10/09/2026
Flu/Covid season is upon us! 🤧
Ways to help protect yourself and your family
💉 Talk with your doctor about whether a flu shot is appropriate for you. Get your yearly flu vaccine. It’s the best way to lower your risk of flu and serious complications. The 2026–27 vaccine is available for people 6 months and older.
🧼 Practice good hygiene: wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face.
😷 Limit exposure when you can: avoid close contact with people who are sick, consider a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and bring in fresh air when possible.
💧 Stay hydrated and support your overall health with core lifestyle habits:
* Eat a balanced variety of foods: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins such as fish, chicken, beans, or tofu.
* Move regularly: work toward 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking or cycling.
* Prioritize sleep: aim for about 7–8 hours a night.
Manage stress: try a walk, meditation, or a few quiet minutes to reset.
* Avoid smoking and va**ng; limit alcohol.
* Avoid high sugary items!!!
🍊 Choose foods that provide important nutrients: citrus and berries, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, garlic and onions, yogurt or other fermented foods, nuts, and seeds. These can be part of a varied, nutritious diet that supports normal immune function; no single food prevents the flu.
🌿 Thinking about NAC or glutathione? Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements.
🤒 If you get sick, stay home until your symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. If you’re at higher risk for complications, contact your provider early—antiviral treatment works best when started promptly.
Small, steady habits can support your health all season long. 💚
Foods to Include in a Flu-Season Eating Plan 🍊
Citrus and berries: oranges, lemons, strawberries, and blueberries provide vitamin C and other nutrients.
Garlic, ginger, and turmeric: flavorful additions to meals. DONT FORGET OREGANO!
Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables: spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts offer a range of vitamins and minerals.
Root vegetables: sweet potatoes and carrots provide beta-carotene, which the body can convert to vitamin A.
Fermented foods: yogurt with live cultures, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut can add variety and support gut health.
Protein-rich foods and soups: chicken, turkey, fish, beans, tofu, and warm soups help make meals nourishing and satisfying.
A Note About Supplements 🌿
Supplements aren’t a substitute for flu vaccination, and evidence that they prevent flu is limited.
Correcting a nutrient deficiency can support normal immune function, but taking extra vitamins or minerals when you’re not deficient may not prevent infection.
Vitamin D: Important for health and immune function. Ask your provider whether testing or supplementation makes sense for you.
Vitamin C: Supports normal immune function. Regular use may slightly shorten a common cold for some people, but it hasn’t been shown to prevent flu.
Zinc: Some evidence suggests zinc lozenges may shorten a common cold if started early. For adults, the upper limit is 40 mg per day from all sources unless a clinician advises otherwise; high doses can cause side effects and interact with some medicines.
Probiotics, elderberry, and echinacea: Research varies by product and preparation, and benefits for preventing or treating flu aren’t established.
Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting supplements, especially if you take prescription medication, have a health condition, or are considering high doses. 💚
