It’s that time of year again…flu shots are being offered left and right. Dr. Wyler Hecht says, “We have a higher prevalence of flu in the winter..it’s pretty much THE flu season.” Dr. Lane Firschein agrees and adds, “The seasonal flu is a more serious condition than most people realize.” But the thought of getting a shot may turn some people away.

For those of you who aren’t scared of a needle you should stop by your family practitioner or local allergist to get a flu shot. for those of you who are there are different, more holistic measures you can take.

Dr Hecht practices naturopathy, which uses natural remedies and self-healing to stay healthy. She offers a handful of preventative supplements for the flu, including Elderberry extract. She says that, “Especially in children, I like to give them elderberry, which is a black elderberry xtract. It tastes really good so they’re compliant with it. It works great for adults too, it’s an antiviral.” Dr. Hecht also says that flu prevention should be more of a focus. She advises to eat a colorful plate, as well as to exercise but also make sure we take 15 minutes a day to ourselves. “We so often put so much focus on the virus, on the weed,” she says, “and we don’t really put as much focus on the soil.”

However, Dr Hecht still says it’s all personal opinion. “I don’t condemn it and I don’t condone it,” she says,” I really think it should be a personal choice.” Dr Firschein has a slightly different opinion when it comes to prevention. He says, ” Those alternative herbal remedies will not necessarily prevent the flu. And the vaccination program that we’ve had for decades is the only thing out there that can prevent influenza and can prevent complications from the flu.”

Both Dr Hecht and Dr Firschein agreed that young children and elderly people are the most at risk to catch the flu.