Cold and Flu Season Gets Underway With Flu Vaccine in Short Supply

NEW YORK -- It is cold and flu season and with 45 million less flu shots available health officials are expecting more people to get the flu this year. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of the American population will suffer with flu symptoms and more than 200,000 people will be hospitalized from flu complications.

This season prevention is extremely important if you are unable to get a flu shot. Washing hands frequently, getting proper rest and boosting the immune system by practicing good nutrition and supplementation can help reduce the risks of getting the flu. In addition to vitamin and mineral supplementation, probiotics are gaining interest.

Experts are recognizing that good bacteria or probiotics present in the gastrointestinal tract may enhance the immune system. However, it is the overuse of antibiotics that are often killing the good bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctors are writing 50 million unnecessary prescriptions for ailments that cannot be treated with antibiotics, such as the common cold and other viral infections. Replacing these beneficial bacteria through supplementation, especially after antibiotic use, may reestablish the good bacteria and help boost the immune system. Probiotics and proper nutrition is a terrific one-two-punch against the cold and flu.

Source: DSM Nutritionals