It's flu season and it appears that this year's strain of flu virus came out early and strong. It has been affecting the very young and people with weakened immune systems causing the world great concern as to the severity of this strain called H1N1.

It's said that this particular strain has been around for quite some time, appearing in the early 1950s and late 1970s. For this reason it is believed that older adults who are generally in good health are likely to have developed a natural immunity to this particular strain of flu virus and as a result are not at high risk.

This however leaves a large population of younger people and people afflicted with respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, as well as anyone with a weakened immune system, both old and young, at high risk. So how can they and you effectively strengthen your immune system and beat H1N1 this flu season?

Does the forth coming vaccine offer enough protection to beat the flu? Perhaps the even bigger question may be as to whether or not there will be enough vaccine to go around?

The good news for all of us is that there are some very easy steps that we can take to best enhance our natural immunities and further reduce our risk of infection this season.

Frequent Hand Washing: The virus infiltrates through the throat and nostrils so it becomes imperative that we reduce hand contact with our face and keep our hands free of bacteria. Don't depend on anti-bacterial soap as you will increase the risk of developing resistant bacteria. Best to use a chemical free soap and water.

Gargle and Rinse: Gargle twice daily and rinse and cleanse your nostrils with warm salt water. The H1N1 virus takes 2-3 days to proliferate and by gargling and rinsing, you reduce the risk of infection greatly.

Drink Warm Liquids: Tea, Coffee, soups, etc. as they have a similar affect as gargling in that they wash the bacteria through the throat and into the stomach where they can't survive.

Optimize Your Immune System: This is of major importance and one of the biggest factors in avoiding infection. Your body needs all the help it can get from you to enhance and protect your immune system.

First and foremost is diet; it is important to eat a diet rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants as they are your immune systems defenders. Increase your consumption of colorful fruits, vegetables and dark green leaf salads. Eat lots of garlic; as it acts as a natural broad spectrum antibiotic.

Second: Take a probiotic daily, one with 10 to 20 billion organisms. These are good bacteria that reside in your colon and aid your bodies ability to digest foods while making the most of there vitamins and nutrient content.

Third Take Key Supplements: Increase your intake of Vitamin C and D. If you don't get enough natural vitamin D from Sun exposure then you can take a vitamin D3 supplement with doctor approval. People with low vitamin D levels are more susceptible to the flu virus. Also you should increase your intake of fish oil as it gives a huge boost to your immune system and overall health.

Avoid sugar and processed foods: These types of foods can greatly weaken and reduce your immune systems abilities to fight off bad bacteria and infections.

Rest and Exercise: Don't let your body become run down. A strong and rested body is well armored to protect your immune system. Tired and weak will put you at risk.

NO STRESS: This is easier said than done in today's fast and furiously paced world, but this is another biggie as stress and poor health seem to compliment one another. Deep breathing, meditation and yoga are great practices to develop in order to reduce stress.

Last but not least is to stay away from people who are sick as well as avoiding crowded and congested public places. Encourage employees and co-workers to go or stay at home if they are sick and you can even consider wearing a mask in certain situations, your health may depend on it.

These tips to beat the flu and strengthen your immune system can go a long way in providing you a healthy and strong foundation for renewed strength and longevity.