Oh boy does that have new meaning!
Some are saying the 2022-23 flu season is shaping up to be the worst ever, even calling it a “Tridemic” (COVID, Flu and RSV — a child respiratory illness).
The best prevention on record is to get a flu shot and stay away from those who are sick. There are some big, lingering respiratory bugs going around, so up your antibodies to stay strong.
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands — 20 seconds (slowly sing the ABC’s) or use hand sanitizer covering the whole hand and rubbing it in until it dries. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Keep your immune system boosted with good foods (fresh, organic, and varied), good sleep, and good times with loved ones (laughter and social connections are powerful protectors).
What if you do pick up a virus?
If you do have to cough, muffle it as best you can in the crook of your elbow.
Remember, a cough travels 200 mph through the air.
The good news is, wearing a mask is no longer weird. If you’re sick or at all worried about passing on a virus, mask up. Your friends and co-workers will thank you.
How about other remedies?
Studies are few, with small samples, and have mixed results. Doctors resoundingly say, if it makes you feel better, it’s good. The placebo effect is often as powerful as any drug or treatment.
Pain killers such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen are good for the aches and fever. Antibiotics are not useful against viruses because they only fight bacteria.
Start small with any remedy to be sure it’s for you and always consult your doctor.
With help from the NY Times… Here’s what we learned about some popular natural remedies:
ZINC — take it within 24hrs of having symptoms and it can shorten your cold by a day. Lozenges are best because they coat the throat — a double help. Careful though, too much zinc can upset some people’s stomachs — best to take it with food and keep it to small amounts. A great natural source: Pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
OREGANO OIL — capsules offer a concentrated dose of this herb which is a natural antibiotic and antifungal agent. Taken at the first sign of symptoms, this oil can stave off disease. WebMD gives you ideas on how to take it.
GINGER — a natural immune booster and stomach reliever, a little ginger in your tea or soup can soothe the soul. Organic roots are key to avoiding toxins. Peel and slice up some chunks to brew with Turmeric and honey or maple syrup.
HONEY — with so many good nutrients in raw, local honey, you can’t deny the soothing benefits it offers your throat. Research says it’s as good as any pharmaceutical.
The bottom line to all home or natural remedies:
1) Try to start any remedy as early as possible, at the first sign of symptoms.
2) Choose remedies that feel good and ease symptoms.
The caveats? If it doesn’t feel good, stop. The research doesn’t warrant putting up with something that tastes bad or irritates your system. More is not always better, don’t overdo it just because these are natural remedies. Even nature can have side effects.
Research is moving at the speed of light and new information about natural cures comes out every minute, so this is all subject to change. All research aside, support for soothing comfort such as honey and turmeric date back thousands of years when pharmaceuticals didn’t exist. That’s a good vote for the effectiveness.
Here are two good teas to make at home that will be warm and yummy no matter how you slice it:
Honey Throat Coat:
1 tablespoon Honey
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
½ Lemon, juice squeezed
1 cup hot water
Mix all together and sip while having some “me time”.
Golden Milk:
1 inch of Ginger, peeled and sliced
1 inch organic turmeric root, sliced
1 stick cinnamon
2-3 black peppercorns (cracked)
2-3 cups of water
1 cup warm milk (set aside for the end)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (set aside for the end)
Put ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Let sit and steep for another 10 mins. Add maple syrup to taste and warm milk.
See you on The PATH Ahead.
Gillian Pieper and the VEHI PATH Team
www.tomypath.com
www.vehi.org