EPISODE · Dec 8, 2025 · 30 MIN
What Really Happens When You Catch the Flu?
from The School of Doza Podcast · host NURSE DOZA
Learn exactly how the flu makes you sick and how to interrupt each phase of infection. Discover the science-backed supplements that act as "fire extinguishers" for inflammation, why vitamin D and NAC are essential during flu season, and how to support your immune system before, during, and after viral infections to recover faster and stay healthier year-round. 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS The flu is a viral infection that never truly leaves your body – it can lay dormant and flare up during times of stress, making prevention and immune support crucial year-round, not just during illness. Vitamin D and NAC are your immune system's "fire extinguishers" – both reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α and IL-6) that cause severe lung inflammation during flu infections, helping you recover faster and experience less severe symptoms. NAC does triple duty during flu season – it thins mucus for easier breathing, reduces inflammation in the lungs, and boosts glutathione production (your body's master antioxidant) to fight viral infections more effectively. Most people are deficient in the nutrients needed to fight flu – vitamin D deficiency affects most of the population, and low levels of glutathione, zinc, and selenium make you more vulnerable to severe viral infections and slower recovery. Viral infections deplete your adrenal glands – the constant stress response during and after flu infection tanks your HRV and DHEAS levels, requiring adrenal support to fully recover and prevent long-term fatigue or autoimmune-like symptoms. FEATURED PRODUCT The D - provides 5,000 IU of vitamin D3, which acts as a "fire extinguisher" for inflammatory cytokines released during viral infections, reducing lung inflammation and supporting your body's natural immune response. Find it here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/the-d TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – START 02:45 – Why the flu is a viral infection that never leaves your body 05:30 – How respiratory viruses spread and enter your system 08:15 – NAC: The game-changer for mucus, allergies, and lung inflammation 12:40 – Why vitamin D is your immune system's most powerful tool 16:20 – The science of inflammatory cytokines and how they damage your lungs 20:10 – Vitamin D studies: 10,000 IU protocol for flu prevention 24:35 – NAC and glutathione: Your body's master antioxidants explained 28:50 – Why people with fatty liver get sicker from viral infections 32:15 – Lysine, zinc, and selenium: Additional immune support nutrients 36:40 – The IV therapy protocol for sick patients in clinical practice 40:20 – Supporting your adrenal glands after flu infection 43:15 – HRV tracking and how to measure your body's stress response 46:00 – Product recommendations: The D, NAC+, Zen, and Gut Powder RESOURCES NAC Benefits for Health – https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/nac-benefit-health-3573010/ Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7231123/ Vitamin D and Respiratory Health – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4488782/ The Antioxidant Role of Non-Vitamin, Non-Mineral Micronutrients – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8234027/ N-Acetylcysteine and Respiratory Diseases – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11278452/ The Role of Zinc in Antiviral Immunity – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8349606/ Selenium Supplementation and Influenza Vaccine Response – https://brieflands.com/journals/jkums/articles/69746 Selenium and Viral Infections – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6769590/ Immune Activation and Autonomic Nervous System in Post-Viral Fatigue – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10795785/ Long COVID and Heart Rate Variability Study – https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/long-covid-changes-heart-rate-variability-study-suggests CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for $5: community.schoolofdoza.com/signup YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza
What this episode covers
Discover how the flu makes you sick at each phase and learn science-backed strategies to interrupt viral infection. Expert insights on vitamin D, NAC, glutathione, and immune support to recover faster.
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What Really Happens When You Catch the Flu?
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