Flu Shot Shortage Causes Americans to Turn to Other Preventative Measures to Brace Themselves...

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. -- Experts Recommend Vitamin C and Antioxidants to Boost Immune System, Fight Flu

The statistics can be devastating. Five to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu each year, with more than 200,000 hospitalized and an average of 36,000 people die. Experts

The flu shot shortage could affect upwards of 50 million people. Employers concerned about loss of productivity and absenteeism, and the public in general, are turning to other preventative measures to combat the flu this season.

Health experts suggest that by regularly washing your hands, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a balanced diet and increasing your intake of vitamin C and antioxidants, you stand a better chance of preventing the flu.

Nationally known nutritionist and healthcare expert Dr. James Rouse is an advocate of strengthening the immune system to help fight cold and flu by increasing the antioxidants in your diet. "Key antioxidants are one of the most powerful ways to build up your immune system," Rouse said. "By building your stores of antioxidants and vitamin C, you can help fight off cold and flu."

Other health experts agree. "Increasing doses of vitamin C and antioxidants greatly improve your chances of warding off cold and flu," said Dr. Fred Nicola of Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. "It is also important to keep your electrolyte levels high to prevent dehydration," he added.

If distributors and the stores they sell to are any indication, Americans looking for alternative prevention methods to the flu shot are turning to one product category in particular in their fight against the flu -- vitamin C. "Stores are ordering products earlier than last flu season," said Bob Holmes, supplement buyer for Rainbow Natural Foods. "There is a definite increase in vitamin C-based product orders. Stores want to get a jumpstart on the flu season and meet customer demands."

Julie Jones, supplement specialist at Whole Foods Market in Boulder, Colo., said she has seen an increase in buying activity for the natural flu prevention products. "They're flying off the shelves," Jones commented. "Especially the vitamin C products that help build up the immune system. We have to restock products like Alacer's Emer'gen-C two to three times a day." According to Jones, this increase in consumer purchases began "about a month ago and has been increasing ever since."

Southern California-based manufacturer Alacer Corp. makes Emer'gen-C, a vitamin C supplement that mixes with water and provides 1000 mg. of vitamin C in the form of mineral ascorbates.

"Emer'gen-C, because of its ability to boost the immune system, is an excellent product for the flu season," commented Tim Welch, president and CEO of Alacer. "With the lack of flu shots available, people are asking what they can do to prevent it. We are seeing a dramatic increase in sales of Emer'gen-C, particularly in the metropolitan areas hard-hit by the flu last year, such as Denver and Philadelphia."

"We consider Emer'gen-C's small, individual powder packets, when mixed with 4-6 ounces of water, to be the flu 'shot' for the estimated 50 million who can't get the vaccine," added Welch.