As winter approaches, we naturally see more cases of colds and flu. Flu season typically stretches from October through May, with the highest numbers appearing from late December to early March. However, seasons often start early or last longer than expected, making it clear that relying on timing alone isn’t always enough. This is why I encourage everyone to begin building their natural defenses—what I like to call your “green” flu shot—before, during, and even after the season arrives.
Influenza is an illness that receives an overwhelming amount of attention, often leading to unnecessary fear. Year after year, we’re reminded—through heavy marketing—that the flu shot is available almost everywhere and recommended for specific groups. Instead of getting swept up in the hype, it’s far more helpful to understand what truly happens during flu and cold season and why the messaging is so intense. Should we be aware and prepared? Absolutely. Should we live in panic? No. When we look at the facts and take simple steps to support the body, we can navigate this season with wisdom and confidence.
What is Influenza (Flu)?
Influenza—commonly known as the flu—is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract and can spread quickly from person to person. There are several strains of the influenza virus, and while the symptoms can resemble those of a common cold, they often come with more intensity. Influenza viruses are typically classified as Types A, B, and C. Type A is the most adaptable, capable of infecting both humans and certain animals, while Types B and C circulate only among humans. Type A also accounts for most flu cases each year. It’s also worth noting that the flu is often blamed for symptoms it doesn’t cause. For example, the term “stomach flu” is widely used, yet true influenza very rarely affects the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, stomach-related illness is caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Shigella—not the influenza virus. Because the flu primarily targets the respiratory system, supporting the lungs, heart, and overall immune function becomes especially important, particularly for those with chronic illness or a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia.
Much of the fear surrounding influenza stems from historical outbreaks and their devastating impact on earlier generations. Today, estimates suggest that around 20,000 Americans die each year from flu-related complications, with the majority being older adults or individuals whose immune systems were already significantly weakened. Throughout history, global flu epidemics have occasionally caused severe loss of life. The Spanish flu of 1918–1919 remains the most well-known example, claiming an estimated 20–40 million lives worldwide, including roughly 500,000 in the United States. Later pandemics, such as the Asian flu in 1957 and the Hong Kong flu in 1968, also left their mark. While ancient civilizations believed that “bad air” caused influenza, it wasn’t until 1933 that influenza was officially identified as a viral infection. Understanding this history helps us gain perspective—reminding us that while the flu is real and deserves respect, it can be approached with clarity, preparation, and calm confidence.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of the Flu?
The flu often arrives suddenly and with quite a punch. Many people first notice a headache, a dry cough, chills, body aches, and then a fever that can climb quickly. After the fever peaks, a sore throat and congestion often follow. Profound fatigue is common and can linger longer than we’d like. These symptoms generally reflect the flu itself. When symptoms become more severe—such as a high fever returning, worsening cough, breathing discomfort, or thick yellow-green mucus—this often points to a secondary infection, typically bacterial, that settles into the lower respiratory tract.
When it comes to diagnosing the flu, most people know something significant has hit them because the symptoms begin so quickly and intensely. While medical testing can identify the specific viral strain, it’s not always necessary. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and the activity seen within the community. If a secondary infection is suspected, a sputum sample may be used to determine whether bacteria are involved. In those cases, antibiotics are sometimes recommended; however, they’re often overprescribed today, which contributes to resistance and reduces their effectiveness. I strongly encourage avoiding fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Levaquin, Cipro, and Avelox whenever possible and, if absolutely necessary, using them only under the guidance of a trusted practitioner.
At the heart of most flu and cold infections is an immune system that isn’t functioning at its best. Growing research indicates a strong association between respiratory illness and vitamin D₃ deficiency. When vitamin D levels are low, the immune response becomes compromised, increasing vulnerability to colds, flu, and other respiratory concerns. Supporting vitamin D₃ levels—especially during the fall and winter months—can make a meaningful difference in how well your body responds.
Common Factors Constituting A Weakened Immune System
- Vitamin D-3 deficiency.
- Consuming too much sugar and too many grains.
- Insufficient restful sleep.
- Inadequate washing of hands.
- Inadequate exercise.
- Emotional stress.
- A combination of any of the above
Common Cold vs. The Flu: Comparison of Characteristics
| Feature | Colds | Flu |
| Etiological Agent | >200 viral strains; rhinovirus most common | 3 strains of influenza virus: influenza A, B, and C |
| Site of Infection | Upper respiratory tract | Entire respiratory system |
| Symptom Onset | Gradual: 1-3 days | Sudden: within a few hours |
| Fever, chills | Occasional, low grade (<101° F) | Characteristic, higher (>101° F), lasting 2-4 days |
| Headache | Infrequent, usually mild | Characteristic, more severe |
| General aches, pains | Mild, if any | Characteristic, often severe and affecting the entire body |
| Sore throat | Common, usually mild | Sometimes present |
| Cough, chest congestion | Common; mild-to-moderate, with hacking, productive cough | Common; potentially severe dry, non-productive cough |
| Runny, stuffy nose | Very common, accompanied by bouts of sneezing | Sometimes present |
| Fatigue, weakness | Mild, if any | Usually, possibly severe and lasts 2-3 weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | Rarely | Frequent, usually in the early stages of illness |
| Season | Year-round, peaks in winter months | Most cases between November and February |
| Antibiotics helpful? | No, unless secondary bacterial infection develops | No, unless secondary bacterial infection develops |
(Roxas 2007; MD Consult 2012; Utah Dept. Health 2010; CDC 2011e; Oklahoma State Dept. of Health 2011)
What Treatments Are Available For the Flu and Cold Season?
When it comes to the flu—or any viral infection—the body ultimately has to work through it; there isn’t a quick fix, so the focus should be on easing symptoms, supporting the immune system, and preventing complications. A few antiviral medications exist, but they come with significant cautions. Some people experience severe side effects such as seizures, confusion, or hallucinations. Anyone with a history of seizures, psychiatric concerns, or kidney issues should be especially careful and talk with a trusted practitioner before considering them.
And then there’s the flu vaccine. Many people ask whether the potential benefit outweighs the risks. This is a profoundly personal decision, and one that deserves thoughtful research rather than pressure. Some vaccines contain mercury or other ingredients that remain in the body long-term, and reactions can vary from mild to severe. There are also concerns about long-term health effects—concerns that families and practitioners in the natural health community have voiced for years. Another challenge is that the yearly flu vaccine is based on a predicted strain—essentially a “best guess”—and in past years, that guess has been far from accurate. Despite this, there is strong marketing and governmental pressure pushing vaccination as the only acceptable choice.
It’s also important to acknowledge the financial side. Vaccine manufacturing is a highly profitable industry, which raises understandable questions about motives and transparency. Because of these concerns, I believe every individual should have the freedom to make their own health decisions without coercion. That freedom is essential, and it’s something we must not lose. I will always encourage people to research thoroughly, ask questions, and choose the path that aligns with their values, their health goals, and their trust in their own God-given discernment.
Natural Prevention for Flu and Cold | The Green Flu Shot
Stress Reduction.
This deserves to be the very first point we address. Your thymus and adrenal glands play a central role in how well your immune system responds. When your body is fighting something—or even sensing that it’s about to—your stress response increases, and that added stress can weaken immune strength, especially if you’re already carrying the weight of daily pressures. It’s no surprise that people under chronic stress are far more susceptible to colds and flu.
Current research continues to show a strong connection between psychological stress and a lowered immune response. This is one reason we see more illnesses flare up during the busy holiday months, when most people are stretched emotionally, mentally, and physically. Supporting the thymus, nurturing the adrenals, and creating space for rest can make a significant difference in how resilient the body stays during cold and flu season.
Keep Your Gut Healthy.
Keeping your digestive tract and liver supported is essential year-round, especially during the flu and cold season. Performing a digestive tract cleanse at the beginning of every season is critical.
Eat Healthy & Organic.
Consuming lots of organic vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats and oils (coconut, olive, flaxseed, etc.) is a good idea year-round, especially during cold and flu season. Incorporating healing herbs and spices with anti-fungal properties is also very helpful for your immune system. As much as possible, try to eliminate refined sugar, white flour, white pasta, processed, pre-packaged, sugary drinks, and fast foods.
Fresh and Raw Vegetable Juice.
Consuming 1-2 glasses of fresh organic vegetable juice every day supports your immune system and takes some of the work off your digestive tract. Check out this recipe for DIY Healthy Raw V8 Juice.
Organic Raw Garlic
For over 7,000 years, garlic has been used both as a food and a medicinal remedy. Garlic is also effective for treating bacterial and fungal infections, especially those affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Garlic is also known for its bioactive sulfur-rich compounds. The most important of these compounds is allicin and alliin. These sulfur compounds are chiefly responsible for the antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antifungal properties of garlic. Try to eat 1-2 cloves of garlic daily. The garlic must be crushed and is best consumed within the first hour after crushing it. Researchers from South Carolina Medical University found that the highest concentrations of these antimicrobial compounds were produced by leaving peeled garlic uncovered for 15 minutes.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated is very important for a healthy immune system. Try to drink half of your weight in ounces of filtered water every day. I suggest drinking distilled water 80% of the time and spring water 20% of the time. Proper hydration flushes out toxins, supports lymph production, and moistens the eyes and mouth, helping them stay clean and fight infections.
Drink Herbal Teas
One of the most critical healing functions of herbal tea is its ability to keep you hydrated. Below are some healing teas that provide some great health benefits during the flu and cold season.
Peppermint tea can help you feel better quickly. The menthol in peppermint leaves can have a slight anesthetic effect on your throat, helping suppress your cough. USDA scientists report that, when tested in the lab, peppermint shows distinct antimicrobial and antiviral activities.
Chamomile tea has been used for centuries to help with sleep. Flavonoids from the plant produce a tranquilizing effect. Because sleep is an essential part of the healing process, chamomile is an excellent choice. There is also some evidence that chamomile tea acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Ginger tea is excellent for soothing an irritated or sore throat. The bioactive ingredients in ginger tea act as anti-inflammatories and may also inhibit microorganisms that can lead to infection. If the flu or cold presents itself with an upset stomach, ginger is also known to relieve nausea.
Elderberry tea is filled with health-boosting antioxidants and ranks higher than cranberry and blueberry for polyphenol content. Studies with elderberry syrups and extracts have shown they can reduce the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
AHCC
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compounds) increases natural killer (NK) cell activity and provides support to your immune system. The usual dose is one capsule twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. AHCC contains beta-glucan compounds derived from mushrooms. They specifically activate NK cells, which combat infections. Both of which are preventative during the flu and cold season.
Transfer Factor
Transfer Factor is a purified derivative of colostrum. It ensures a strong immune system. The suggested dose is 200 mg three times daily. Transfer Factor supports the immune system and helps prevent the flu and colds during the season.
Daily Probiotic
Research shows that certain strains of beneficial bacteria may help protect against colds and flu. Probiotics are perhaps one of the best dietary strategies helpful for boosting the immune system. There are easy ways to incorporate probiotics into your natural health protocol during the cold and flu season, like taking a multi-strain probiotic and prebiotic supplement and eating foods rich in probiotics.
Quality Enzymes
Those uncomfortable symptoms that you have when fighting off the flu or a cold are a result of your body’s inflammatory response to the virus, rather than the result of the virus itself. Proteolytic enzymes have potent anti-inflammatory properties and can also fight viruses as well as support your immune system. They are produced naturally by your pancreas and are used by your body to “eat up” scar tissue, cleanse toxins from your blood, fight viruses, and improve your immune system, so you may find that you get sick less often. The body stops producing optimal amounts of proteolytic enzymes in your late 20s, which is why taking a proteolytic enzyme supplement is essential, especially if you are 40 or above in age.
Organic Vitamin D-3
If your vitamin D-3 levels are low, taking a vitamin D-3 supplement may be more effective than the flu vaccine. For those people with the most serious vitamin D deficiencies (blood levels below 10 [ng/mL]), taking an organic vitamin D supplement lessens their risk of respiratory infection by half. Researchers believe vitamin D-3 offers protection by increasing antimicrobial peptides in your lungs, and that “[t]his may be one reason why colds and flus are most common in the winter, when sunlight exposure (and therefore the body’s natural vitamin D production) is at its lowest …” People with higher vitamin D levels also saw a slight reduction in risk: about 10 percent. Use an organic Vitamin D-3 supplement daily, especially if you are unable to get some sun every day.
Multi-vitamin/mineral supplement
A quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is foundational for a healthy body. Many believe that most illness and diseases is easily traced back to a trace mineral deficiency. Trace minerals can help boost your immune system and improve your body’s ability to prevent disease.
Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil
When your immune system is under attack from a cold virus, the flu, respiratory infections, or other illnesses, wild Mediterranean oregano oil is among the most effective natural remedies. This is because wild Mediterranean oregano oil possesses expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. Look for organic Wild Organic Mediterranean Oregano oil with at least 79-80% carvacrol content. As soon as you begin to feel under the weather, place three to six drops into an empty veggie capsule and take two to three times daily during the middle of meals. A 5 to 10-day regimen can work wonders. Capsaicin is an excellent ingredient and wonderful substance in its own right, but it is hot, so please avoid consuming oregano oil liquid directly. Please keep it out of reach of children and pets, and don’t leave it where they could get to it.
Nascent Iodine
Your immune system heavily relies on its frontline defense, mucus. Most cold and flu viruses are transmitted through the membranes in your lungs, throat, sinuses, eyes, and nose. These tissues produce a thin mucus that coats them as a protective barrier against microbes. The microbes become trapped in the mucus and are either expelled along with it or immediately killed by the mucus’s natural antimicrobial agents. One of these antimicrobial agents is iodine. Iodine insufficiency weakens your front-line defense because your body is unable to produce effective mucus without enough iodine. If you believe you get enough iodine from table salt, recent scientific analysis shows that many commercial brands now contain inadequate amounts of iodine. Most forms of iodine become iodide in the digestive tract, but because nascent iodine is already in an iodide form, it is more readily and quickly utilized.
Iodine deficiency can be a serious issue, but nascent iodine supplementation can support the body’s use of this essential trace mineral.
Extra Vitamin C
In the 1970s, chemist and Nobel Peace laureate Linus Pauling proposed that high doses of vitamin C could help prevent the common cold. Orthomolecular Medicine News Service reports that high-dose vitamin C is a remarkably safe and effective treatment for viral infections. In high doses, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals, helps kill viruses, and strengthens your body’s immune system. Taking supplemental vitamin C routinely helps prevent viral infections.”
Zinc Orotate
Zinc is an integral part of at least 3,000 different proteins in your body and a component of more than 200 different enzymes. In fact, zinc is involved in more enzymatic reactions in your body than any other mineral. Zinc increases your production of white blood cells and helps them fight infection more effectively. It also helps your immune system release more antibodies. While research on zinc’s effects on pathogens is somewhat inconsistent, many studies show a strong protective effect. Some studies show that zinc may reduce the duration of a cold by 50 percent. I highly recommend zinc orotate. Read more about Orotates and Mineral Transporters.
Wash Hands Often
Even though most of us know this, practicing it is another story. Keeping your hands clean by properly washing them with soap and water is essential for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses to others. Hand washing is critical during the flu and cold season, when germs are easily spread, especially among children. Read 10 Tips to Keep Your Child Healthy
Don’t Skimp On Your Zzz’s
In a nutshell, sleep helps your immune system function. During sleep, your immune system releases cytokines. Some cytokines protect your immune system by allowing it to fight inflammation, including that caused by infection. During sleep, your body also does the most repair and healing work. I recommend getting at least 8 hours of restful sleep every night, including weekends.
Daily Exercise
Daily physical activity is an effective way to boost your immune system. People who exercise regularly at a light to moderate intensity for 30 minutes daily are at a significantly lower risk for respiratory infections. Those who exercise for 30-60 minutes on most days of the week have a 40% reduction in sick days during the cold season. Daily exercise helps the disease-fighting white blood cells in the body move from the organs into the bloodstream, where they can combat and eliminate invading pathogens and harmful organisms.
Cold and Flu Prevention in the Workplace
It can be very concerning when we must work with people who have a cold or the early stages of the flu. Some cold and flu preventative measures you can implement in your work environment include:
- Do not share glasses, cups, or utensils, office supplies, etc.
- Wash your hands with each visit to the restroom.
- Immediately throw away used tissues.
- Do not share make-up, lipstick, or any other personal care products.
- Spray your desk, computer keyboard, and telephone with a natural disinfectant spray. Do this often.
- Try to keep stress to a minimum.
- If allowed, use an aromatherapy diffuser.
- Check Attitude – Be Positive and Be Happy.
- If possible, use aromatherapy.
“Aromatherapy is more thoroughly defined as the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well-being. Science is now confirming what has been known for centuries: essential oils have healing properties on both physical and emotional levels. Absorbed through the skin and via the olfactory-brain connection through inhalation, they have been considered among the most therapeutic and rejuvenating of all botanical extracts throughout the ages.”
Valerie Gennari Cooksley, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal
For Your Home
- Use Quality Air Filtration
- Use a Humidifier if needed
- Use Organic Cleaners
- Require hand washing before and after meals and with each bathroom use
- Change Bed Linens weekly
- Change pillow cases daily for those who have cold or flu symptoms
- Vacuum/Dust Regularly
- Air out your Home Frequently
- Use a quality aromatherapy diffuser: Diffuse Quality Essential Oils such as lemon grass, tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus.
More Flu-Preventative Measures
Other critical non-pharmaceutical interventions for preventing influenza can be recalled by using the acronym “WHACK”, as in “WHACK the Flu” (Stebbins 2011; Yardley 2011; Mayo Clinic 2011). These flu-preventative measures should be taught to children as well as adults.
| W ash or sanitize your hands frequently. |
| H ome is where you should be when you are sick. |
| A void touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. |
| C over your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inner crook of your elbow. |
| K eep your distance from sick people when possible or wear a mask. |
In addition to avoiding contact with those infected with influenza, the CDC also recommends that all linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by sick individuals be thoroughly washed in a dishwasher or by hand with soap and water before being used by anyone else (CDC 2011a).
Natural Remedies for the Flu and Cold
Yes, there are many excellent options you can implement if you find the flu is knocking at your door. The best course of action is to use therapies that will relieve symptoms and boost the immune system to avoid complications. Many of the suggestions listed above for flu and cold prevention can also be used for active cold and/or flu.
- Drink lots of fluids, filtered water being the best choice. Herbal teas and diluted fruit juices are good as well. Fluids are essential for several reasons. First, they keep the respiratory tract moist, which makes it harder for viruses to do their dirty work. Secondly, fluids stimulate white blood cells, making them more effective.
- Vitamin D3
- Elderberry
- Selenium – Selenium lessens the severity of illness, reduces “cytokine storm,” and supports immunity. The best dose is 200 mcg daily. Selenium acts like a birth-control pill for viruses, limiting their replication.
- High-allicin garlic
- Nascent Iodine
- Colloidal Silver – Before the antibiotic era, silver solutions were commonly used to treat wounds and infections.
- Lactoferrin
- Fire Cider Cold & Flu Recipe – An excellent folk remedy to have on-hand for the cold and flu season.
- Healthy Diet – Eat small amounts of highly nutritious foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables. Try to incorporate anti-fungal fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, etc. into your diet.
- Homemade Chicken Soup – A good recipe for homemade chicken soup can help; in fact, many swear by this. Not only is this comfort food tasty, but it is also loaded up with garlic, onions, ginger, and cayenne pepper, and it contains healing properties, too. It can also fight congestion and boost the immune system. See my homemade Healthy Chicken Soup Recipe.
- Get plenty of rest. The more you rest, the faster you will heal.
- Use a vaporizer. A vaporizer with a natural herbal mixture of eucalyptus or menthol can help with congestion and may make it easier to sleep. It can also help relieve coughs, especially those dry, hacking coughs that tend to linger after the flu and colds.
- Homeopathic remedies: Oscillococcimum (take at the first signs of flu); Aconitum napellus, Belladonna, and Eupatorium perfoliatum – help to ease flu symptoms. Caution: Do not use this formula if pregnant.
- Stay home! If you have the flu, stay home! Sickness-warriors notoriously take longer to heal and end up unnecessarily exposing everyone in their path to the flu.
More Helpful Herbal & Supplement Strategies for Flu and Cold Season
- Cat’s claw may cut the duration of the flu.
- Wild Mediterranean Oregano Oil: anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Cayenne (capsicum) helps to keep mucus flowing, aiding in preventing congestion and headaches.
- Colloidal Silver: Has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
- Elderberry: antiviral, anti-inflammatory, stimulates sweating, helps with runny noses. Reduces aches, pain, and fever. Israeli research has confirmed the activity of elderberry extracts against the influenza virus.
- Forsythia: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, fever reducer
- Ginger: pain and fever reducer, cough suppressant, settles the stomach, and helps with sleep.
- Grapefruit seed extract: anti-viral
- Astragalus: immune system booster, helps the body deal with stress. Do not use astragalus in the presence of a fever.
- Boneset infusion: expectorant and eliminates mucus from the lungs. Do not use daily for more than one week.
- Honeysuckle: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, fever reducer
- Echinacea: This one does it all! Lessens: sore throat, fatigue, chills, sweating, body aches, and headaches. Do not take echinacea for longer than three months.
- Slippery elm: good for sore throats and coughs
- Schisandra: boosts the immune system, builds endurance.
- Yarrow: reduces chills
- Cordyceps: aids respiration, boosts the immune system
- Zinc: immune system booster, helps with many symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Great for colds, too. I recommend zinc orotate at the first sign of a cold or flu. Do not take zinc at the same time you eat or drink citrus fruits or juices. It will diminish the effectiveness of the zinc.
- Anise seed: helps with nausea, gas, encourages sweating, and helps expectorate phlegm.
- Goldenseal: fever reducer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.
- Lomatium: aids in quick recovery from flu. Native Americans often use this for respiratory illnesses.
- Licorice: anti-viral properties.
- Reishi mushroom: an excellent booster for the body during stress.
- Vitamin C is excellent for lessening symptoms and duration of flu and related illnesses. Vitamin C is great to take with other supplements, as it typically acts as a catalyst to enhance other remedies.
- Garlic has antiviral and antibiotic properties, has killed flu viruses in laboratory tests, and is also an immune booster.
- Beta Carotene: found in yellow vegetables such as pumpkin, squash, and carrots. The body converts this substance into Vitamin A
- Ginseng: immune system booster.
- Wild indigo: immune system booster.
- Chickweed, ginkgo biloba, mullein, lobelia, and black radish: all of these herbs have shown promise in relieving various symptoms of lung illnesses. Check with your healthcare practitioner.
Warning: Your Flu-Like Symptoms May Not Be The Flu!
When most people talk about flu symptoms, they often do not suspect that they may also have a coinfection with a fungus (mold) that could be causing some of their symptoms or preventing them from getting well after taking antibiotics.
Many molds (fungi), such as Aspergillus, Histoplasma, Cryptococcus, Candida, Coccidioides, and Stachybotrys, are well known to cause flu-like symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, sore throat, irritated, itchy throat, chills, headache, chest pain, body aches, and even asthma.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Fungal diseases in the lungs are often similar to other illnesses, such as the flu or tuberculosis. Some fungal diseases like fungal meningitis and bloodstream infections are less common than skin and lung infections, but can be deadly.”
The fungus Histoplasma can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue (extreme tiredness), chills, headache, chest pain, and body aches. The CDC says that Histoplasma can cause a disease known as histoplasmosis and symptoms may appear between 3 and 17 days after a person breathes in the fungal spores, and for some people histoplasmosis can develop into a long-term lung infection, or it can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
Fungal meningitis also causes flu symptoms. The different types of fungi include Cryptococcus, Candida, Histoplasma, and Coccidioides.
Valley Fever is another severe fungal infection caused by the mold Coccidioides, which lives in the soil. It is prevalent in the Southwest U.S. and causes flu-like symptoms. There were more than 22,000 cases of Valley Fever reported in the Southwest in 2011, up from 2,265 cases in 1998, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because fungus particles spread through the air, it’s nearly impossible to avoid exposure to this fungus in these hardest-hit states completely,” CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden said in a statement. “It’s important that people be aware of Valley Fever if they live in or have travelled to the southwest United States,” he said.
Final Thoughts…
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and issues with your lungs, consider the fact that mold (fungus) may be the cause of your symptoms or the possibility of a coinfection. This is especially true if you have had previous exposure to mold, whether outdoors or in your home. If you do not know if you have mold in your home and suffer from mysterious illnesses, allergies, and or asthma, you must have your home tested for mold (fungus). As with most health issues, prevention through a healthy diet, exercise, hand-washing, stress reduction, and common sense is far more effective than anything that can be done once an illness has taken hold. Remember that once influenza/flu has taken hold in the very young and the elderly, severe complications can quickly arise. Please see your healthcare provider immediately if your symptoms become severe. We, as Americans, can have a significant impact on our personal and national health by simply choosing to pursue wellness proactively.
CAUTION: Before using any supplements or herbs, always check with a trusted healthcare practitioner for any contraindications (especially with medications) that may affect your health situation. If your flu symptoms worsen or other symptoms appear, speak to your healthcare practitioner immediately.
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†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
