The November-to-April flu season is almost here. The 2006 – 2007 season was relatively mild, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's impossible to predict how a future season will play out, so it pays to be prepared.

Keep in mind that influenza is not just a bad cold. It means a few days of misery with aching, chills and fever. Worse, the flu can lead to pneumonia, which can be deadly. Each year, more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and 20,000 die as a result of the flu and its complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone over age 65 get a yearly flu shot and a one-time dose of pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine as part of their adult vaccination schedule.

Those with compromised immunity, anyone with a weakened immune or respiratory system, nursing home residents, and health-care workers who have regular contact with patients are particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza and should also receive annual flu shots.

The pneumococcal vaccine will not prevent the flu, but protects 70 to 90 percent of healthy adults from common pneumonias, and is 50 to 60 percent effective in preventing pneumonia in the elderly and the immune-compromised.

As far as children are concerned, parents should discuss the flu shot with their pediatricians. Children aged six months to two years are hospitalized with the flu as often as the elderly are. However, the safety and efficacy of the flu vaccine has not been proved for this group, and young children require two shots, not one.

In addition, pregnant women whose last two trimesters fall during flu season might also consider getting the flu vaccine. Expectant mothers are just as likely to suffer complications from the flu as other high-risk groups.

To reduce your chances of getting the flu, take these precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap especially if you are out in public places. It may be a good idea to carry alcohol towelettes with you as well.
• Avoid people who have the flu.
• Discuss a flu shot with your physician.
• Ask your pediatrician about flu shots for young children.

Nutrition and Supplements

• Take astragalus. This immune-enhancing herb can help to build up resistance to both the flu and the common cold.
• Take immune-enhancing mushroom supplements such as cordyceps. Host Defense is a good choice, as it provides the extract of seven proven immune-boosting mushrooms.
• Take a daily multivitamin and antioxidants. Berries, tea (especially green tea) and dark chocolate all provide natural antioxidants.

If you have the flu:

• Stay hydrated, which keeps nasal passages moist, making them better defenders against viruses.
• Try elderberry extract. This can help to lessen the symptoms and speed up recovery.
• Eat garlic. Raw garlic is best; try at least two cloves per day, chopped up in a sandwich or soup.
• Get rest and stay home. Lack of sleep and too much stress can make the body weak; if you get the flu, rest as much as possible while your symptoms are resolving.
• Take astragalus.
• Take a prescription anti-influenza drug promptly.

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