But Wait, There Is More! Echinacea Has Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties In addition to being rich in antioxidants, echinacea is both an antiviral and an antibacterial. Its ability to fight both viruses and different types of bacteria makes it an effective immune system supporter. Including it in your herbal supplements strengthens your body, making it more resistant to many of the most common illnesses we face. Thanks to its unique chemical composition, echinacea is one of the most potent herbs on the planet we can use to defend against ailments that affect most age groups. Reap the MULTIPLE Health Benefits of Herbal Remedies Several benefits can be gained by using herbal remedies to treat or even help prevent various types of illnesses and diseases. When combined with other natural remedies like olive leaf extract and goldenseal, echinacea can dramatically enhance the potency of the other components. Echinacea has few known side effects and boosts the immune system and other defense mechanisms within the body so that every ingredient in the supplement is used to its fullest advantage. How Should I Take This Powerful Herb? Echinacea can be found in many forms. You can purchase it in capsule form, which is suitable for adults. Many herbal tea formulas contain echinacea. Most teas that contain echinacea are safe to be given to children in small amounts. Tinctures are also made using echinacea and offer the maximum amount of antibacterial/antiviral protection when a few drops are added to a cool beverage. Don’t Forget About Living a Healthy Lifestyle In addition to adding echinacea and other herbal supplements, it’s also important to live a healthier lifestyle. For example, exercising three to four times a week for 30 minutes and walking on alternate days will strengthen both your body and mind. Eating a healthy diet will provide the fuel you need to stay active and fit. Relax and get the rest you need every day. At least eight hours of sleep is necessary to help the body reset, recharge, and repair itself daily. Bringing it all together and a healthy lifestyle that includes the most potent herbal remedies will keep even the most vigorous viruses or bacteria at bay. Do a little research if you want to learn more about herbal supplements, especially echinacea. You may “just” be amazed at what you will learn. Sources for this article include: Herbs.news WebMD.com MountSinai.org Healthline.com To read the original article click here.

The post Discover the AMAZING Health Benefits of Echinacea appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Echinacea, a Potent Antiviral Against SARS-CoV-2

AHA Publisher — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 08:00:43 +0000

Neha Mathur via News-Medical – In a recent study published on the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers present all available evidence on the in vivo activity of Echinacea purpure against coronavirus infections from randomized, blinded, and controlled human clinical studies. Since vaccination does not offer 100% protection against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the demand for antiviral preparations enhancing the immune defense for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections remains high. Two previous studies have provided crucial evidence on the effectiveness of Echinacea preparations against viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Although its inhibiting effects do not always reach statistical significance for a particular virus, Echinacea purpurea (L.) shows antiviral activity against several enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 in both in vitro and in vivo physiological concentrations. About the Study In the current study, the researchers reviewed a total of 1,687 articles from PubMed and EMBASE databases. From these, two studies met the eligibility criteria and were, therefore, selected for the systematic review. During the initial screening, 988 articles were excluded and 58 more were further excluded, as they did not report respiratory tract or coronavirus infections. The researchers only qualitatively described outcomes from the two referenced studies. The first study was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, monocentric randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in 2012, whereas the second study was a double-blinded multi-center RCT was published in 2021 and discussed the use of an Echinacea extract formulated in tablets that were given to children between the ages of 4-12 years living in central Switzerland. In the selected studies, nasopharyngeal samples for virus testing were collected, blinded, randomized, and adequately controlled. A total of almost 1,000 patient data set was referenced, which included patients who were prescribed 65% (v/v) ethanolic extract (tincture or tablet form) of Echinacea purpurea for four months. Study Findings Both studies demonstrated the preventive antiviral effects of Echinacea by varying parameters. Taken together, these studies screened numerous respiratory pathogens, some of which included influenza A H1/H3, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus 229E/OC43/NL63/HKU1. Overall, 755 subjects were randomized to receive E. purpurea and 717 participants were eligible for analysis as per safety collective (SAF) in the control (placebo) group of the first referenced study. From 355 eligible subjects of the Echinacea group, there were 21 coronavirus infections and the incidence rate was 5.9%. From the 362 eligible subjects of the control group, coronavirus infections totaled 33 with an incidence rate of 9.1%. Preventive effects on coronaviruses were statistically significant in participants in both the Echinacea and placebo groups who actively utilized their diary to report adverse events and cold-related symptoms. The findings indicated an overall incidence rate of 5.5% for Echinacea and 14.6 % for placebo. The second referenced study determined Ct values for respective incidence tests, wherein the authors estimated the number of ribonucleic acid (RNA) copies as a measure for virus concentration in the nasopharyngeal sample. Overall, 57 and 72 samples were positively tested for messenger RNA (mRNA) from any respiratory virus during prevention with Echinacea and control, respectively. A higher Ct value indicates a lower viral load represented by the sample’s RNA level. Echinacea significantly increased the average Ct value by 6.1 Ct units, from 25.0 to 31.1, thus resulting in a 98.5% reduction in coronavirus concentration relative to Vitamin C. Overall, four months of supplementation with Echinacea reduced the virus concentration in nasopharynx swab samples and the overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in adults and children. In the 2012 study, under the influence of Echinacea, the viral numbers were reduced to below detection limits, whereas the 2021 study results showed lower Ct values. Therefore, the incidences with Echinacea and Ct values are complementary parameters indicative of the antiviral effects of Echinacea. A clinical study carried out from November 2020 until May 2021 was also included in this review to confirm the applicability of the antiviral benefits of Echinacea. This clinical study investigated the effect of an Echinacea purpurea preparation in dosages within the range of 2,400 mg to 4,000 mg extract per day in 120 adults over five months. In the Echinacea and control groups, five and 14 samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. During acute SARS-CoV-2 episodes, Echinacea treatment significantly reduced the overall virus load by about 99%, the time to virus clearance by 4.8 days, and fever days to 1 day versus 11 days as compared to the control group. Conclusions As hypothesized, the review findings confirm the general preventive effects of Echinacea purpurea extracts against coronavirus infections in both adults and children. While Echinacea reduced symptom development, significantly reduced their viral loads, and shortened the duration of illness in children, there is unpublished clinical evidence that further demonstrates its efficacy in adults as well. The clinical findings of the in vitro experiments further complement these findings. *Important notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. To read the original article click here.

The post Echinacea, a Potent Antiviral Against SARS-CoV-2 appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Discover 5 Powerful Home Remedies for a Sore Throat

AHA Publisher — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:00:24 +0000

Wendy Miller via NaturalHealth365 – A sore throat is an unpleasant and painful symptom that normally is the first stage of a variety of health issues. For example, colds, flu, viral infections, and the drainage associated with allergies can cause sore throat pain. Of course, for many people, going to the doctor isn’t such a pleasant experience, as well. Thankfully, there are many home remedies that have been in use for hundreds of years that will relieve your pain. And, yes, many of these ingredients can easily be found inside your home. Try THESE Simple Home Remedies That Work Like a Charm Even though many people believe that homemade chicken soup is an old wives’ tale, it is quite beneficial for a sore throat when made correctly and with the freshest ingredients. Making soup stock by boiling a couple of chicken breasts keeps the natural oils and nutrients in the base. Add a small amount of onion and a sliced-up carrot or two, and you have the makings of healthy soup that will soothe your throat and boost your immune system in the process. If you want a little texture, mix in some cooked rice or noodles and add some shredded chicken back into the pot. Of course, if you don’t want to eat chicken soup, you can try some slippery elm or licorice root tea. A Powerful Virus-Fighter Often Overlooked by Doctors Olive leaf extract is one of nature’s most potent antivirals. It blocks a virus’ ability to replicate or reproduce. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties boost the body’s own support mechanisms. Phagocytosis occurs when the immune cells (or phagocytes) surround and start to attack the pathogens, causing your sore throat pain. When taken at the earliest signs of a sore throat, olive leaf extract can clear away discomfort much faster. Olive leaf extract is considered one of the most effective natural remedies available, yet many doctors and other medical professionals tend to overlook it. Boost the Body’s Immune System Naturally Zinc is one of the most powerful nutrients in nature when strengthening soft tissues and shortening the duration of unwanted symptoms. Contrary to what doctors may say about using home remedies, zinc is one of many home remedies that have been proven to work. When combined with vitamins B and C, it offers the body what it needs to heal without the harsh side effects of conventional “therapies.” Keep in mind, if you’re not sure how much to take … be sure to talk to an integrative healthcare provider or health coach. Taking These Two Herbal Remedies Can Do Wonders for Your Health Echinacea and goldenseal are the dynamic duo of herbal remedies. Both are effective as antibacterials, but it’s the goldenseal’s antiviral properties that make them so beneficial when it comes to treating sore throats. Taking this particular blend of herbs immediately after you begin to feel the first signs of a sore throat will cut the duration of the virus by days. Like the antibiotics that your doctor prescribes, these herbs will destroy unwanted pathogens causing your symptoms without disrupting the delicate balance in your gut. Give Your Body What it Needs to Fight Off Viruses Vitamin C has been proven time and time again to be one of the most effective nutrients when it comes to fighting off ugly symptoms. In addition to supplements, it’s a good idea to consume organic foods that contain an abundance of vitamin C. Cherry juice, papayas, and strawberries offer an abundance of vitamin C without increasing mucus production. Even though oranges and tomatoes are rich in C, they may cause the body to produce extra mucus which can cause sore throats to worsen. Eating fresh cherries, strawberries, and papaya will soothe your sore throat and give your body what it needs to feel better fast. If you start to notice the first signs of a sore throat, be proactive and start taking control of the situation. Remember, some of the best medicine you will ever find is already in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Nature provides us with what we need to take care of many of our most common problems, in spite of what many medical professionals might try to tell us. So, take advantage of some of your grandmother’s old home remedies. You might just find out that you feel better much sooner and are able to get back into your routine in just a couple of days instead of a week or more. Sources used for this article: Herbs.news Healthline.com To read the original article click here.

The post Discover 5 Powerful Home Remedies for a Sore Throat appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

12 Flu Natural Remedies, Including Best Foods

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 08:00:10 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Each season, the flu affects about 8 percent of the United States population, on average. And the numbers may be even higher for asymptomatic people. Children are most likely to become sick from the flu, or influenza, but people with a depressed immune system or nutrient deficiencies may also be more prone to catching the virus. Stress, lack of sleep and exposure to toxins can worsen flu symptoms. Fortunately, there are flu natural remedies that can help boost your immune system to fight off the flu or relieve symptoms. What Is the Flu? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. These viruses spread through the air from person to person. Signs and symptoms of flu may include: Fever Cough Runny nose Muscle or body aches Sore throat Headaches Fatigue Vomiting Diarrhea The CDC reports that although anyone can get the flu young children are affected by the virus most often. Pregnant women and adults 65 years old and older are at greater risk of developing serious flu-related complications because of their suppressed immune systems. Flu vs. the Common Cold The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and a cold, but usually influenza symptoms are much more intense. With a cold, it’s common to experience mild cold symptoms, like a runny nose and congestion. The flu is more likely to cause body aches, fever and headache, and it may cause serious health problems, like bacterial infections, pneumonia and even hospitalization. 12 Natural Remedies So, how do you get rid of the flu naturally? Home remedies for the flu include vitamins C and D, herbal supplements, essential oils, probiotics and eating healthy. Try these flu natural remedies to help relieve your symptoms: 1. Vitamin C (1,000 mg 3–4x daily) Vitamin C helps with immune function and boosts white blood cells. Research shows that vitamin C has shortened the duration of colds and can decrease the number of colds in physically active people. Take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily to ward off a cold or the flu and up to 4,000 milligrams daily when you are experiencing symptoms. For the most dietary vitamin C, eat whole fruits and vegetables. 2. Vitamin D3 (2,000 IU daily) Vitamin D is produced in the body by sunlight and regulates the expression of over 2,000 genes, including those of the immune system. Unfortunately, up to 90 percent of people are deficient in vitamin D. Recent research suggeststhat low vitamin D levels are linked to higher rates of cold, flu and respiratory infections. Many physicians believe that current recommended daily amounts of vitamin D are far too low, and that 2,000 units rather than 200–400 units per day is a better choice. You can also order home testing kits to test your vitamin D levels. 3. Echinacea (1,000 mg 2–3x daily) This herb can help your body fight off infections, but it is best to take it at the first sign of illness. An extract of echinacea was tested in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in 2013. Researchers found that the echinacea effectively treated respiratory tract infections in the short- and long-term, and didn’t cause the same resistance as a popular flu medication, oseltamivir, often causes when treating this illness. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in 2000 indicates that drinking five to six cups of echinacea tea per day as soon as upper respiratory symptoms developed, and reducing the number to one cup of tea over a 5-day period, was effective for relieving cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce bronchial symptoms of cold and flu. It directly attacks yeast and other kinds of fungus. Different preparations have different concentrations of echinacea. Some common preparations and dosages include: Tablets containing 6.78 milligrams of echinacea extract, two tablets three times a day 900 milligrams of echinacea root tincture daily Five to six cups of echinacea tea on the first day of symptoms, and then 1 cup a day thereafter 4. Elderberry (10 mL daily) It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost immunity. The flowers and berries of elderberry are said to boost the immunity, treat flu and relieve sinus pain. Elderberry does seem to attack flu viruses and reduce bronchial inflammation. A preliminary study found that when 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup was taken four times daily for a five-day period, it relieved symptoms of influenza an average of four days earlier than those taking a placebo. 5. Oregano Oil (500 mg 2x daily) Oregano oil has a powerful antiviral effect. I like to use oregano oil to fight viral infections and although there aren’t studies evaluating the efficacy of oregano on influenza specifically, there is research that indicates the powerful antiviral properties of the essential oil. 6. Zinc (50–100 mg daily) Zinc has shown to support immune function because of its antiviral effects. It works best when taken at the first sign of illness. Zinc may lessen the symptoms of the cold virus, but excessive amounts aren’t good for you. Zinc pills and sprays do not seem to be effective. Take 50–100 milligrams of zinc daily to ward off or treat cold and flu symptoms. 7. Brewer’s Yeast This popular supplement contains B vitamins, chromium and protein. Research in Science Direct describes that it’s used for cold, flu and other respiratory tract infections. In fish, brewer’s yeast stimulates immunity by positively influence the microbiome, which may also improve digestive function. Research conducted at the University of Michigan Medical Center found that a yeast supplement was able to reduce cold and flu symptom severity, and lead to significantly shorter duration of symptoms in patients. 8. Essential Oils for Flu Rubbing peppermint and frankincense essential oil into the neck and bottoms of the feet can naturally support the body’s natural defenses, as indicated in studies. I also like to use clove oil to protect my body against infection and speed recovery from the flu. Research confirms that clove oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. 9. Chiropractic Care for Flu Prevention During the 1918 flu epidemic, flu patients that received chiropractic care survived much more readily than those that didn’t. This is because chiropractic care focuses on the health of your nervous system, which can help to boost your immunity. A 2011 study showed some promise for chiropractic adjustments and their potential to help boost immunity. 10. Probiotics Restoring the beneficial bacteria in your gut can help boost your immune system considerably. A lab study conducted in 2017 showed that a particular strain of probiotics, Bacillus bacteria, demonstrated anti-influenza activity, with complete inhibition of the influenza virus. A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the immune response to the influenza vaccination. The results indicate that participants who took probiotics and prebiotics showed significant improvements in the H1N1 and H3N2 strain protection rates. This suggests that taking probiotics may elevate your immunity. 11. Get Fresh Air Indoor winter environments can be a source of concentrated toxins and germs. The dry air we inhale as we heat our homes during the winter makes airways more reactive and sensitive to viruses. An added bonus to time spent outdoors in the winter is the extra bit of sunlight you receive. 12. Get Enough Rest Studies highlight that sleep and immunity and linked. Sleep affects the body’s defense system and enhancing sleep while fighting an infection can promote your natural defense mechanisms and improve infection outcome. Plus, a stimulation of the immune system triggers a natural inflammatory response, which can induce an increase in sleep duration and intensity. Basically, your body needs the extra sleep to do its work. 13. Stay Hydrated Reports actually show that respiratory infections may not directly lead to dehydration, contrary to popular belief. However, even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches and weakness. Sometimes when we are sick and congested, we are less likely to ingest enough fluids. Fluid helps your body to flush bacteria and viruses from your system. Drink approximately half your body weight in ounces daily of either spring water or reverse osmosis filtered water. Warm water can also be soothing to your throat. Herbal teas, like green and black teas, are potent immune system boosters and antioxidants. Try to drink at least eight ounces every two hours. 14. Top Foods for Flu Recovery Also, these are the best foods to consume while you recover from the flu. Light, easy-to-digest foods: Include soups with bone broth, cooked vegetables or herbal teas to help with digestion. Don’t force yourself to eat. Water: Adequate hydration is the key to flushing out the virus from your system. Hot water with lemon, honey, and cinnamon: Honey and cinnamon helps prevent mucus buildup and keeps you hydrated. Ginger: Make a ginger tea and add raw honey. Garlic and onions: Both of these vegetable help boost immune function. Conventional Treatment Conventional flu treatment includes antiviral drugs and vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends injectable influenza vaccines for everyone over 6 months and older. Vaccine injections are available as an inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) and a recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV). There are a few things you should know about the flu vaccine ahead of time. For one thing, it doesn’t work right away, but takes about two weeks before it is effective. This is why the CDC recommends getting the vaccine in the fall, before the flu season is at its worst. Another thing you need to know is that you can still get the flu even though you’ve been vaccinated. The virus that’s used to make the vaccine does not always “match” the virus that is circulating the community. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year because flu viruses are constantly changing, which is called antigenic drift, and experts do their best to pick the viruses to include in the vaccine many months before flu season begins. It’s not possible to be 100 percent sure which flu viruses will be most prominent in any given season, so the protection of a flu vaccine is not guaranteed. Reports indicate that the 2019-2020 flu vaccine was 45 percent effective against overall seasonal influenza A and B viruses. There are also side effects from getting the flu shot, such as soreness or swelling at the site of the injection, body aches and fever. The CDC recently made some additions to the 2007 guidelines on nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to protect oneself and others against the flu. Some of the recommendations for personal NPIs include: Staying home when you’re sick. Staying home if you’ve been exposed to a sick family or household member. Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. Covering your nose or mouth with a mask or cloth if you are sick and have to be around others at a community gathering of people. Implementing these behaviors can help stop the spread of flu. Risks and Side Effects If you or a loved one experience complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, or have a high fever that won’t go down, contact your healthcare provider right away. If you catch the flu and you have a chronic condition, such as asthma, or you are pregnant, see your doctor. Also keep in mind that some symptoms of flu and Covid-19 are similar, which makes it hard to tell the difference between the two viruses. For this reason, it’s a good idea to call your healthcare provider and tell him or her about your symptoms over the phone. You will then be advised about what to do next. Most people recover from the flu within a few days to less than 2 weeks. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after 2 weeks, contact your healthcare provider. There is the risk of developing complications or a co-infection from the virus...

The post 12 Flu Natural Remedies, Including Best Foods appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.