An effective immune treatment drug for ‘flu has eluded scientists up to now.

This is because once a vaccine has been designed to kill the virus by targeting part of its structure, the virus annoyingly changes that part of its structure so the vaccine no longer works.

This is why ‘flu vaccines have to be re-designed – and re-prescribed – annually.

"Going for the Jugular"

Now a new method of killing the ‘flu virus has been devised. This new approach worked on 10 out of 16 strains of the viruses in this study – a huge success.

Think of the virus as having structures sticking out of it which each have a head and neck – see picture. The head is the part which current vaccines target – and this is the part which the virus keeps changing.  The neck, on the other hand,  does not keep changing. This is the part which the new approach targets.

The human immune system does produce a small quantity of antibodies which attack the neck of the virus – but not enough to have much effect. 

Immune Vitamins and Herbs – eg Echinacea

Of course, do take immune vitamins and herbs regularly to help the immune system. This is  especially recommended if the weather is liable to change dramatically or if in a profession which gives you frequent exposure to such infections.

Echinacea Capsules or Drops and garlic – such as our  Power Garlic Capsules – are among the best known herbs to help the immune system. Another great immune supplement is our 90-day Immune Programme.

But drug treatments may sometimes be appropriate; and it is good to know that some progress is being made with anti-virus treatments.

Bacteria Rule OK

We shouldn’t forget that bacteria have been here for a long time. They are very adaptable – so we shouldn’t think they won’t come up with a counter attack. There is no room for complacency. So keep that Echinacea handy!