Eat The Flu Away With These Immune-Boosting Foods

"Achoo!"

As soon as we hear it, the panic sets in. It's wintertime, the flu virus is running rampant, and a few sniffles and sneezes are enough to make us all run for the hills. We're not overreacting, either, seeing as we're dealing with one of the worst outbreaks of the flu virus in more than 10 years, according to the CDC, and even if you get this season's flu shot, there's still a 38 percent chance you'll get sick.

Click here for the 10 Immune-Boosting Foods slideshow.

So with the flu virus at its worst and the vaccine not a guaranteed defense, where are you supposed to turn to keep you strong and healthy? Well, we're happy to tell you that the answer is right in your kitchen, because believe it or not, there's a handful of foods that you probably keep on hand that can help you fight the flu this season.

Don't worry: this isn't just a "why you should eat more oranges" lecture. Health specialist Lori Shemek (who also knows a thing or two about dieting) has shared some foods beyond the orange that will help keep your immune system at its strongest and the flu away. Are you a meat lover? Good! Keep eating those proteins, because they're an essential part of your body's defense system. Love garlic just as much as the next vampire-slayer? Then you'll be delighted to hear that it's not only a great tool for flavor when cooking, but it's also a powerhouse of antioxidants. Not only do we tell you what to eat to stay healthy, but tell you how to use the ingredients, too, with recipes for each one.

We may not be groundbreaking scientists and doctors, but we Cook editors know our food, so check out these ten immune-boosting ones and recipes for each so that you can start eating the flu away one bite at a time.
 

This story was originally published on January 29, 2013.

Anne Dolce is the Cook Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @anniecdolce