Today’s lifestyles can be stressful and generally involves poor dietary habits, hectic schedules, and anxiety, with little or no time to exercise. Threats of dangerous cold and flu strains and the current state of the economy can contribute to the rise in one’s stress levels. All of these factors combined can lay the foundation for stress, tension, fatigue, frustration, and anxiety that can decrease immune function and make us more susceptible to cold and flu viruses.

When it comes to colds and flu, we are faced with the necessity of keeping our immunity high along with what seems to be a difficult decision in regards to having a flu shot.  Whether you decide to have a flu shot or not, it is still a good idea to help keep your immune system strong.  Using natural dietary supplements can help build and keep your immune system functioning optimally.

---

Cold and Flu Viruses

Every year in the U.S. the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports several million cases of colds and flu. Up to 10% to 20% of the total U.S. population may become ill in any given year. Of these, thousands of the most serious cases require hospitalization, and each year there are several related deaths from complications caused by the flu. And now we have renewed and more dangerous strains, such as the Avian Flu and Swine Flu.

You can help to keep you and your family members well by keeping the immune system boosted and taking dietary supplements at the onset that will help shorten the severity and duration.

Help keep your immune system strong by:

• Taking supplements to help build the immune system
• Having products on hand in case you begin to not feel well
• Taking measures to reduce stress and exposure to illness

---

As we are all aware, flu vaccines are available each year.  However, with all of the conflicting information, it is difficult to decipher what the truth really is regarding their safety and effectiveness.

On one hand we have the Center for Disease Control (CDC) stating that flu vaccines are perfectly safe and necessary, especially for a particular group of people, such as those “at high risk for serious complications.”

Then, there are those who are on the other side of the coin claiming the harm that could be potentially caused by the vaccine may outweigh the good.  While flu vaccines may not be widely accepted or needed by everyone, it is very important to communicate with your health care professional if you have any concerns whether you or your family members should have it or not.

Read our article: Building Your Immune System and Fighting Viruses  to learn more about what you can do to keep you and your family healthy during the cold and flu season, as well as all year long.