Influenza is caused by a viral infection. As the virus is spread through the air, the nose is the first to be affected. The virus first infects the nasal mucosa, then continuously reproduces, causing inflammation of the nasal mucosa and leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
A common cold, or "head cold," typically affects only the respiratory system. All symptoms are related to the nose, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and a sore throat, cough, and even fever. It usually clears up in a few days.
Influenza is caused by the influenza virus. Influenza symptoms affect the entire body, including fever and chills, sweating, body aches, headache, bone pain, muscle pain, fatigue and weakness, loss of appetite, cough, and nasal congestion. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and other complications, which can be fatal. A characteristic of the influenza virus is that it has many types, and a new strain appears approximately every ten years.
In our daily lives, what foods can help fight viruses? To prevent the flu, starting with your daily diet is the most practical approach.
Braised Chicken with Mushrooms
Mushrooms
Many people don't realize that mushrooms are actually experts at fighting colds! They are rich in minerals like selenium, riboflavin, niacin, and a large amount of antioxidants! They are a powerful weapon for strengthening the body's immune system and fighting colds!
Onions
The antibacterial effects of onions are well-known. Their spicy flavor helps resist spring colds and is also very effective in curing colds caused by wind and cold. Additionally, onions are a great friend to women! They are rich in antioxidant components, making them a natural "preservative"!
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, rich in vitamin C, not only help prevent spring flu but are also very effective for the common sore throat associated with colds. During a cold, eating one citrus fruit daily to supplement vitamin C is always beneficial, especially during seasonal changes.
Almonds
A new study in the UK found that an extract from almond skin helps us fight various viral infections, including the common cold and flu. So, during the spring flu season, it's a great idea to grab a handful as a snack!
Radish
Radishes have the effects of promoting qi, aiding digestion, eliminating phlegm, moistening the organs, treating asthma, detoxifying, promoting urination, and tonifying deficiency. The carotene in radishes has a unique effect in preventing and treating colds. The lignin in radishes can increase the activity of macrophages, and it also contains an interferon inducer that can enhance the body's immunity and fight viruses.
Chicken Soup
A delicious cold medicine. The cysteine released from chicken during cooking is very similar to acetylcysteine, a drug used to treat bronchitis. Salty chicken soup can help reduce symptoms of excess phlegm because its components are similar to those of cough medicine. Adding some onions and garlic when stewing the chicken can make the effect even more significant.
Fish and Shellfish
Boost selenium to prevent viruses. British experts have pointed out that adequate selenium supplementation can increase the number of immune proteins, which in turn helps clear the influenza virus from the body. Selenium is mainly found in seafood such as oysters, lobster, crab, and clams. Omega-3 in fish like Atlantic salmon helps the blood produce a large number of anti-flu cells and also helps improve human immunity.
Chicken stew mushrooms