Keep the flu away

Make a spicy remedy

Infuse a stick of cinnamon,
four black peppercorns,
four cardamon pods,
four cloves,
some fresh ginger root,
some lemon and honey.

Add brandy or whiskey for a bracing toddy.

Try a soothing cup of herbal tea such as
camomile,
ginseng,
peppermint
or ginger.
Add six to eight drops of cinnamon oil to your bath,
or
try steam inhalation with two drops of the oil in hot water.
Echinacea: derived from a large daisy-like flower. This supplement has long been used medically to ward off colds and flu and shorten illness.

Cook zinc-rich foods: Zinc deficiency can lower resistance to infection.
Oyster, steak and mushroom pie are perfect examples.

Drink two litres of fluid a day, especially once you have caught flu.
Feverishness causes sweating and dehydration.

Vitamin C boosts the immune system,
so eat more colourful fresh fruits, green vegetables and potatoes in their skins.
Aim for a total of seven or more portions a day.
(fresh or frozen fruit or vegetable juice also count)