The flu comprises many viruses that cause fever, body aches and upper respiratory symptoms. It happens more frequently in the winter months when we see less sun, are indoors more and likely have less vitamin D. 

For a healthy immune system, start with the basics: get some sunshine, fresh air, regular sleep from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., eat lots of fruits and veggies, get some Rosita brand cod liver oil or another third-party tested source, practice gratitude, joy, and love, and remove all possible toxins like mold, heavy metals or toxic relationships or workplaces.

Elderberry Syrup is a great antiviral, and it is delicious. Only about 14 to 26 percent of flu-like illness is flu, so it is nice to know that elderberry helps with other upper respiratory viral infections, too.

Homeopathic aconitum, oscillococcinum (recommend 1/4 – 1/3 of tube to save money because it is just as efficacious) and influenzinum (buy aconitum and one of the other two) work well for the flu. At the onset of fever and body aches, start one or both, taking three pellets every 15 minutes for two hours, and then as needed. Aconitum works especially well when people have severe anxiety and fear about the flu.

In homeopathy, different remedies work differently in people, so when we find one that works well, stick with that one.  If it does nothing after several doses, then switch it up. Homeopathy is even safe for babies.

Take a vitamin burst of 15,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin A for adults three times a day for two days; twice a day for up to two- or three-days max for kids under 12; and up to two doses daily for two days max for infants.

For adults, use 100,000 IU daily of liquid vitamin D for up to five days; up to 10,000 IU daily for five days for kids under 12 (unless there is a parathyroid problem or super high calcium issue).

Adults also get 1,000 milligrams ªmg of vitamin C four to five times per day; 1,000 mg three or four times per day for kids under 12; 500 mg three to four times per day for kids 1 to 5; and a pinch of buffered vitamin C in each cheek every one or two hours for infants. Stop the vitamin C if there is stomach cramping or diarrhea, as that is the sign of having more than enough.

Use a humidifier with about one-eighth to one-quarter cup of peroxide, depending on size, and inhale only into the nose the peroxide mist to kill off the virus. Do this often but if it burns your nose, either dilute more or do it less often. For other symptoms, do hot Epsom salt with apple cider vinegar baths, simply saline and the wet sock trick. Details and more tips can be found on our website.

Cammy Benton is an integrative and functional medicine medical doctor and the owner of Benton Integrative Medicine, located at 16415 Northcross Dr., Ste. B, in Huntersville and 514 N. NC-16 Bus Hwy, in Denver. For more information, call 704-775-6029 or visit www.BentonIntegrative.com/blog.

Benton Integrative Medicine & Medical Spa - Huntersville & Denver - 16415 Northcross Drive Suite C, Huntersville, NC

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