The People's Pharmacy Show 1457: How to Strengthen Your Immune System for Cold and Flu Season
7 snips
Jan 9, 2026 
Dr. Roger Schwelt, a pulmonary and critical care physician, shares invaluable insights on boosting immunity during the severe flu season. He discusses the importance of fever in fighting viruses and introduces hydrotherapy techniques to safely induce it. Dr. Schwelt also explains the NEWSTART principles for healthy living, emphasizing nutrition, exercise, and sunlight. He highlights the benefits of melatonin and essential supplements like zinc and vitamin C, while cautioning against immunosuppressive drugs that can increase infection risk. Tune in for practical tips!
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Learning Hydrotherapy From Australian Practitioner
- Roger Schwelt recounts meeting Australian physiotherapist Bruce Thompson and learning 100-year hydrotherapy protocols.
- He describes hot fomentations followed by cold friction and historical use, including early fever therapies.
Historical Use Of Fever In Medicine
- Schwelt mentions Julius Wagner-Jauregg's Nobel-winning use of fever induction (malaria) to treat neurosyphilis.
- He uses this historical example to illustrate therapeutic fevers' potential when applied responsibly.
Use NAC To Cut Flu Symptoms
- Take N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) 600 mg twice daily through winter to markedly reduce influenza symptom severity.
- Use NAC as a preventive supplement rather than a cure to lower symptom burden if infected.