How to Treat the Flu at Home

~this is not medical advice. always consult with your trusted provider~

As of writing this, we have yet to have the flu this year. *KNOCK ON WOOD" But these are the things we keep on hand, just in case. We like to keep things simple in the event of sickness.

For overall sickness (and everyday immunity support), we do:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital for the immune system because it helps regulate both the innate and adaptive immunity systems. It helps build immunity and fight infection by regulating immune cells, which are what prompt antiviral responses. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection. 

Dosing recommendations vary from doctor to doctor and institution to institution. Some believe the lower end doses are fine, while others believe higher doses are needed to be effective. This is why I always recommend finding a provider you know and trust. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body produce immune cells, strengthens T cells, and helps healthy cells stay alive and active. Vitamin C is also essential for the growth and repair of tissue throughout the body. It can help heal wounds and fight free radicals in the body to prevent against cancers and heart disease. There is evidence showing that Vitamin C may help decrease the length and severity off cold symptoms, making it a great supplement to for the winter months.

Probiotics

Probiotics help the immune system by preventing pathogens from sticking to the intestinal surface, promoting the growth of T cells which help inflammatory responses, fighting against harmful bacteria, restoring gut balance, reducing inflammation, and improving oxygen saturation.

Probiotic dosing is a little different than normal vitamins. If an age range isn’t specified, a good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 the recommended adult dosage for children up to 6 years; half for children 6-12 years, and the full dose for 13 years and up. 

A few of our favs:

• Powder for babies (Klaire Labs)

• Drops for Infants (Mary Ruth)

• Drops for Infants (Wellements)

• Drops for babies and young children (Meta Kids)

• Drops for kids 1 yr + (adults can use this one too) (Mary Ruth)

• Chewable for Kids 1 - Klaire Labs 2yr+

• Chewable for Kids 2 - Meta Kids 3yr+

• Chewable for Kids 3 - Hiya

• Probiotic for Adults 1 - Apex Energetics/Stregntia

• Probiotic for Adults 2 - Thorne

• Probiotic Adults 3 - Bio-Kult

• Probiotic Adults 4 - Florastor

• Probiotic powder for Adults - Metagenics

Briar Rose

Briar Rose is a natural form of medicine called gemmotherapy, and is made from plant buds. It supports a healthy sinus passage, eyes, and throat, therefore useful against: runny nose and congestion, ear aches and infections, sore throat, sinus infections, headaches caused by allergies.

It can be used as a preventative 2-3x a week, or 2-3x times a day when battling active sickness. 

For more on specific dosing for the above CLICK HERE.

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For flu specifically, we keep these added extras on hand:

Star Anise: a Tamiflu Substitute

Star anise contains many chemicals that have antibacterial effects, including a chemical called shikimic acid, which is used to make oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It is not clear if star anise itself has antiviral effects, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggestion it may be beneficial during the flu.

*I would only give Star Anise tea to adults. Studies have shown there can be some complications in children.

Oscillococcinum

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic treatment specifically for flu symptoms recommended for ages 2 and up. It is best to start as soon as symptoms appear.

Genexa Acetaminophen

We have never given a fever suppressant, and we've had fevers reach pretty high levels. But I always keep Genexa's Acetaminophen on hand, because you just never know. I would rather be prepared, and never have to use it. Genexa is dye free and includes zero artificial additives. But I would try, as best as possible, to not give any fever supressents. We'll look more at that below.

Fevers

A fever is a natural response to an infection or illness. It is a good sign, because it means that your body is fighting off the infection. The heat of fevers increases the performance of immune cells and induces stress on pathogens and infected cells, providing a strong immune defense (2). 

Since fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting off illnesses, reducing a fever can actually prolong the illness or infection. Fevers also make immune cells better at recruiting and activating T-cells, which coordinate long-term “adaptive” immune responses such as antibody production. By letting a fever run its course, you are also providing better protection for future illnesses (3). 

If you notice a fever rising at night, take a deep breath. You don’t need to immediately rush to the ER.  Fevers typically spike at night because there is less cortisol in the blood, which means the white blood cells are on “high alert” and detect infection more easily (3). You should typically see a dip come morning. 

When You Should Go to the Doctor

• A child under 3 months has a fever over 100.4 or exhibits any serious symptoms

• A fever over 104

• Fever for more than two consecutive days

• Other symptoms like stiff neck, restlessness, or sensitivity to light

• The person is unable to hold down food for more than a few hours or shows any signs of dehydration

• Refusal to drink water

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or any sign of respiratory distress (seek immediate help)

• The person has been exposed to toxins or poisons that may have caused the fever

• Mother’s intuition says there is something more serious going on, even if the child appears fine

  
  

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can be used as a fever suppressant. Dilute 1-2 drops with 1/2-1 tsp coconut oil and apply to soles of feet and spine.

It can also be used for headaches. Apply directly to temples, forehead, behind hears, back of neck whenever you have a headache (if using on child dilute; or if adult has sensitive skin)

Homeopathic

• Homeolab pain and fever relief (ages 0-12)

• Dr. Green Life Natureprofen

• Belladonna - high fevers w/ sweat

• Ferrum phosphoricum - low/mild fevers

• Oscillococcinum - fever, chills, body aches

• Forces of Nature - fever, chills, body aches

Wet Sock Trick

At night, placing feet in wet, cold socks signals your body to dilate the blood vessels in your feet, resulting in blood being moved to, and warming, the feet. This increases circulation throughout the entire body. This cycle should continue throughout the night and helps boost the immune system and reduce body temperature - making it great for fevers.

Lukewarm Bath

A cold bath can cause shivering which can increase core body temperature. Instead, take a lukewarm bath. You can also add in epsom salt in order to help sooth aching muscles. 

Genexa Acetaminophen

If a fever suppressant becomes absolutely necessary, Genexa's Acetaminophen is free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, dyes, parabens, and common allergies. They make acetaminophen for infants, kids, and adults.

• Infants

• Kids

• Adults

Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the biggest issues when it comes to the flu. The best thing you can do is push electrolyte liquids like water with a high quality mineral salt or electrolyte powder:

• nectar electrolytes (my personal favorite, taste wise)

• cure

• cure kids

• relyte kids

You can also do bone broths like Kettle and Fire, or make your own. Coconut water is also a great source. You could also make popsicles with coconut water and blended watermelon, another great hydration source.

Cough

Similar to the fever, I would try to not suppress the cough as best as possible. The flu creates extra mucus in order to trap the inhaled virus and prevent it from spreading further down the airway. And the cough helps expel the mucus containing the trapped virus particles from your throat and lungs, helping clear the infection. Suppressing a cough can actually hinder the body's natural process of clearing the infection.

Instead of focusing on trying to dry up the mucus, focus on keeping it thin and moving. Nebulizing saline can be a great tool for this.

Nebulizing

You can purchase saline, or make your own solution with 1/2 tsp of sea salt in 8oz of purified water. We always keep a little portable nebulizer like this on hand.

For my entire SICK KID PROTOCOL click HERE.

You can purchase my full holistic medicine cabinet with over 100 categorized holistic remedies, homeopathic products, and more for both babies, children, and adults. It is an ever evolving document. You will receive a direct link, and any time I add new products, treatments, categories, etc., you will have direct access to the updates.