The 2013 flu season could be one of the worst in the past decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here at Patch we wondered how our readers were battling the flu season. 

Patch reader millie recommends getting the flu shot and staying home if you are sick. Another reader Socorro"sissy" Ropiequet says stay active and keep your hands clean at all times.  

Patch blogger Dr. Jan and Jade Leasure recommended the following five natural remedies -- garlic, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, turmeric and ginger -- and also shared the benefits of each in their blog post.  

Local Editor Pam DeFiglio shared a recipe for turmeric chicken wraps that uses both turmeric and cayenne pepper, two of the five recommended natural ingredients.  

Elderberry was also recommended as a way to boost the immune system and prevent the flu by Patch user Pat Craig, who also shared a recipe for making your own elderberry tincture.

One of my family’s favorite remedies for kicking the flu is honey, lemon, ginger tea. Steep about a tablespoon of each of the ingredients in hot water and use fresh grated ginger. Add more or less of the ingredients according to your taste.

Hope you are all staying healthy!