BRITS have been urged to dose themselves with vitamin C as the country faces its worst Aussie flu epidemic in 50 years.
Almost 100,000 Australians have fallen ill to H3N2 – their most severe outbreak on record – and it is set to hit the UK as people fly here from overseas.
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And with the flu expected to rip through schools, office and hospitals, doctors have urged Brits to take precautions in the lead up to Christmas.
Dr David Jack told The Daily Star vitamin C was key to avoiding being struck down by the flu, saying: “I really don’t think you can get enough of it.”
In Australia, drug manufacturers have designed super-strength vaccines for the elderly as the country experience record breaking infection figures.
An average of 8,000 people die every year because of flu in England and Wales but experts have warned the number could be a lot higher this year if dangerous strains like H3N2 make it to our shores.
TOP TIPS: How to ward off the flu this winter
1. Eat more whole foods including a variety of fruit and vegetables, pulses, nuts and wholegrains to feed healthy bacteria in your gut. If your diet is low in fibre, a sudden increase can cause wind and bloating. Make gradual changes and always remember to drink plenty of water.
2. Avoid antibiotics if possible, but if you really need them, make sure you eat lots of foods that boost your microbes afterwards like fermented cheese and live yoghurt
3. Have a run of sugar and alcohol free days in the run up to the festive season.
4. Manage your stress: Exercise, meditation, mindfulness can all help.
5. Make life easier: We know it’s a hectic period so make healthier living a little easier and take a daily supplement.
*According to St Albans GP Dr Panja, and pre-biotic company Bimuno
The NHS has urged vulnerable groups who are likely to develop more serious medical complications as a result of infection to get a flu jab.
Pregnant women, over-65s, children from six-24 months and those will long term illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and asthma are among the most vulnerable.
Less than half of those at risk took up the free NHS flu jab last year.
Dr Richard Pebody, of Public Health England, said: “There is insufficient evidence to support a recommendation for taking Vitamin C to prevent getting flu.
“The best way to protect against flu is to have the vaccine if you are eligible, eat a healthy balanced diet to maintain a healthy immune system, and practice good hygiene by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throwing it in the bin and washing your hands.”
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