Natural Flu Protection
By Edmond Devroey, MD
Understanding the Facts
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, influenza is far from a minor seasonal nuisance. In a typical year, 30,000 to 50,000 Americans die from influenza-related complications, with some estimates citing around 20,000 deaths annually. About 5–10% of adults hospitalized with influenza experience fatal outcomes.
Seasonal flu typically affects 5–15% of the population each year, while pandemic strains can reach 25–50%, making them significantly more dangerous.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three primary steps for flu protection:
- Annual vaccination
- Antiviral prescription medications
- Everyday precautions such as handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals
The CDC maintains that vaccination is generally safe, though discussions continue in the scientific community about potential side effects. Searches of scientific databases reveal numerous publications exploring both the benefits and risks of flu vaccination.
Comments from the Longevity Institute
The brief emergence of the “swine flu” in Mexico served as a reminder of how quickly new viral strains can appear. Influenza viruses mutate rapidly, which raises an important question:
Is vaccination always the most effective protection?
The concern is not solely about potential side effects. Because flu viruses mutate so quickly, the strain circulating during flu season may differ from the strain used to create the vaccine. This means a person may develop immunity to the vaccine strain but not necessarily to the strain they encounter.
This leads to a second question:
How can we strengthen immunity against the virus that actually reaches us?
The Longevity Institute highlights two natural, inexpensive nutrients that may support immune function:
Vitamin D and Flu Resistance
Why do flu outbreaks peak in winter? One compelling theory is reduced sun exposure, which leads to lower vitamin D levels.
Research suggests:
- Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher rates of respiratory infections.
- Immune cells have receptors for the active form of vitamin D, indicating its role in immune regulation.
- Vitamin D stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides, natural compounds that help the body fight infections.
A notable clinical observation comes from Dr. J.J. Cannell, who reported that during a flu outbreak in his hospital, none of the patients on his ward—who had been taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily—became ill, despite exposure to infected individuals.
Selenium and Viral Replication
In 1978, Professor Gerhard N. Schrauzer published research showing that selenium supplementation reduced viral replication in animal studies. His “viral selenoprotein theory” suggests:
- Some viruses interact with selenium within host cells.
- Adequate selenium levels may help regulate viral replication.
- Selenium deficiency can allow viruses to replicate more aggressively, overwhelming the immune system.
Additional observations support this idea:
- Regions in China with low selenium levels experienced more severe avian flu outbreaks.
- Animal studies show that selenium-deficient mice suffer greater damage when infected with influenza viruses.
Longevity Institute Recommendations
To support overall immune resilience, the Longevity Institute suggests:
- A balanced daily intake of vitamins and minerals
- 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily
- 100 micrograms of selenium per 60 lbs of body weight, up to a maximum of 300 micrograms per day
- Beginning supplementation three months before flu season
The idea is that vitamin D may help strengthen the immune response, while selenium may help slow viral replication long enough for the immune system to respond effectively.