Flu Season Isn’t Inevitable: How to Build Resilience
Every fall, it seems like the same story: people start bracing for “flu season” as if it’s something we all must inevitably endure. But what if getting sick year after year wasn’t a given? What if your experience of fall and winter could look different?
The truth is, colds and flus aren’t something you simply catch. They’re something your immune system responds to. And how strong (or weak) that response is depends on the state of your internal environment — your body’s terrain.
Why Some People Always Get Sick and Others Don’t
You’ve probably noticed it, one person gets a runny nose for a day or two, while another is knocked out for a week or more by the exact same bug. What makes the difference?
It has less to do with the germ itself and nearly everything to do with the environment in which that germ encounters. This idea — that the strength of our immune response depends on our inner terrain — is known as terrain theory.
Terrain Theory vs. Germ Theory
Germ Theory: This is the standard, mainstream approach to illness. You get sick when you’re exposed to harmful microbes, and the solution is to avoid germs or attack them with medicine once they appear.
Terrain Theory: Instead of focusing only on the germ, this approach emphasizes your body’s internal environment. Your immune system, nutrient reserves, stress levels, gut health, sleep, hydration, and overall resilience all influence whether you:
get sick when exposed
how severe your symptoms are
how quickly you recover
It’s not an either-or scenario. Both germs and terrain matter. But focusing only on germs misses the bigger picture: a resilient body is better prepared to handle exposure without being taken out.
How Holistic Practitioners Blend the Two
Of course, there are times when addressing the infection itself is important — whether through medication, herbs, or targeted therapies. But as holistic practitioners, our focus is on building your body’s capacity to fight infection so that colds and flus don’t have the chance to linger or spiral into something more serious.
Think of it this way: you can wait until a storm hits and then try to patch the holes in your roof — or you can strengthen the roof ahead of time so you’re ready when the weather turns.
Factors That Impact Your Terrain
When we work with clients, we look at the whole picture of their health. Some of the most important areas that influence immune resilience include:
Microbiome health – since 70% of the immune system is in the gut
Hormonal balance – stress hormones like cortisol directly impact immune defence
Blood sugar regulation – highs and lows weaken the body’s ability to fight
Stress management – chronic stress suppresses immunity
Sleep quality – deep, restorative sleep is where the immune system resets
Nutrient status – vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin C are critical for immune defence
Building True Resilience
Here’s the key: resilience doesn’t come from one single supplement, one “superfood,” or one healthy habit. It’s about creating balance across multiple areas of health so your immune system has the resources it needs to respond effectively.
You could sleep well but eat a nutrient-poor diet, or take supplements but neglect stress and rest — in both cases, you’d still be leaving gaps in your terrain. A truly resilient immune system requires a holistic approach, and that’s exactly what we teach at Winnipeg Nutrition.
Your Next Step
Flu season doesn’t have to take you down this year. By building resilience from the inside out, you can support your immune system in a way that helps you fight off infection and recover faster when exposure does happen.
If you’re ready to strengthen your immune health and feel confident heading into the colder months, book a consultation with one of our holistic nutritionists today. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to fortify your terrain — so you can thrive all season long!
