Vitamin E
Nuts, especially almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts, are a good source of vitamin E, which helps to minimize inflammation. Eat a single one ounce serving of any of these nuts daily year round to help prevent symptoms. If you do have symptoms, increase the servings or add a few tablespoons of peanut butter as well.

Omega 3’s
Cold water fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, and sardines as well as walnuts and flaxseed contain omega 3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. Eat at least two servings of cold water fish each week year round, and three servings during the seasons when you experience airborne allergies. Flaxseed can be added easily too, as it can be found in supplement form.

Zinc
Oysters, shrimp, crab, legumes, whole grains, and tofu are all high in zinc, which has antibacterial and antiviral effects that provide relief for immune systems that are overworked by fighting allergies. Have 6 oysters, 6 shrimp, or a few crabs each week, and twice that when allergies flare. Also have one serving of whole grains, beans, or tofu daily.

Tea
Whether green, white, or black, tea is full of flavonoids, plant compounds that reduce inflammation. Tea also increases proteins in the body that fight infection, again relieving an overtaxed immune system. Have at least one cup a day, and double that when allergies are in season. Have it early in the morning to stimulate the tiny hairs in the nose that keep pollen and dust away.

Garlic
Garlic contains chemical compounds that are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and even anticarcinogenic.  Studies have also shown that it can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke.  Fresh garlic is best, as these beneficial nutrients are lost within one hour of smashing the cloves.  Add fresh garlic to your daily diet instead of supplements for this reason.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms are loaded with nutrients and minerals like vitamins B, C, and D, calcium, protein, and fiber.  The nutrients found especially in the Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake varieties are well known for their ability to activate and enhance the immune system.

Berries
Raspberries and blueberries in specific are extremely high in antioxidants that help boost your immune function by fighting off free radicals that can contribute to a number of health concerns.  Blueberries in particular can also keep bacteria from bonding to cells in the urinary tract, and therefore help prevent infection.

Broccoli
Broccoli is full of immune boosting nutrients including vitamin C, fiber, and even beta carotene which is good for the eyes as well as the immune system.  It also contains chemical compounds that have been shown to stop growth of cancer cells.

As more and more cases of the swine flu are confirmed in the US, the World Health Organization raised their 6 tier threat level to 5 on Wednesday.  This signifies the technical term "pandemic" being used.  The general consensus thus far has been, you guessed it, EVERYBODY PANIC!  This has both good and bad repercussions.  While it's always good to be proactive in preventing the spread of disease, the mass hysteria that follows in our "herd mentality" can be detrimental in its own right.  What this pandemic REALLY means is that it is now recognized as transferable from human to human.  It doesn't mean the zombie apocalypse is nigh, but what it does mean is that all the same precautions that people take during the normal flu season should be observed.  This includes all the standard fare of covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, keeping your hands away from your face when possible, washing your hands frequently, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest to keep your immune system functioning properly.  Here are a few other natural ways to help ward off sickness until this little piggy goes "wee-wee-wee" all the way into obscurity:

• Fresh Air

The reason people get sick more frequently in the Winter is from being inside, where viruses can incubate and the dry air from heating systems will dry out your mucous membranes.  This makes you more succeptable to illness.  Since this particular strain is active in the Spring months, try getting outside more often.  Before the weather kicks into "Dante's Inferno" mode, open windows for fresh air.  You might also try a humidifier just as an added precaution to help keep your protective mucous membranes from drying out.

• Boost Your Immune System

There are plenty of foods that I'm sure you already love which are greatly beneficial to your immune system.  Fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins A and C are always a solid bet.  There have also been many benefits linked to green tea, so mixing that in with the 8 glasses of pure water you should already be drinking each day will also help.  If you want to make sure all bases are covered though, you may also look into supplements to add to your germ fighting armory.  Even the store bought ones like Airborne and Alka Seltzer Immunity Complex will have an abundance of vitamin C and zinc, which can help keep from catching the bug.

• Exercise

Regular exercise keeps your body functioning at its optimum levels, and thus will help keep your immune sytem in good working order to help fight sickness.  Lab studies have  shown that mice who had even mild exercise after being exposed to the flu virus had a much lower rate of death.

Something important to remember about the few deaths that have been confirmed so far is that most were in remote areas, and medical care wasn't readily available.  Also, dehydration has played a large part because of vomiting or diarrhea.  This wouldn't be an issue for most of us, but most of the deaths occurred in Mexico where the quality of the water supply would do little to help, if not just exacerbate the issue.

Best of health to everyone…