Flu is an airborne infection and is spread in tiny droplets when people sneeze or cough, but it can also be spread by other means. An example would be when the tiny droplets from the nose get onto the hands and can therefore be spread by physical contact with the flu sufferer. Because it is easily spread from person to person, flu outbreaks are more common where people are in close contact with each other - especially in places like schools, prisons, residential homes and other institutions.

If you are exposed to the flu virus, it could take two or three days for you to develop symptoms. Flu usually has a relatively rapid onset, unlike a cold which can occur more gradually and is generally milder and confined to the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Symptoms of flu may include sudden high temperatures, blocked or running nose, sore throat, coughing, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, loss of appetite and sometimes even gastric symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Sometimes flu can lead to secondary infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, ear, tonsil and throat infections, croup and even heart and brain inflammation - although the latter is not common. Some children can also develop febrile convulsions (fits) as a result of the high fever. Although flu is more common in children, serious complications are more frequent in the elderly, those with diabetes, kidney, lung and chronic heart disease as well as those with compromised immune systems as in the case of AIDS/HIV infection.

For many people, flu may be a relatively mild illness and is best treated with bed-rest until the fever and other symptoms subside. This also helps to limit the spread of the infection to others. Over the counter medicines like paracetamol, as well as various cough and cold products are often used to treat symptoms. However, many of these come with side effects. It is also important to remember that all of the symptoms of flu (e.g. coughing, sneezing and running nose) are nature's way of trying to drive the flu virus from the body and one should therefore take medicines like cough suppressants and decongestants with caution as they can prolong the illness and even make it worse in the long run. 

Some doctors prescribe antibiotics for flu infection. However, as flu is a virus, antibiotics are not effective for flu and only serve to further reduce immune strength. However, in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed for secondary bacterial infections associated with the flu. It is important to look after yourself when you have the flu so that you do not develop secondary infections and can recover from the flu more quickly.

Some people prefer not to use the conventional flu vaccines for various reasons, while others are not able to do so due to allergies or other conditions. Flu vaccines are prepared on chicken embryos and are therefore not safe for those with egg and chicken allergies. People who previously developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome should also not be vaccinated. From a naturopathic point of view, frequent vaccination can weaken immune functioning and ultimately lead to ill health and more serious illnesses. Whether or not you have yourself vaccinated, it is important to know that there are other choices which are equally effective without the side effects associated with conventional flu vaccines.

What is OralFlu Protect?

OralFlu Protect is especially formulated to protect you against flu infection safely and effectively. The remedy combines a homeopathic formulation of the current year's flu vaccine with a combination of herbs well known to support immune functioning.