Flu season is upon us, fair members, and I’m afraid the flu can bring more than just aches and sniffles – especially for the aging, the young, and the immune-compromised.

Each year as much as 20% of the population contracts influenza (a.k.a. the flu), resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. Often these more serious cases result from flu-related complications like pneumonia, strokes, and heart attacks.

Boost your immune system and consider a flu shot

Start by keeping your immune system in tip-top shape through good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest.

Here’s a dose of flu season immune boosters to remind you of the basics:

You may also consider a flu shot, which is a virus-specific vaccine aimed to help your body produce flu-fighting antibodies before your system comes under attack.

While the Center for Disease Control believes that no prevention strategy beats a “flu shot,” not all health care practitioners agree. Some doctors admit to recommending flu shots not because they believe in them, but because they want to avoid malpractice suits!

I know, inquiring minds want to know “what’s the real deal on flu shots?” Here’s the scoop.

1. Flu vaccines contain three flu virus types, which alternate depending on yearly virus type and strain predictions. Alas, survival-savvy viruses mutate and replicate quickly, so this year’s viruses have already outsmarted last year’s vaccine antibodies.

2. Vaccines work by introducing flu virus strains to jump-start your body’s antibody production. Vaccines can be administered via injection with killed strains or via nasal spray with weakened strains. While both methods are considered effective, vaccine injection is recommended for folks over 50.

3. Flu shots are considered 70-90% efficacy in warding off illness, depending on both the length and intensity of a given flu season and your overall health. This means you may still get the flu, but it’s likely to be a less potent form with fewer complications.

While there’s debate around blanket recommendations for flu shots, there’s little debate you should consider being vaccinated if:

• You have a chronic disorder such as diabetes or heart, kidney or lung disease

• You have a weakened immune system from medications or HIV infection

• You work in a health care facility where you're more likely to be exposed to the flu virus

• You’re in regular, close contact with infants or young children (cute as they are, they’re notorious for spreading germs!)

• You’re a resident of a nursing home or other long-term care facility

• You’ll be in your second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season

Benefit to seniors – 50-60% reduced incidence of pneumonia possible

While folks over 65 don’t generate the same surge of antibodies after being vaccinated, evidence favors seniors getting flu shots regularly. Why? Flu vaccines have shown to be 50%-60% effective in preventing pneumonia – a common flu complication for seniors and anyone else who is immune-compromised.

No guarantees and some folks should avoid flu shots altogether!

While the flu shot may lessen your chances of contracting the flu, there are no guarantees. Mutated flu virus strains and non-influenza viruses (like colds) can still have free-reigning attack on your system.

For this reason, some health care practitioners are skeptical as to the vaccine’s efficacy and necessity. Word on the street is if you’re an adult with a healthy immune system, you have the protection you need. Just be sure to keep up your immune-boosting practices.

Meanwhile, there are some folks who should categorically avoid flu vaccines. Definitely avoid a flu shot if:

• You have allergies to chicken eggs

• You’ve had a severe reaction to a past flu shot

• You’re already experiencing a fever and/or other illness symptoms. Wait until you’re well.

Sniffles? Scratchy Throat? Infamous "Firecracker Potion" May Help

Anyone complaining about cold and flu symptoms around Cindy inevitably gets her “potion pitch,” reluctantly gives in, tries her infamous fire potion recipe, and tends to pass along the recipe to other friends and family.

Apparently, the taste alone is enough to ignite afterburners on sluggish immune systems, so this one is not for the faint of heart!

Cold Season “Fire Potion”

• 1 tbsp Ginger (freshly grated ginger root)

• 1 tbsp Garlic (freshly pressed or minced cloves)

• 1 tbsp Cayenne Pepper (yes, a full tablespoon!)

• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly-squeezed lemon)

• 1 tbsp Honey (preferably dark honey)

Steep the following ingredients in a large mug of boiling hot water (or in piping hot chicken broth if you prefer). You can use powdered ginger and garlic, but the fresh stuff works better.

While folk remedies are great, for our fair members, here’s the science behind popular cold season potions like Cindy’s:

• Ginger -- ginger contains compounds called sesquiterpenes, which fight rhinoviruses, the most common group of cold viruses. Ginger also stimulates circulation and is considered both a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.

• Garlic - garlic detoxifies the body and protects against infection by enhancing immune function. It contains a bacteria-fighting compound called allicin, which helps prevent bacterial complications of colds and flu such as pneumonia, sinus infections, and middle ear infections. Garlic has also been used as a natural anti-viral against flu viruses. Garlic is considered good for virtually any disease or infection.

• Cayenne – cayenne’s active ingredient is capsicum, which promotes circulation and purification of the blood. It is a good antibacterial agent that wards off colds and sore throats, and also acts as an important catalyst for other herbs.

• Lemon – lemon is a good source of vitamin C, helps alkalize your body, stimulates digestion and elimination, and acts as a natural antiseptic.

• Honey – honey is a good source of antioxidants, is often used to relieve sore throats, and when mixed with water may help with stomach aches and dehydration.

If you’re worried about the smell of fresh garlic seeping from your pores after drinking the Fire Potion, forget about it. You shouldn’t be out spreading your germs if you’re sick anyway!

Some links to tips for the cold season:

Chicken Soup is Good Medicine

12 Tips to Treat Colds and Flu the “Natural” Way 

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