Flu or Allergies? How to Shield Your Immune System This Winter with Grandma’s Remedies (and Science)

By the Editorial Team at Musa Magazine

It’s a classic January scene in the United States: you wake up with a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose. The question immediately pops up: Did I catch the flu at the supermarket, or is it my dust allergy from having the heat on all day?

You can usually tell the difference quickly. If there’s fever and body aches (that beaten-up feeling), it’s probably a virus. If there’s itchy eyes and nonstop sneezing without overall fatigue, blame dry air and dust mites.

Either way, your best defense is a strong immune system. And for that, nothing beats the combination of our grandmothers’ wisdom and modern scientific evidence. Here’s how to protect yourself.

1. Chicken Soup: It’s Not Just for the Soul
   Your grandmother was right. A study from the University of Nebraska confirmed that homemade chicken soup has real anti-inflammatory properties.
   • The science: It inhibits the movement of certain immune cells that cause inflammation and mucus buildup. Plus, the hot steam helps decongest, and the sodium aids hydration.
   • The tip: Make a big pot on Sunday with plenty of garlic (a natural antibiotic) and freeze portions for the days you feel run down.

2. Honey, Lemon, and Ginger: The Power Trio
   This tea is a household classic—and it works.
   • The science: Honey is a cough suppressant as effective as some over-the-counter syrups and has antimicrobial properties. Ginger warms the body (it’s thermogenic) and helps fight nausea, while lemon provides vitamin C, essential for cellular repair.
   • The recipe: Grate fresh ginger into boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes, strain, then add half a lemon and one tablespoon of raw honey.

1. Vitamin D: “Sunshine” in a Bottle
   In the northern U.S., we don’t get enough sun in winter. For Latina women, this is especially important: skin with more melanin absorbs less vitamin D from weak winter sunlight.
   • The shield: Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a weaker immune system. Talk to your doctor about a daily supplement during these gray months. It’s your invisible barrier against respiratory infections.

2. Humidify Your Environment
   The membranes inside your nose are your first line of defense. Central heating dries them out and causes tiny cracks, making it easier for viruses to enter.
   • The trick: Use a humidifier in your bedroom or place bowls of water near radiators to keep humidity levels between 40–50%.

Don’t wait until you get sick to take care of yourself. With rest, proper hydration, and these science-backed home remedies, you can make it through the winter strong and protected. Cheers to your health!