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Nutrition

8 Ways To Protect Yourself From Flu

Dt. Trishala Goswami
Dt. Trishala Goswami
MSc Clinical Nutritionist · Diabetes Educator · Certified Nutrigenomics Specialist
Written & medically reviewed·Updated 07 June 2026·1 min read
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Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Winter is almost over but the flu season does not seem to leave us alone! As we know, prevention is better than cure, in this short blog-post, we’ll cover

8 Ways To Protect Yourself From Flu

Protect Yourself During the Flu Season!

eight easy, doable preventive measures to avoid getting the bug

Wash your hands with soap and running water before and after eating, cooking, using the toilet and after coming back home. Be thorough with the washing; don’t forget to lather up the back of your hand and under your fingernails. Of course, if required, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as per the instructions.

2. Good respiratory hygiene

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Frequently asked questions

What foods boost immunity against flu naturally?

Vitamin C-rich foods (amla, guava, citrus, bell peppers), zinc sources (pumpkin seeds, legumes, eggs), vitamin D (sunlight, fatty fish), garlic (allicin is antimicrobial), ginger (anti-inflammatory gingerols), and turmeric (curcumin) are the most evidence-supported immunity-boosting foods.

Does the annual flu vaccine work and should Indians take it?

The flu vaccine is reformulated every year to match circulating strains and provides 40-60% protection on average. It is strongly recommended for elderly individuals, those with diabetes or respiratory conditions, and healthcare workers in India. It's widely available at government hospitals and clinics.

How does gut health affect immunity and flu resistance?

About 70% of the immune system resides in the gut (GALT - gut-associated lymphoid tissue). A diverse gut microbiome, supported by fermented foods (curd, kanji) and prebiotic fibre (garlic, onion, oats), produces secretory IgA antibodies and regulates immune responses that determine how effectively you fight viral infections.

Are kadha and home remedies effective against flu?

Traditional kadha (boiling tulsi, ginger, black pepper, clove, cinnamon) has meaningful anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial properties. These ingredients support immunity but do not cure influenza. They help manage mild symptoms and warm the body. For confirmed flu, adequate rest, hydration, and medical care remain essential.

What lifestyle factors weaken immunity and increase flu risk?

Poor sleep, chronic stress, vitamin D deficiency, sedentary behaviour, excessive sugar and processed food intake, alcohol, and smoking all significantly impair immune function. Addressing these factors is more impactful for flu protection than any single supplement.

References

  1. Healthy diet - fact sheet (World Health Organization)
  2. The Nutrition Source (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
  3. Dietary Guidelines for Indians (ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition)
  4. Food & Health Tips (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)
Dt. Trishala Goswami
Written & medically reviewed by
Dt. Trishala Goswami

MSc Clinical Nutritionist · Diabetes Educator · Certified Nutrigenomics Specialist

Dt. Trishala Goswami is a clinical nutritionist and certified diabetes educator who designs personalized, science-backed nutrition programs for clients across India and abroad. She specializes in diabetes, PCOS, gut health, and nutrigenomics.

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