The Flu: What REALLY Happens

The flu came in like a wrecking ball this year. Recently, it seemed like nearly EVERYONE was sick.

Cases are still surging in many places. And to be perfectly clear, the flu is never “just the flu.”

This virus is serious business. In fact, it’s often a killer.

Up to 50,000 people die yearly from the flu, many of whom are seniors.

Even worse? This year we’ve been faced with what’s been called the “tridemic” or “tripledemic.”

The label refers to the simultaneous surge of three viruses: influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19.

Unlike the other two viruses, which tend to come on gradually, the flu typically hits you fast and furious. And when this nasty virus takes hold… you’ll know it.

That’s why it’s essential to understand precisely HOW influenza attacks and what you can do to avoid becoming the bug’s next victim.

Today, I’ll reveal both.

Typical flu symptoms are exactly what you’d expect. The main ones include cough, muscle aches, headache, and fever.

But what’s BEHIND those symptoms, simmering beneath the surface, is disturbing. It turns out the flu bug is a big bully.

The virus first hitches a ride inside on your inhaled breath. It immediately kidnaps some of your cells, setting up a forced labor camp inside each one.

The cells are bullied into churning out bunches of flu virus copies.

And that’s when those nasty symptoms hit. They’re an outward sign that your body’s immune system is hard at work, fighting back.

You see, while the flu virus typically sticks to your lung cells, your immune system treats your ENTIRE body. It pumps out white blood cells and inflammatory chemicals that attack and kill the infected cells.

This causes you to feel downright MISERABLE from head to toe.

So, obviously, your best bet is to avoid catching the flu in the first place. And I can help you do precisely that.

  • Diet: During flu season, I include lots of garlic and onions in my meals. Garlic is a natural inflammation fighter. Plus, the sulfur compounds in the spice support the immune system and detoxify the body. Onions are brimming with the antioxidant quercetin, a natural anti-inflammatory that supports the immune system.
  • Vitamin D: Beginning in November and straight through to spring, I take 3,000 to 5,000 IUs of vitamin D daily. I make every effort to get outside in winter. But my body still needs more immune-supporting vitamin D.
  • Supplements: The herbs berberine, turmeric, and olive leaf can give your immune system the boost it needs to help kick the flu virus to the curb.
  • Probiotics and prebiotics: Several clinical trials have found that probiotics and prebiotics protect against influenza. I take mine in a super-food blend, so I get both gut health benefits and the added antioxidant power of plant foods.

P.S. This small but POWERFUL berry fights back against colds and flu. Click here for all the details.

Source:

“Aging augments the impact of influenza respiratory tract infection on mobility impairments, muscle-localized inflammation, and muscle atrophy.” Aging (Albany NY). 2016 Feb 7; 8:620-635. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.100882

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory

You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...

Read This

Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check

I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...

Read This

Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer

We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....

Read This

Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer

“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....

Read This

Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger

We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...

Read This

Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging

Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...

Read This

The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood

You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....

Read This

Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin

You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...

Read This

Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”

Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...

Read This

Common Antidepressants Linked to Silent Brain Damage

If you’re among the millions taking prescription antidepressants, I have some concerning news. A major study has uncovered a disturbing link between common antidepressants and a growing brain problem. And if you’re taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), you may find yourself in the crosshairs. Swedish researchers recently uncovered this troubling connection. They found...

Read This