Alberta Health Services says there have nine confirmed cases of flu in Calgary, 15 across the province – news that might have you looking for ways to beat the bug.
The standard advice- get a flu shot.
But holistic doctor Vijay Nielsen takes a different approach.
“There are (supplements) that do work,” he says. “But you want to make sure the items you’re taking are going to help you.”
Dr. Nielsen says some herbal products can help prevent symptoms, as long as they are taken within a certain window.
“You want to take it within 12 to 48 hours of feeling flu like symptoms,” he says. “If you’re not improving within 48 to 72 hours, this is not going to do the trick.”
Nielsen also recommends zinc lozenges.
And he says while many studies find vitamin C won’t prevent the flu, it can help get you out of bed and back on your feet, sooner.
Nielsen adds if you are deficient in vitamin D, you could get sick more often.
Family physician Doctor Phillip van der Merwe has some different advice.
He believes many supplements have a placebo effect, and that the only sure-flux fix, is rolling up your sleeves for a shot.
“These vaccines are extremely safe, they’re so safe, we advise them in children six months and older and pregnant women.”
And if all else fails, he says common-sense solutions can help.
“I would suggest you get plenty of rest and exercise, that you don’t smoke or drink too much and lead as healthy a lifestyle as you can,” van der Merwe says. “And really the key is wash your hands -wash, wash,wash.”
It’s good advice for those who want to ride out the flu season, symptom-
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