Fight Against The Flu

[DC_FC]

Every winter I get a case of the flu, is there anything I can do (in terms of food, drink) to try and prevent me getting it this year. Is the flu jab worth it although it wont be a total cure though will it. Anyone got any advice/tips ?

[vakayu]

Yes I think any preventative measure is a good thing although it does not cover all variants of flu,it would definitely help.

[cupotee]

I'd recommend the flu jab for starters. We have both had it for some years and never had flu. I seldom get a cold but OH has a lung problem so has to take care.

[woofgang]

You seriously get flu EVERY winter? Not bad cold, not man flu, flat on your back every joint aches, running a temperature, cannot get out of bed feel like sh*t for a fortnight flu?????
I am sixty, worked in the NHS, and had plenty of opportunity to pick up bugs and I have had flu twice only in my life. If I got flu, real flu, every winter I would be talking to my GP about the possibility of my having an impaired immune system or other underlying problem.

[boxtops]

Yes - I've had the flu jab for several years now, and although you still get colds, it's well worth it.

I can't believe you get flu every winter, not just a bad cold? - flu lays you on your back for a fortnight. I've had it twice in my life and I don't want it again. You can barely get out of bed for several days. If there was a tenner lying on the floor and you pick it up, you've not got flu - if you have flu, you don't care about it.

[pixie373]

I would say get the Flu jab first and just generally look after yourself.

[coccinelle]

Let's say it's not exactly flu you get but a severe cold which knocks you for six.
To prevent this: eat local honey every day OR take royal jelly capsules every day and make sure your hands are washed every time you come in from being sociable.
On first symptoms of a cold (the sniffs): take 1g of paracetemol (this usually stops the sniffs!)
If you do manage to get a cold after all these precautions: take 1g paracetemol twice daily and a tablespoon of honey mixed with a teaspoon of cinnamon (mixed) until symptoms pass.
Spraying zoflora around the house and making sure keyboards and phones are germ free also help a lot.
Another thing is to eat foods with vitamin C such as clementines.
Hope you have a sniff-free winter.

[julia-mag]

Ive had my flu jab today, and if you are in the right age group its free, or the chemists charge roughly £10. Thats cheap for saving you from the awful feelings that flu brings ! I had it once in my teens and never want it again ! Fresh fruit is good for keeping you healthy.

[Tilly2]

What is the right age group?

[pixie373]

I'm not sure it's just age group. Vulnerable people get it free- elderly, asthmatics, immune problems etc., where flu might cause complications.

[julia-mag]

Anyone over 65, and variety of people who are at risk, i.e. asthmatic, heart problems, etc. etc.

[marval]

OH and I have the flu jab, if you get the flu every winter I would say get the jab.

[woofgang]

coccinelle, where to start
Colds are caused by a virus not "germs"
paracetamol will do nothing apart from deal with symptoms.
local honey may be good for pollen allergy but does nothing against the cold virus.

Finally YES!!!! handwashing is a good idea.

[LazyGun]

This "Finally YES!!!! handwashing is a good idea" gets a thumbs up from me :)

[woofgang]

Don't you just hate it when the OP doesn't return?

[pixie373]

He's in bed with 'flu, woofgang...:-\

[LazyGun]

LoL Pixie - Prolly missed the advice about washing hands :)

[razza]

Yes same as woofgang says,a lot of people think a heavy cold is flu,but its not,I used to get what I thought was flu,until I really did catch the flu,no comparison,the flu knocks you for six and is bad,Ive only ever had it once,I hope never again.

[DC_FC]

Ok maybe I dont get the flu but I definitely get a cold, the sniffles etc, I just find it irritating and just end up eating comfort/junk food.

Ill see about the jab this week.

[DC_FC]

I apologise for not returning sooner.

[DC_FC]

And thanks for the replies, I shall take the advice on board.