Selenium for the Flu

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that affects your lungs, throat and nose. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, or NFID, states that over 60 million people in the United States experience this infection each year, usually in the winter, late fall or early spring. The flu is extremely contagious. Certain dietary supplements, such as selenium, may be beneficial in treating your influenza infection. However, you should always review supplement-related issues with your doctor first.

Flu Information

Flu and cold symptoms may be similar, making it difficult to determine which of these two health problems you have. According to the Family Doctor website, flu symptoms usually manifest faster than cold symptoms and may be more severe. Some of the most commonly experienced flu-related symptoms include reduced appetite, headache, fever exceeding 102 degrees F, fatigue, sweats and chills, stuffy nose, muscle aches and cough. The NFID states that influenza infections are responsible for approximately 36,000 deaths in the United States each year.

About Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is used by your body to help manufacture antioxidant enzymes that prevent free radical damage to your cells. Selenium is found in abundance in certain foods, including Brazil nuts, yeast, whole grains and seafood. Selenium is commonly consumed in supplement form. People who live in areas where selenium is deficient in the soil -- as well as people who have AIDS -- are more likely than others to develop selenium deficiency, states medical doctor Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy."

Selenium for Flu

Selenium deficiency may increase your likelihood of influenza-related lung damage. According to a 2001 study by Melinda A. Beck and colleagues published in "The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology," selenium deficiency increases influenza-related lung pathology in mice. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that selenium has historically been used as a dietary supplement in treating influenza infections and that it helps boost your immune system response and improve your body's ability to fight infections such as the flu.

Additional Information

Influenza infections usually resolve without causing serious health complications in most healthy individuals. But some people -- young children, seniors, people who have compromised immune systems -- may develop complications such as sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia. Pneumonia is the most serious complication among these three, and it accounts for most of the deaths associated with influenza. Always review the advantages, disadvantages, limitations and possible drug interactions of dietary supplements for the flu with your doctor before using these natural healing agents.