4 tips for keeping your family virus free

How to be a better household health advisor

September 1, 2023
Diet, Family, Food, Healthy, Lifestyle

A lot has changed since the term “chief cook and bottle washer” was first coined in the 1800s to describe “the person in charge of practically everything.” Does this describe your position at home? In addition to your many duties as the chief cook and bottle washer, you may also find yourself in the role of chief medical officer (CMO), at least as far as your family is concerned.

1. Plan ahead

Don’t wait until sickness hits. Stock up on natural medicines and health-supporting foods such as whole grains and beans, or freeze or ferment fresh foods from the harvest that help to keep your family healthy.

2. Practice prevention

We all know we need to eat a healthy diet, exercise, get outside for fresh air, and reduce stress (or at least find healthy ways to lessen its effects), but it’s important to implement these prevention strategies. It’s also important to encourage these lifestyles without enforcing them like a drill sergeant, which is likely to create more stress among family members.

3. Stock your at-home natural medicine cabinet

Having a medicine cabinet stocked with natural products that work to prevent colds, flu, and other viral threats may help keep you and your family members strong against whatever virus is going around.

4. Know when you may need assistance

Any good CMO knows when to turn to other experts. Watch for signs that suggest you should see a doctor, which include but are not limited to:

a high fever
a fever that lasts for more than a day
difficulty breathing
unusual symptoms
symptoms that are taking longer than normal to resolve
aggravations of any other health conditions

Best antiviral supplements

Always check with your health care practitioner before taking a new supplement.

Supplement	Benefits
curcumin (Curcuma longa—compound found in turmeric)	has been shown to reduce the ability of viruses to enter the cells
echinacea	supplementation may decrease the duration and severity of acute respiratory tract infections
elderberry (Sambucus nigra)	antiviral reputation is reinforced by research demonstrating its effectiveness against the flu
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG—compound found in green tea)	interferes with the viral replication process, resulting in antiviral effects
garlic (Allium sativum)	contains organosulphur compounds that enhance immune response and block the ability of viruses to enter the cells
oregano oil (Origanum vulgare)	demonstrates antiviral activity against multiple strains of influenza
probiotics	have demonstrated beneficial effects in prevention and treatment of many viral infections
quercetin	nutrient found in apples, berries, green tea, and onions; research shows quercetin inhibits the ability of a wide range of flu viruses to enter the cells
vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	supports and directly stimulates cellular functions of the immune system
vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)	works against viruses in multiple ways, including lowering viral replication rates and reducing inflammatory cytokines

By Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM