While fall brings the pleasure of cooler weather and changing leaves, it also signals the start of cold and flu season. Both influenza and the common cold are respiratory illnesses caused by viral infections. In general, their symptoms are similar, but flu typically involves fever, aches, tiredness, and can lead to more serious health problems.
Geoff Levens, lead practitioner at Pharmaca's Novato location, turns to traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like yin chiao and gan mao ling for knocking out colds, noting that chuan xin lian is his favorite due to its modern research-based formula. Source Naturals offers Wellness Fizz and Wellness Liquid formulas that contain some of these herbs, are good for kids, and "don't taste too bad," Geoff says.
Pharmaca also carries a wide selection of products designed for prevention and treatment of flu. Geoff recommends
Boiron's Oscillococcinum at the first sign of illness. This FDA regulated treatment is clinically tested and boasts no side effects. He also suggests Hyland's Complete Flu Care to help limit the duration and severity of the flu or kid-friendly elderberry to speed recovery.
The Infectious Disease society of America recommends immunization as the best method for controlling the flu. However, changing virus strains present a challenge for vaccine developers. Reports show that the 2007-2008 flu shot was 44 percent effective.