While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises Americans to get the flu shot, several alternative methods can be used to prevent the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year for the flu and complications. Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, such as patients on transplant drugs, are the most at risk. Viruses cause the flu, and there are no known medical cures, but natural remedies can help raise the immune system and prevent the flu.
Yogurt
The University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education recommends yogurt to help prevent colds. Yogurt contains healthy bacteria called probiotics that stimulate the immune system in the gut and help fight disease. The health office suggests half a cup of low-fat yogurt daily. Research has shown that this amount of yogurt reduces cold susceptibility by 25 percent.
Sauna
A sauna twice a week has been shown by German researchers to reduce the number of colds by half, according to the University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education. The researchers suspect that the hot air intake kills cold and flu viruses.
Zinc
The University of Maryland Medical Center says the body needs zinc for proper functioning of the immune system. Though research studies have not been clear on the benefits, many suggest that zinc lozenges and zinc nasal sprays prevent colds and flu. However, no more than 50 mg a day is recommended.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb used to build up the immune system and prevent the flu. The recommended dose is 300 mg taken three times a day. Fourteen studies showed that echinacea reduced the risk of getting a cold by more than half, and it is assumed that the viruses that cause the flu are similarly affected, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pregnant women should not use echinacea.
Garlic
Garlic, known in Latin as Allium sativa, has been shown to reduce the risk of getting the flu, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Garlic also thins the blood, so it should not be taken by people on blood thinning medication, including aspirin.
