Here's what works -- and what doesn't -- to beat the flu.
Almost 42.9 million cases of the flu were reported last year, according to CDC estimates, including 61,200 deaths, and up to 647,000 people hospitalized in what ended up being the longest flu season in a decade. And those numbers don’t include all of those sick puppies laid up with the virus who didn’t go see a doctor.
Flu season begins in October, with flu activity peaking between December and February, so now is the time to get ahead in protecting yourself and your family. The average household spends $338 on over-the-counter medications every year, which ramps up during cold and flu season, and $328 billion on prescription retail drugs available at pharmacies.
Get plenty of sleep. “Sleep is actually more important than diet,” said Dr. Roach, pointing to research showing your immune system releases proteins called cytokines in your sleep, which are needed to fight infections and inflammation. So not catching enough Zs suppresses your immune system — which makes you more likely to catch a cold or the flu if you come in contact with it.
Slurp chicken soup. “There really is something to chicken soup,” said Dr. Roach. “Studies have found that viral shedding actually is decreased when you have chicken soup, compared with just hot water.” Nutritionist and registered dietitian Keri Glassman also suggests throwing some Cordyceps mushrooms into your soup, “which are antibacterial and are also known to be effective in fighting off viral infections,” she said.
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