What I Use, Why I Use It, and When

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a wellness group about immune support during cold and flu season. I was asked to share what I personally use, why I use it, and how I think about supporting the immune system without overstimulating it.

What follows is essentially what I shared with them: the same framework, tools, and strategies I keep in my own immune arsenal and use with my family each winter.

Before I jump in, I want to be very clear — this is for educational purposes only. I am a Registered Nurse, but I am not your nurse. I am not diagnosing, prescribing, or treating disease. I’m simply sharing what I’ve researched, what I personally keep in my immune toolbox, and what I’ve seen work well for my family’s immune support during cold and flu season. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, peptide, or wellness protocol.

Please understand — I don’t take supplements every day, even though I often talk about peptides and other immune supports. I actually prefer to rely on real food, proper hydration, sleep, movement, and stress management for overall health.

That said, sometimes we need a little boost, and that’s where the tools I’m about to share come in. I love having these supplements and peptides on hand for when they’re really needed. It’s empowering to know I can manage my family’s health and well-being and respond quickly if something comes up.

I don’t believe in just throwing supplements at the body and hoping for the best. I believe in supporting the immune system intelligently—knowing when to boost, when to calm, and when to step aside.

We’ll start with injectable peptides that I use to support immune health. Not interested in peptides? No problem! Click here to jump to Part 2 for my list of top cold and flu supplements.

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The Big Picture: Why Peptides for Immunity?

Your immune system has two main jobs:

1️⃣ Defend against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens
2️⃣ Know when to shut off so inflammation doesn’t spiral out of control

Unfortunately, some of us don’t have strong innate immune systems, and that’s a whole different topic for another day. When this is the case, we often see frequent infections, chronic illness, lingering viral infections, or autoimmune conditions.

The peptides I’m going to talk about — Thymosin Alpha-1, LL-37, and KPV — each support the immune system very differently. Think of them as three separate tools, not three versions of the same thing.

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1️⃣ Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA-1): The Immune Coach

If I had to describe Thymosin Alpha-1 in one phrase, I’d call it the immune coach.

What It Does (in simple terms):

• Helps train and regulate T cells (the soldiers that kill pathogens).
• Improves immune recognition rather than overstimulation
• Helps the immune system respond appropriately, not excessively

TA-1 is an immune modulator, not an immune booster. It helps your immune system become more effective, but it doesn’t control it. 

Best For:

• People who get sick often
• Long-term or lingering viral illnesses
• Post-viral fatigue
• Individuals with autoimmune disorders who still need immune support
• Cold and flu prevention during high-risk seasons

When I Use It:

• Preventatively during winter
• Before or during air travel or large crowd exposure
• At the very beginning of the illness
• During recovery, to prevent relapse

Typical Dosing:

• 1–2 mg, 2–3x per week
• Often run 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off

Who Should Avoid or Use Caution:

• Organ transplant recipients
• Those on strong immunosuppressant medications
• Active immune rejection conditions

That said, it has a great safety profile and is usually my first-line peptide for immune balance.

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2️⃣ LL-37: The Immune Defender

LL-37 is very different. This one is more like the bodyguard. Or better yet, a bouncer at a bar ready to pummel you and throw you out if you misbehave. 

What It Does:

• Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide
• Helps break down biofilms (the protective casing around bacterial cells)
• Directly supports defense against:
  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Some fungal pathogens

LL-37 is not subtle; it is more aggressive, which isn’t always beneficial if you don’t need it.

Best For:

• Acute infections
• Resistant or lingering infections
• Recurrent sinus, respiratory, or gut infections
• Biofilm-related issues (including resistant bacterial infections like MRSA)

When I Use It:

• During active illness
• When symptoms are escalating quickly
• Short-term, targeted use only

Typical Dosing:

• 25–125 mcg daily
• Often taken for 50 days straight, then 4+ weeks off

Who Should Avoid or Use Caution:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Mast cell activation
• High inflammatory states
• Anyone prone to cytokine flare-ups

LL-37 is powerful, but it’s not something I’d use all winter long or for prevention.

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3️⃣ KPV: The Immune Calmer

KPV is the one people don’t expect because it doesn’t “boost” immunity. It calms it down.

What It Does:

• Anti-inflammatory tripeptide made of Lysine (K), Proline (P), and Valine (V)
• Helps reduce cytokine signaling, which, when excessive, can lead to inflammation or autoimmune flares
• Supports gut-immune balance
• Helps prevent immune overreaction

I think of KPV as the thermostat for the immune system. When inflammation starts running too hot, it helps turn things back down, but doesn’t shut it off.

Best For:

• Gut-related immune issues
• Autoimmune tendencies
• Long COVID or post-viral inflammation
• Histamine issues
• Inflammatory flares during illness

When I Use It:

• During or after illness
• When symptoms feel more inflammatory than infectious
• Alongside other immune therapies to prevent overreaction

Typical Dosing:

• 100–500 mcg in the morning
• 5 days on / 2 days off for 4 weeks
• Can be oral, nasal, or injectable, depending on the protocol

Who Should Avoid:

• Very few contraindications
• Generally very well tolerated

If LL-37 steps on the gas, KPV keeps the engine from overheating.

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Can You Use All Three Together?

Yes, but very strategically.

I always recommend starting low and slow, especially if you’ve never used a peptide before. I also prefer to use one at a time initially (instead of a blend) to see how my body responds.

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How I Personally Use These Peptides

I don’t stack everything all the time. I’m very intentional about using the right tool at the right moment, based on my body’s signals.

For example, if I know I’m traveling — especially flying during winter — I’ll usually start Thymosin Alpha-1 a few days to a week before my trip. Airports, airplanes, recycled air, and stress are the perfect storm for getting sick, and TA-1 helps support my immune system before exposure, not after I’m already run down.

If I do end up getting sick, or I feel something coming on that’s clearly infectious, that’s when I’ll reach for LL-37. I use it short-term, during active illness, especially if symptoms are progressing quickly or feel more aggressive.

Then, if inflammation starts to take over… things like lingering symptoms, gut disruption, histamine flares, or that “my immune system is overreacting” feeling… that’s when I add KPV. I also love KPV during recovery because it helps calm things down and supports immune balance rather than letting inflammation linger.

So for me, it often looks like this:

• TA-1 → prep and prevention
• LL-37 → short-term support during active infection
• KPV → calming inflammation and supporting recovery

I’m not trying to overpower my immune system. I’m supporting it strategically, based on what it actually needs in that moment.

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Tools I Use for Peptides (and How I Make It Easier)

Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes peptide use safer and much easier. Here’s what I personally use and recommend for reference.

1️⃣ Peptide Vendor: AMC Essentials

I primarily order my peptides from AMC Essentials. Always do your own research, review Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for authenticity, and verify purity.

I am not an affiliate, but if you use my referral link, you’ll receive 10% off your first order, and I earn a store credit for every new customer referral.

👉 AMC Essentials Referral Link

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2️⃣ Peptide Calculator App

I use the Peptide Calc Pro App to help with accurate reconstitution and dosing calculations. I’m not affiliated with the app, but I find it extremely reliable and user-friendly.

If you use it, please give it a 5-star rating to support updates and ongoing improvements.

👉 Peptide Calc Pro App

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3️⃣ BAC Water for Reconstitution

I use bacteriostatic (BAC) water to reconstitute peptides instead of plain saline. BAC water contains a small amount of benzyl alcohol, which helps extend the shelf life of reconstituted peptides when stored in the refrigerator.

General guideline:

• Most peptides remain stable for 2–4 weeks after reconstitution with BAC water. 
• Inspect before each use; discard if cloudy, discolored, or contains particles. When in doubt, throw it out.

BAC water is available directly on AMC Essentials.

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4️⃣ Syringes & Needles

For injections, I use small insulin-style syringes for dosing and larger syringes/needles to draw up BAC water more easily.

• Injection syringes (small, precise dosing & less painful injections): Amazon Link
• Larger syringes/needles for drawing BAC water: Amazon Link

Affiliate Associate disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.

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Important Reminder: Storage conditions matter. Temperature fluctuations, repeated vial punctures, and poor sterile technique can significantly shorten shelf life. This is why I personally prefer BAC water and careful handling. Also, always clean the top of a vial with rubbing alcohol before every puncture!

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Quick Tips for Safe Handling

• Always use clean, sterile technique
• Store peptides refrigerated and out of direct light
• Check for cloudiness or particles before each use
• Use the calculator app to double-check dosing

Having the right tools makes peptide use safer, more accurate, and much less stressful.

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Part 2: My Go-To Cold & Flu Supplements

Peptides are powerful, but supplements are my daily foundation. Amazon links provided.

1️⃣ Quercetin

• Antioxidant
• Antiviral support
• Mast cell stabilizer: I use this during spring and fall for seasonal allergies, and it is more effective than Claritin or Zyrtec. 
• Zinc ionophore (helps zinc enter cells to stop viral replication)

Dose: 500 mg once or twice daily
Note: May interfere with thyroid activity, so consult your healthcare provider before taking if you have thyroid disease. 
Personal Use: I take this at the first sign of illness, with zinc. I also use it on its own for seasonal allergies.

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2️⃣ Zinc (Liquid for Zinc Shock Therapy)

• Essential trace mineral
• Antiviral properties
• Vital for immune function and wound healing

Dose: 5–20 mg daily for 5–10 days

Potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on an empty stomach. I like the liquid version because it doesn’t make me nauseated.  

Note: Use only short-term because it can deplete copper in your body. 

Zinc Shock Therapy (Original treatment by the Medical Medium)
Take 2 droppers into the back of the throat, hold for 1 minute, then swallow. Repeat every 2 hours for 12–24 hours. This can stop a virus in its tracks.

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3️⃣ Colostrum (Ancestral Supplements Brand)

Colostrum is the very first milk produced after birth and is nature’s original immune blueprint. Its job is to teach a brand-new immune system how to survive in the real world, but it’s also great for adults.

It contains:

• Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA)
• Lactoferrin (antiviral & antibacterial)
• Growth factors (repair & regeneration)
• Proline-rich polypeptides (immune modulators)

Colostrum doesn’t just boost immunity; it teaches it how to respond without overreacting.
It supports the gut barrier and is excellent for both prevention and recovery.

Dose: 2 to 6 capsules per day or as instructed by your healthcare provider.

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4️⃣ Oil of Oregano

• Nature’s antibiotic 

Note: Short-term use only. Avoid taking them within two hours of probiotics or dairy products. 

Dose: 1-2 capsules per day for 5-7 days. 

It is also available in liquid form (warning: it tastes unpleasant). We only use the liquid form topically for acne or infections, but it can sting the skin, so use with caution. 

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5️⃣ Grapefruit Seed Extract

• Antimicrobial
• My go-to for stomach bugs, food poisoning, and respiratory issues
• Liquid tastes terrible, so I mix it into a small amount of juice, hold my nose, and chug it down. 

Dose: Usually 5-15 drops added to juice a few times a day as directed on the bottle. 

Contraindication: Do not use with certain medications (such as Coumadin).

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Daily Staples

• Vitamin D3 with K2 (especially in winter)
• Magnesium (take year-round, my non-negotiable)

Magnesium is depleted from our soil and is involved in over 800 enzymatic processes in the body. It affects every cell. If you’re on prescription meds, taking vitamin D, experiencing palpitations, headaches, constipation, reflux, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting, especially in pregnancy — chances are you’re magnesium depleted.

Note: Do not take Magnesium Oxide; it is not absorbed and can cause diarrhea. My favorite is magnesium glycinate. I’m currently taking this from BioOptimizers because it contains 7 forms of magnesium. 

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Bonus: My “Something’s Coming On” Emergency Go-To

1. I always keep Oscillococcinum in my bag. It’s marketed for flu symptoms, but we take it at the very first sign of illness and don’t wait until we’re fully sick. The moment I feel a scratchy throat or a heavy feeling in my body, I take it. It’s gentle, homeopathic, and something I personally rely on.
2. For sore throats, we also use 1 drop of organic, non-synthetic tea tree oil on the tongue, mixed with saliva, then swallowed, a couple of times per day. It really helps alleviate a sore throat. 

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Kelly’s Thoughts

There are many other immune supports, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, probiotics, medicinal mushrooms, elderberry syrup, and fire cider, but the ones listed above are my non-negotiables. I never want to be without them.

The goal isn’t to overpower the immune system. The goal is to support it intelligently.

Winter doesn’t have to mean months of being sick. With the right tools and knowing when to use them, you can stay resilient, recover faster, and avoid lingering illness.

Again, this is educational only, not medical advice, but I hope it provides clarity and confidence as we head into cold and flu season.

Comment below and let me know your favorite tools for cold and flu season. Let’s stay healthy together!

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