Flu Shots vs. Natural Flu Remedies: What Works Better?

Kill germs: Unfortunately, during the winter season, most public spaces are crawling with germs and viruses. When just one person sneezes or coughs they essentially spray the virus out into the atmosphere and those little droplets could wind up in your respiratory system. At the very least, they’ll land on door handles, communal pens and shopping carts, etc., and can stay alive for up to 8 hours. And, when you touch a germy surface or object and then rub your eyes, nose or mouth, those germs enter your body. So, wash your hands often avoid touching your face as much as possible. Also a good idea to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink. Disinfectant wipes are also great for wiping surfaces and objects.

Though the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it is highly recommended everyone get their yearly shot for the following reasons: • A flu shot can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations, including among young children and senior citizens.
• A 2014 study showed that flu vaccine reduced children's risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission by 74% during flu seasons between the years 2010 and 2012.
• Another study published from 2016 showed that individuals 50 years and older who received a flu shot reduced their risk of hospitalization from flu complications by 57%.
• Flu shots are an important preventative measure for people with chronic health conditions and are associated with lower rates of cardiac events among those with heart disease. They have also been shown to reduce hospitalizations with those suffering from diabetes (79%) and chronic lung disease (52%).
• Vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
Getting vaccinated also protects the developing baby during pregnancy and for several months after the baby is born.
• Flu vaccination also may make your illness milder if you do get sick.
• Getting vaccinated yourself also protects people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

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Natural flu remedies-which ones really work?
As we've just discussed the flu vaccine is not 100% effective [1][2][3]. In a way the flu vaccine is a bit like a seatbelt -you should definitely wear one for your safety, but that doesn't mean there aren't other things drivers should do to remain safe while driving.
In combination with some natural remedies, the vaccine has a much better chance of keeping you and your family healthy this winter. Here are some traditional approaches to fighting the flu: Kill germs: Unfortunately, during the winter season, most public spaces are crawling with germs and viruses. When just one person sneezes or coughs they essentially spray the virus out into the atmosphere and those little droplets could wind up in your respiratory system. At the very least, they'll land on door handles, communal pens and shopping carts, etc., and can stay alive for up to 8 hours. And, when you touch a germy surface or object and then rub your eyes, nose or mouth, those germs enter your body. So, wash your hands often avoid touching your face as much as possible. Also a good idea to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you can't get to a sink. Disinfectant wipes are also great for wiping surfaces and objects. Support your immune system: Your immune system was created to keep you healthy. Unfortunately, too much stress and the typical modern diet does little to keep our immune systems working optimally. Support your immune system by: • Eating a diet rich in colorful produce and low in processed foods.
• Exercising at least 4 days a week.
• Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Stop smoking: You already know smoking is really bad for you and can increase your risk of cancer and heart disease, but did you know smokers are more likely to get the flu? Not only have studies found smokers get sick more often but when they do, symptoms seem to last longer and the chance of developing an infection increases.