A Physician Weighs in on Taking Natural Supplements During Flu Season

Although anyone can get the flu, the virus is most unsafe for the elderly, babies, and young children, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems. Getting vaccinated against the virus is imperative and getting the vaccination early will help to stave off your chances of becoming infected before you get the immunization. We’re not sure how bad the flu virus may become this season, and for that reason, it’s essential to protect you and your loved ones.

Along with traditional medications to prevent and treat influenza, many studied natural supplements can also help prevent and treat the virus.

Dr. Graig Alpert is a family practice physician that offers both traditional and holistic approaches to medicine for his patients’ individual needs. We caught up with Dr. Alpert to find out more.

In my practice, I provide traditional medical care and advice, along with more integrative approaches when appropriate.

Some supplements can help patients if they get the flu and prevent the virus or lessen its severity. It’s important to talk to your primary care physician before starting a supplement, to make sure they won’t interfere with any prescription medications you are taking.

Elderberry: A study done in 2004 with 60 patients aged 18 to 54 purports that flu-like symptoms were relieved four days earlier than in those not taking Elderberry. The patients took the supplement within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They took 15 ml 4 times per day, but your dose will vary depending on the concentration of the supplement.

To prevent the flu with Elderberry during flu season or if you were exposed to someone with the virus, taking 10 to 15 ml 2 times per day may help.

Echinacea: A study done in 2000 with 95 patients showed that 1.2grams of echinacea three times per day within 48 hours of symptom onset helped reduce the length of the viral infection compared to placebo.

Zinc: 50mg per day at the onset of viral infection may help reduce duration of symptoms. This is above the upper limit of the recommended dose and should be avoided long term.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant and boosts the immune system, which can help prevent and reduce the effects of the flu.

Vitamin D: It’s become a buzzword in the supplement realm since COVID, but vitamin D can prevent and reduce the flu’s severity. Even with all the Florida sunshine, most patients are deficient in Vitamin D.

Traditional Treatments: I’m a proponent of conventional medicine and recommend the influenza vaccine to my patients.

Influenza Vaccine: I recommend the flu vaccine for everyone, unless you’ve had a severe reaction to it in the past. I especially recommend the vaccine to anyone over 65 years of age and those with weakened immune systems.

Tamiflu: In a 2020 study, 3,266 patients were studied over three flu seasons. If started within 48 hours of onset, patients reduced symptoms by one day more than those who didn’t take Tamiflu. Elderly and sicker patients reduced symptoms by 2 to 3 days sooner. Tamiflu can also be used prophylactically to prevent influenza during flu season after a known exposure.

It’s also important to incorporate lifestyle choices to prevent the flu and live a healthier life in general. These include the following:

Physical activity: Getting daily physical activity is critical for general health and for stress reduction, which is known to prevent disease and help individuals fight it off. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Sleep: High-quality sleep is essential for overall health. Getting 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night is the goal.

Stress reduction: Finding ways to reduce stress through walking, riding a bike, reading, meditating, doing something you love (hobby), and taking time for yourself is critical.

Diet: Dark leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, lots of vegetables, lean protein, berries, dark chocolate, and herbal teas are essential for boosting the immune system and living a healthier life. Staying hydrated is also critical. Many people are not getting enough water. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces. Monitor your urine color if it is yellow then you are not drinking enough.

If you think you’re experiencing flu or cold symptoms, BayCare provides convenient access to different care options and services for patients and their families.

Graig Alpert, MD
Dr. Graig Alpert specializes in family medicine with BayCare Medical Group, serving the St. Petersburg, Florida community. Dr. Alpert earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida. He continued his medical education by completing a family medicine residency at the University of South Florida/Morton Plant Mease Family Medicine program in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Alpert has always been passionate about helping others. He finds purpose in the relationships he builds with each of his patients and in doing his best to serve their needs. He believes that understanding his patients’ goals of care and life circumstances is crucial to the patient-physician relationship. He is certified in basic life support, advanced life support and wilderness medicine. Dr. Alpert believes that everyone should have equal access to quality healthcare.

BayCare Medical Group Primary Care
630 Pasadena Ave. S. | St. Petersburg, FL 33707

For more information or to schedule an appointment please visit DrGraigAlpert.org or call (727) 360-1784