The flu season is here and there is troubling news. The CDC says the flu vaccine millions of Americas are getting may not be as effective as last year’s flu shot.
ABC News Chief Health and Medical Editor Dr. Richard Besser told INSIDE EDITION, “The CDC has looked at about a thousand stains of flu that are causing disease in the community and the bad news is about half of those strains are not in the vaccine that people got. So, if you got the flu vaccine, even in a good year you are at risk. This year, you may be at more risk of getting the flu.”
Experts say there are things you can do to ward off the flu, starting with groceries. Eating garlic is a good start, said Dr. Roshini Raj. She told INSIDE EDITION, “Garlic is a powerful anti-oxidant. It can really help boost your immune system.”
Shitaki mushrooms are also a proven super food. Just a pinch a day of herbs can give your body the edge in warding off the flu as she told Manhattan mom Lyss Stern.
Dr. Raj said, “Put a little sage, thyme, oregano, which tastes amazing.’
A daily glass of coconut water could be a big immune booster.
“Coconut water has lauric acid. This ingredient is a natural antimicrobial, which means it fights off bacteria, viruses, which means it can be very useful when we are in the middle of flu season,” said Dr. Raj.
You also need to be careful with your daily routines, starting with your tooth brush. A big no-no? Storing brushes in the same glass.
Dr. Raj said, “This is definitely a recipe for disaster. As you can see, everyone in the family has put their toothbrush in the same cup. They are literally kissing right now. Germs are being spread from one toothbrush to another and if someone is sick, you can get sick from that same toothbrush.”
She says place each brush in its own case. Another tip, make sure to wash your brushes frequently by dipping toothbrushes in peroxide.
Dr. Besser said, “I think you should still get the flu shot. It doesn’t give high levels of protection, but it gives you some, and flu can be bad, and some is good enough.”
