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Keeping the Flu Bug at Bay

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 35 to 50 million Americans come down with influenza or the flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall - either with a flu shot or using the flu nasal spray vaccine, which is approved for use only among healthy people under 50. But even if you are among those who couldn't get a flu shot this season or don't fit the age and health criteria for the flu nasal spray, there are still things you can do to protect yourself.

Eating Right and Dietary Supplements May Be a Prescription for Prevention

Eating right helps keep up your overall defenses against illness, and provides the nutrients needed for a vigorous immune system such as protein, zinc, iron and vitamin B6. While there's no research at this point that consuming vitamin E rich foods can boost the body's flu-fighting defenses, researchers from USDA's Human Nutrition Research Center at Tuft's have shown that vitamin E supplements can significantly improve the immune system of older people (see Staying Healthy, September 2004), and the use of multi-nutrient supplements has also been demonstrated in several controlled trials to reduce respiratory-related illness in healthy, older individuals. Certain herbs are commonly used to support immunity, although how well they work is still somewhat controversial. One example is echinacea, commonly known as the purple coneflower. Studies looking at the ability of Echinacea to prevent illness have produced conflicting results, although the botanical appears to have modest benefit in treating upper respiratory infection and to be generally safe (1). Another example is elderberry, which has been used as folk remedy for centuries to treat colds and flu. Preliminary findings from a double-blind study published earlier this year suggest elderberry (in the form of concentrated syrup) significantly helped relieve self-reported flu symptoms and reduced medication use better than placebo (2).

Preventive Action Can Help Keep You and Others From the Flu

Aside from nutrition and supplements, your best course to keep from catching the flu is this time-tested advice from the CDC: Avoid close contact with those who are sick, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Keep in mind that a person can spread the flu starting one day before he or she feels sick, and can continue to pass the flu virus to others for another three to seven days after symptoms start - usually one to four days after exposure. Children can pass the virus for longer than seven days.

If you do catch the flu, four approved anti-viral drugs can reduce sick time by a day or two and make you less contagious. The four drugs, marketed as Symmetrel, Flumadine, Tamiflu and Relenza, must be taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. Also, remember that covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and staying home during the period when you are contagious will help keep passing the illness to on to others.