Understanding how the flu virus works can give you the tools you need to avoid becoming infected. Each year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized due to flu symptoms and 36,000 Americans die from flu related causes. Clearly, these numbers are significant. Anyone who has suffered the ravages of the influenza virus knows all too well the misery that virus brings.

Influenza viruses mutate each year. The seasonal flu virus travels around the globe each year, generally beginning in September and running through February or March. Millions of people try to avoid becoming infected with the flu virus by getting the influenza vaccine, or flu shot. With the recent spread of H1N1 flu and the shortage of vaccinations available, there’s even more cause for alert. Avoiding the virus and maintaining respiratory health are two steps everyone can take to battle this potentially deadly virus.

Healthy Bodies Are Less Likely To Become Infected

Maintaining optimum overall health is your first line of defense against the flu virus. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils will give your body the tools it needs to stay healthy. An adequate supply of fresh, clean water is crucial. Regular exercise and a reasonable body weight will also help you to maintain good respiratory health. Daily vitamins and the antioxidants found in elderberry extract have also been proven to promote respiratory health.

Research conducted by the University of Oslo, reported at the 15th Annual Conference on Antiviral Research and published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine, demonstrated the effectiveness of compounds found in elderberry extract to greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming infected with the flu virus. It also is proven to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms once individuals become infected with the virus.

Knowledge Is Power

Unlike bacteria, which grow within our bodies as separate entities, viruses inject their DNA into host cells, effectively reprogramming the cells to produce more viruses. Products containing elderberry extract have been shown to block a virus’ ability to attach to a host cell, thereby blocking the viral infection. If the virus cannot get its DNA in to a cell, infection cannot occur.


If infection does occur, these same compounds found in flu remedies with elderberry extract have been shown to reduce the average period of infection from six days down to only two days, with significantly reduced symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, the “stomach flu” isn’t really the flu at all. Instead, it is a gastrointestinal infection. The influenza virus causes symptoms that include overall weakness, headache, muscle and joint pain, with only rare cases of nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Maintaining Respiratory Health

Prevention is the best defense against the seasonal flu and H1N1 viruses. Frequent and thorough hand washing or sanitization is crucial. Flu viruses can last for hours on practically any surface, so it is always a good idea to avoid people who appear ill. Disinfectants should be used on surfaces that are touched frequently such as light switches, doorknobs, appliance and cabinet handles, faucets, steering wheels, media knobs, and chair backs.

Even family pets can carry flu viruses on their fur. Protect the family’s respiratory health by wiping pets down with a damp towel if suspected that they have been exposed. Fresh fruits and vegetables, bought in the store, should be washed with soap and water to remove any potential viruses left behind by food handlers. If there is a particularly bad flu outbreak in your area, it may be a good idea to avoid eating uncooked foods in restaurants.

Most Flu Remedies Fail

As anyone who has suffered the ravages of the flu knows, most flu remedies are ineffective. The research conducted at the University of Oslo demonstrated, in a double blind, placebo study, that flu remedies such as elderberry lozenges greatly reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Instead of spending a week in bed, feeling utterly miserable, you can be back on your feet and earning your paycheck in only two days. In today’s tight economy, few people can afford a week or more out of work. The price of an elderberry extract flu remedy is money well spent.

Protecting one’s respiratory health with a good diet, proper hydration, and flu remedies made with elderberry extract is a simply and effective means to prevent becoming infected with the seasonal or H1N1 flu viruses this season.

Chris Harmen is a writer for Respiratory Guard. Respiratory Guard Elderberry Lozenges are proven to support respiratory health (http://www.respiratoryguard.com) and is widely accepted as one of very few effective flu remedies (http://www.h1n1flucures.com).

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