Health pundits are already setting off alarm bells that we are heading toward a flu season along with colds and COVID.

Just in case all of them happen at the same time during the winter here is what you can do. COVID, influenza and most cold viruses have a lipid envelope encapsulating their sphere. This makes all of these viruses vulnerable to naturals such as monolaurin and elder, but there are other choices, too.

In no particular order here is a list of alternatives just in case you can’t find your favorites. Garlic (enteric-coated is best), zinc lozenges (melted in the mouth), ginger in honey for sore throats (young children shouldn’t do honey), Oregano oil in soft gels (not liquid as it is too “hot” for many), Olive leaf (standardized… may be constipating), Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) capsules (not the liquid) may loosen stool, pump aerosols as a spray to clean surfaces and GSE throat spray to deal with infection round out this list It’s time to ramp up the amount of vitamin D. I personally take 6,000 iu/day. This is good to do to keep respiratory diseases at bay. Additionally, ramping up vitamin C is a very good thing to do. I like ascorbyl palmitate for your vitamin C choice though it is very hard to get right now. Taking an enteric-coated probiotic not only supports digestion but also your immune system.

At the first symptom of COVID, cold or flu go heavy on Monolaurin (I’ve not seen any side effects) and you may stop it in its tracks, so buy a bottle in advance and have it on hand. Otherwise, did you know tropical red Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) tea, traditionally used to ease indigestion, also relieves colds and respiratory trouble? Hibiscus is also a natural source of Vitamin C. This can be added to my favorites for both ailments, Elder tea straight (colds) or blended with peppermint (flu) and is very effective at stopping or preventing them. Cheap, too!Aromatic herbs or essential oils can ease stuffy noses and chest congestion.

A fully natural approach would start early (now) with a good strong immune booster like an immune system support based upon mushroom extracts. I’d also drink large amounts of Elder tea (mixed with peppermint if I got a fever) every day. A good night’s sleep, a healthy diet and a good multiple vitamin goes a long way.