Four ways to avoid flu's pain and suffering
Every winter millions of Americans are struck down with the fever and headache, respiratory distress and digestive track discomfort that we call the “flu.” And in spite of all the advanced medications on the pharmacy shelves today, there is really no cure for the flu. We can mask the symptoms all we want. But the disease must run its course.

That's why prevention is so important. Here are four ways to prevent the suffering of flu and the common cold this winter.

1. Wash your hands . . . wash your hands . . . wash your hands.
Flu and cold viruses are spread mostly by contact. And they can survive for several hours on surfaces. That’s why frequent hand-washing is important. The viruses are passed from the hands to the nose and mouth where they enter the body and start causing trouble.

Disinfecting surfaces is also important. By cleaning with bleach or other disinfecting products, you can kill up to 99% of the germs.

2. Get “the shot.” Momentary pain can save you days of misery.
It used to be optional. Now getting a “flu shot” just makes sense. That is especially true for older people for whom a case of the flu can be life threatening. Influenza vaccination has been proven to reduce mortality from flu by up to 75%.

Each year the new vaccination serum contains three virus strains likely to hit in the coming winter. It’s protection all of us can use. And it costs very little. Some employers are even providing flu shots free to their employees as a way to decrease absenteeism.

3. Eat your spinach, carrots and lots of fruit.
Research shows that a healthy diet strengthens the immune system, empowering it to better fight off viral infections. Many people who have switched to a diet high in vegetables and fruits report they get fewer colds and flu. One reason may be that fats and animal protein like meat and milk add cholesterol, which is known to suppress the immune system. Conversely, antioxidants found in plant foods actually enhance the immune system.

Crash diets and filling up on fatty foods, sugars and animal protein can actually cause malnutrition. And that severely suppresses the immune system, opening the door for all kinds of diseases – including the flu.

4. Take a chance on herbal remedies.
Herbs such as ginseng and Echinacea have been shown to prevent colds and the flu in some research projects. Native Americans first used Echinacea to treat respiratory infections. It seems to stimulate the production of antiviral factors by human white blood cells. Even small doses are effective.

One strategy is to begin taking Echinacea at the first signs of cold or flu. It can’t do any harm. And perhaps it will do some good!

Oops! What do I do if I already have the flu?
Try taking zinc gluconate lozenges (avoid those made with citric acid or tartaric acid, which bind zinc). For maximum benefit, start taking them immediately after the onset of flu symptoms. Sid effects include unpleasant taste, mouth irritation and nausea.

Don’t forget old faithful – vitamin C. While some dispute its effectiveness, recent research indicates a significant decrease in the duration of illness and a 23% decrease in its severity for those taking vitamin C. The most effective dosage is probably greater than 1,000 milligrams a day.

Raising body temperature can also help. Your body does it naturally through fever, which plays a role in killing infectious organisms such as cold and flu viruses. Try a warm bath (108 degrees), a sauna or steam bath. They have been used for centuries by cold and flu sufferers. For best results, try staying in the hot bath for an hour. Check with your doctor first if you have heart problem or other serious diseases.

Cold or flu . . . how can I tell the difference?
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system. Symptoms incude stuffy nose with discharge, often accompanied by headache and tiredness. Duration: 4-9 days.

Influenza, or what we call “the flu,” exibits similar symptoms as the common cold, only more severe. These symptoms last longer and can be accompanied by fever, cough, chills and muscle ache. There are more than 200 different viruses known to cause colds and flu.

People used to say “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In this case, since there is no cure for flu or the common cold, prevention is priceless!

So you shall serve the Lord your God
and He will bless your bread and your water.
And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
Exodus 23:25, NKJV