After a four year study, University College London and Oxford University discovered 43% of people will not come down with flu symptoms even if they become infected with the virus. Also, while carrying the carrying the virus, they are also less likely to spread it to others.
We all know the symptoms of fever, coughs, headaches or fatigue. Sometimes the virus infection can be very severe. Memories of the swine flu I caught in Australia 40 years ago remain with me still. The effect lingered for years, leaving me weakened and depressed.
The researchers of the study, led by Public Health England, the Medical Research council and the Wellcome Trust, discovered that around half of the population have developed a high level of immunity from previous infections which protects them from not only seasonal flu, but also pandemic flu, offering the hope of creating a universal vaccine.
The study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Clinical Care Medicine. Source: The Telegraph.
We all know the symptoms of fever, coughs, headaches or fatigue. Sometimes the virus infection can be very severe. Memories of the swine flu I caught in Australia 40 years ago remain with me still. The effect lingered for years, leaving me weakened and depressed.
The researchers of the study, led by Public Health England, the Medical Research council and the Wellcome Trust, discovered that around half of the population have developed a high level of immunity from previous infections which protects them from not only seasonal flu, but also pandemic flu, offering the hope of creating a universal vaccine.
The study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Clinical Care Medicine. Source: The Telegraph.
I know from experience how the road back to health after flu can be a particularly long one. Here's what what you should be doing to build up your immune system and fight off any lingering effects.
Place a bowl of water near a radiator: The water will moisten the air, which will then be easier to breathe, and reduce the possibility of a secondary infection such as sinusitis.
Eat kiwi fruit: Kiwi fruit are an even better source than oranges for vitamin C.
Eat yoghurt: The bacteria contained in yoghurt aids digestion and clears out mucus.
Get some sun: Sunlight can boost your energy and mood and a lack of it can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder or 'winter blues'.
Eat garlic: Garlic contains natural antibacterial and antiviral properties which help prevent colds, flu and resulting secondary infections. For best results add four cloves of fresh garlic to food daily. If you don't like the taste, try odourless garlic capsules. Garlic can also help to break up mucus.
Drink honey and lemon: Honey has antibacterial and sedative properties. A glass of hot water with a teaspoonful of honey and lemon will help you to sleep. (My mother was right.)
Take zinc: Zinc is vital for helping the immune system to fight infections and is found naturally in meat, seafood and peanuts.
Eat ginger: Ginger helps stimulate circulation and promotes sweating, which eliminates toxins. A raised body temperature also helps to kill germs and give the immune system a chance to fight back. More tips from the Daily Mail.
Every year, the UK National Health Service offers flu vaccine to those over 70. I've taken the offer up for added protection. But, what if I'm one of the people immune to the virus already? I guess it's better to be safe.
Do you take any precautions against flu?
Place a bowl of water near a radiator: The water will moisten the air, which will then be easier to breathe, and reduce the possibility of a secondary infection such as sinusitis.
Eat kiwi fruit: Kiwi fruit are an even better source than oranges for vitamin C.
Eat yoghurt: The bacteria contained in yoghurt aids digestion and clears out mucus.
Get some sun: Sunlight can boost your energy and mood and a lack of it can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder or 'winter blues'.
Eat garlic: Garlic contains natural antibacterial and antiviral properties which help prevent colds, flu and resulting secondary infections. For best results add four cloves of fresh garlic to food daily. If you don't like the taste, try odourless garlic capsules. Garlic can also help to break up mucus.
Drink honey and lemon: Honey has antibacterial and sedative properties. A glass of hot water with a teaspoonful of honey and lemon will help you to sleep. (My mother was right.)
Take zinc: Zinc is vital for helping the immune system to fight infections and is found naturally in meat, seafood and peanuts.
Eat ginger: Ginger helps stimulate circulation and promotes sweating, which eliminates toxins. A raised body temperature also helps to kill germs and give the immune system a chance to fight back. More tips from the Daily Mail.
Every year, the UK National Health Service offers flu vaccine to those over 70. I've taken the offer up for added protection. But, what if I'm one of the people immune to the virus already? I guess it's better to be safe.
Do you take any precautions against flu?
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