There is only one worse feeling than catching the flu, and that is catching the flu in the middle of summer. Despite the fact that the flu is often considered to be a seasonal affliction that batters your body during the colder months of the year, the influenza virus is not controlled by the weather.

As you know, the flu virus is highly contagious and it infects the upper respiratory system. It leaves you feeling drained and pretty run down, and the worst of all is the boomerang effect that some strains have. Just as you think you have finally rid yourself of the virus, it comes back for round two. Building up a strong immune system and having the right vaccinations (when you are healthy) are pretty much the only ways to stay flu-free.

When influenza activity in the community reaches its peak, the season is aptly named flu season. We generally have our flu season from about May to August, when the months are colder. Some of the reasons why flu is more common during certain times of the year relate to the drops in temperature, the climate being drier, low humidity, increased exposure due to being in closed spaces, and lower levels of vitamin D due to lack of sun exposure.

But at the end of the day, flu is a virus. And it can infect you at any time of the year.

Symptoms often come on rather suddenly. Without even realising you have been near someone with the flu, you might start developing a fever and the chills, before the coughing and sneezing starts. You’ll wonder where on earth you could have caught the flu from but all that wondering won’t matter when the headaches, body aches and stuffy nose start leaving you feeling tired and drained.

Sometimes, during the summer, in particular, you might think you’re about to come down with the worst flu, but the symptoms are actually pointing to something else altogether.

Although summer is on its way, never forget that you can still catch the flu, or something similar, when your immune system is compromised. Our bodies are generally a bit run down around this time of the year, after all of the stress, so now might be a good time to listen to your body and start taking a supplement.

The early signs of flu are the same as:

Contact your local pharmacist

Have a chat you to your local pharmacist to find out which immune boosters are the most effective and stay healthy.