Flu symptoms and how to prevent the flu

Winter is coming, the holidays are near and that usually means cold and flu season isn't far off. It is key to focus on prevention. It seems like the flu is spreading as per usual here in Whistler, as patients, friends and family try to fight the yearly viral battle. Regardless of where you live, there are some universal things to consider to avoid the flu.

Before we can prevent it, we need to know what the flu is.

What is the flu?
The flu is caused by the influenza A or B virus. It occurs in the same percentages for both men and women. It is more common in kids than adults. This is because as we get older and have gone through battles with the flu, we build up an immunity to the various strains of the flu. Kids, on the other hand, have a very new immune system so they don't have the same acquired immunity to prevent the various types of flu. Since they haven't had the exposure to build up an immunity, they are more prone to the flu.

What are the symptoms of the flu?
We've all felt the sudden onset of headache, fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, fatigue, and foggy mind. If you haven't, well then you my friend are superman or superwoman. These symptoms are usually a case of your common flu. 

How do we prevent it from happening in the first place?

Hygiene

• Hand washing, this is key for everyone, but especially kids. You want kids to wash before meals so that they don't swallow random things that they've accumulated on their hands from a day of fun. 
• Coughing into our elbow instead of into your friend/family member's face. This minimizes air transmission of the virus. It also prevents the virus from getting onto your hands where it can then be passed on to others easily.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and inside your nose with dirty hands. 

Hydration

• Obviously right? ​
• In the winter we don't really like we sweat because its cold outside. But news flash, we do! This is especially true with winter sports and activities
• Staying hydrated in the winter is key because generally the air is dryer. 
• It keeps mucus thin to make sure that the sinuses don't get clogged from thick mucus. This is a common cause of sinus headaches. It's better to have a runny nose than a clogged nose.
• It increases the amounts of fluids for movement and circulation of blood, immune cells and nutrients

Rest

• Decrease in sleep prevents your immune system from functioning optimally. So now your body can't fight off the virus and heal itself like it's supposed to. So make sure to get adequate rest through the winter season.

Diet

• Focus on a healthy diet of a variety of mainly fruits and veggies.... but you already know that....
• Avoid known or suspected problematic foods. If you know of some foods that sit poorly with you, avoid them, as they can decrease your immune health. Classic offenders are dairy and wheat for most people.
• Specifically focus on eating lots of antimicrobial foods like garlic, onion, and ginger. These foods help maintain a healthy immune system. Now make sure to brush your teeth to avoid onion, garlic and ginger breath, or this may cause your friends and family to avoid you. 
• ​Mushrooms - These silent giants are jammed packed with immune enhancing ability. Look for Maitake, Porcini, and Shitake to add to your meals. 

These strategies are always a great step to preventing the flu throughout the year. 

If it's too late and you already have the flu, talk to your naturopathic doctor. They can help support your immune system and minimize your symptoms to get you feeling great again and have you back on the mountain!

Please feel free to submit your comments or questions...