2017 / 2018 Flu Season Prediction – NASTY!

Better brace yourself. Officials are predicting this year’s flu season will be harsher than normal, and the flu shot may not be effective at preventing the virus. The prediction is based on data from Australia which is in the midst of its annual Flu season. In general, we in North America get in our season what Australia got in the season immediately preceding us. Unfortunately for us this indicates we will have a nasty season.

This season Australians suffered almost 2½ times more infections than in the same period last year. The vaccine proved to be significantly less effective than in previous years, offering only 10% protection. This year’s predominant strain, H3N2 has historically caused more severe seasons. Children and the elderly are at a particular risk.

The Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta says that while the vaccine may not be as effective as in the past, it is still worthwhile as it will lessen the severity of the flu in some patients.

Whether or not you chose to get the flu shot, you can improve your chances of getting thorough the season unscathed.

1. Eat Health – Give your body a solid foundation. Forgo the snack aisle and instead stock up on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. When drinking aim for clean (not fancy) water with added chlorophyll or herbal teas.

2. Wash Well – Washing your hands decreases the likelihood of spreading the virus to yourself and other people. Use regular (not antibacterial) soap and water. Be practical, washing before eating, after bathroom breaks and after contact with others. Washing too much can harm by actually removing the protective layer on your skin and increase your chances of acquiring an infection.

3. Organic Prebiotics + Probiotics – 80% of your immune system is located in your digestive system. A healthy immune system is your first line of defense against ALL disease, and in order to keep your immune system in top working order you must have a constant influx of healthy bacteria (probiotics) and the food to keep them healthy (prebiotics). Ideally taking a clean, certified organic prebiotic + probiotic blend daily can increase your defenses.

4. Oil of Oregano is one of the best natural remedies when your immune system is under attack by a cold, the flu, or respiratory infections. Its unique combination of expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties treat both the symptoms and the underlying infection that caused those irritating symptoms in the first place. Some people find the flavour of the oil overpowering. Don’t let that stop you. We now have Orange Lemon buffered liquid oregano, taste-free oil of oregano capsules and a targeted oregano based flu taste-free capsule, OregaFlu available.