Question 1

how can you prevent the flu from spreading?

Accepted Answer

Several answers: If you have the flu, stay away from other people to whom you can give it.  If not, avoid exposure, but most importantly, stay current with your immunizations.  If you develop early symptoms your doctor can prescribe oseltamivir or other antivirals as the strain in circulation seems sensitive.

Question 2

does oscillococcinum really help prevent the flu?

Accepted Answer

Uncertain: I have heard claims about oscillococcinum & have intended to try it but have no personal experience with it as yet. Zinc lozenges, airborne/generic, elderberry, astragalus, echinacea all seem to have beneficial effects against flu if taken at very onset of flu or as a preventive. [caution: do not use zinc nasal gel (zicam): there have been reported cases of irreversible loss of smell with its use].

Question 3

does the flu shot prevent the flu?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The flu shot can be effective in prevention of whatever strains of influenza virus are covered the influenza combination used for that particular year. Even if one still catches the flu it is likely to be less aggressive.

Question 4

how can i prevent the flu from happening?

Accepted Answer

Flu shot: The best preventative measures are to get a flu shot and to avoid contact with infected individuals and surfaces they have touched, sneezed or coughed on, etc..

Question 5

what are the best ways to prevent the flu?

Accepted Answer

Flu shot, wash hands: The best way to prevent flu is to get a shot. Now is a good time to get one. Also, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand cleanser frequently, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating or anytime you may touch your face.

Question 6

what measures can be taken to prevent the flu this year?

Accepted Answer

Flu prevention: Getting a flu shot, washing hands frequently, getting sufficient rest and minimizing exposure to coughs and sneezes will help reduce risk for flu.

Question 7

has anybody used homeophatic remedies to prevent the flu?

Accepted Answer

Flu: Yes but it is difficult to know if it worked since some individuals who don't take the remedy will not get the flu and some who take it will not get the flu.

Question 8

should i take a shower when i get home to prevent the flu?

Accepted Answer

Wash your hands: Although showering may provide some benefits, you get flu by inhaling the virus or planting it in your mouth from contaminated fingers. Frequent hand washing is one of the best methods of self protection against disease. Shedding your clothing &amp; washing up may help if you were heavily exposed, but I wouldn't ignore the obvious.

Question 9

i've heard that zinc and magnesium helps prevent the flu. is that true?

Accepted Answer

No evidence.: There is no evidence that shows that supplementing magnesium and or zinc helps prevent or treat colds or flu.  Vitamin and supplement sales people will say they do, but scientific research doesn't support it (or any other supplement, for that matter).  Best prevention is frequent hand washing and having a healthy lifestyle.

Question 10

is tamiflu (oseltamivir) a good drug to prevent the flu?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is no drug to prevent flu completely, even the vaccine. They decrease the severity of symptoms such body aches, malaise etc. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) helps better if you administer it atleast 48 hrs before the symptom onset. So if someone around you is sick, start taking it. The sooner the better. If you are pregnant,  talk to your doctor first whether to take it or not coz there are conflicting data.

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Doctor answers about:

Preventing the flu

A member asked:

How can you prevent the flu from spreading?

A member asked:

Does oscillococcinum really help prevent the flu?

A member asked:

Does the flu shot prevent the flu?

A member asked:

How can i prevent the flu from happening?

A member asked:

What are the best ways to prevent the flu?

A member asked:

What measures can be taken to prevent the flu this year?

A member asked:

Has anybody used homeophatic remedies to prevent the flu?

A member asked:

Should i take a shower when i get home to prevent the flu?

A member asked:

I've heard that zinc and magnesium helps prevent the flu. is that true?

A member asked:

Is tamiflu (oseltamivir) a good drug to prevent the flu?

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