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Print7 Healthcast: Fighting flu
No one wants to be sidelined with the aches and pains of the flu. If you haven't gotten a flu shot or don't plan on getting one, some health experts say alternative treatments can keep you healthy this year.
Dr. Gary Kracoff is both a pharmacist and naturopathic physician.
"They assist the body," Dr. Kracoff says. "They don't try to suppress the symptoms. They work with the body to get the body to fight either the virus or the bacteria."
Dr. Kracoff says the homeopathic medicine oscillococcinum is a good flu fighter when you first feel symptoms. It's the number one over-the-counter flu medicine in France.
"It's giving your body some help in pushing through the virus," Dr. Kracoff says.
Dr. Kracoff says medicinal mushrooms can also keep you healthy.
"That was studied by the military and NIH," Dr. Kracoff says. "They found these medicinal mushrooms can help fight viruses and bacteria."
Other ways to prevent the flu: wash your hands often, cover your mouth when your sneeze or cough. Avoid sick people when possible and don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
And even though alternative treatments are sold over-the-counter you should still talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking them.
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