A holistic cold and flu prevention plan using vitamins, herbs, lifestyle tips and immune support for a healthy, resilient winter.
A 67-year-old recently retired woman was concerned with the coming cold and flu season and wanted a program to protect her from infections. For two to three years, she had been getting the annual flu vaccine from her doctor, but she had been increasingly reacting adversely to the vaccine – getting a worse dose of the flu than she ever used to prior to the vaccinations. Research shows that while the flu vaccines help some people, they are not always as effective in older people as they are purported to be. The figures show that in elderly people, less than 30 per cent find them effective.
She agreed to follow a program for the next few months. These programs are more effective if commenced at the change of season, before the flu season really kicks in. Flu viruses mutate every year, so this is an annual program. She was taking minimal supplementation that was not specific enough for her current situation.
General hygiene is a basic first step. Wash hands regularly in warm soapy water (pure soap does not contain the chemicals contained in sanitisers). Masks are useful if you have a cough and to protect others from your germs – not so much for personal protection.
When tested, her Vitamin D levels were 60 (just inside the lower end of normal range). A measure of 100–120 is significantly more effective for health and respiratory protection, so a combination supplement of Vitamin D3 and K2(spray) was recommended. As winter was coming and her levels were low, it was recommended she take four to five sprays per day after food (if taken on an empty stomach, only about 15 per cent is absorbed).
Zinc is an important antiviral and immune stimulant. A dose of 25-50mg elemental zinc was recommended daily, and older formulas were preferred with relevant cofactors including manganese. Zinc is better absorbed if taken with the night meal. Magnesium is important – particularly if experiencing cramps regularly – along with vitamin A, which strengthens membranes.
Vitamin c is critical. She was taking calcium ascorbate, but this formula is not the most effective. She needed to switch to a mixed ascorbate formula, or one made from rose hips or acerola cherries (or camu camu powder). Vitamin c dose was 1000mg twice a day.