How to Improve Immune System Resistance to Flus

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a virus that kills around 36,000 people each year in the United States. It is important to keep your immune system healthy to prevent infection from the flu. There are several steps you can take at home to protect yourself against this dangerous virus.

Things You'll Need

• Flu vaccine
• Vitamin C
• Zinc lozenges
• Water
• Fresh fruits

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Instructions

Immune System Resistance

• 1

  Get a flu vaccine from your physician. This is the most effective way to prevent illness from flu. In 2009, there are two flu vaccines available. The seasonal flu vaccine is formulated to prevent the three most common strains of Type B flu circulating this year. The H1N1 or "swine flu" vaccine is formulated to protect against the dangerous Type A flu that is infecting people worldwide.

• 2

  Take 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, which decreases your chances of catching a flu virus.

• 3

  Let one zinc lozenge dissolve in your mouth several times a day. These can be purchased at any drug store. According to the Food and Drug Administration, zinc plays an important role in cell regeneration and immune system response. Taking zinc in lozenge form is a simple way to boost your immune system response against flu viruses. Read the label to learn how many milligrams of zinc are in each lozenge. Do not take more than 150 mg of zinc in a 24-hour period.

• 4

  Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. Being adequately hydrated helps the immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria.

• 5

  Eat fresh fruits every day. Apples, bananas and blueberries are high in vitamins and antioxidants which will boost the immune system. Avoid canned and prepackaged fruits as these are high in sugar, which will decrease the immune system response.

• 6

  Walk 30 minutes at least three times a week. Exercising helps to circulate fluid in the lymph system, which is responsible for eliminating bacteria and viruses from the body.

• 7

  Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. The body repairs itself and gathers strength from sleep. Avoid caffeine close to bedtime as this will cause insomnia.