10 Ways To Prevent And Treat The Flu

Lower risk: Wash your hands, especially when you're out in public places, with hot water and soap. When you travel, it's a good idea to carry alcohol towelettes with you.

Lower risk: Get a flu shot. This is especially important for those over 65 years old, as well as anyone with a weakened immune or respiratory system, nursing home residents, and health care workers who have regular contact with patients. Pregnant women whose last two trimesters fall during flu season (generally November to April) might consider getting the shot as well.

Lower risk: Avoid contact with people who have respiratory illnesses. Airborne droplets from sneezes and coughs are what spread the influenza virus from person to person.

Lower risk: Minimize the spread of germs by avoiding touching your hands to your face or your eyes.

Lower risk: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it, and wash your hands.

Symptom relief: Go to (or call) your physician. He or she can prescribe medication if the problem is indeed the flu. It is important to start taking this within the first 48 hours of symptoms - its effectiveness declines as the illness builds.

Symptom relief: Try elderberry extract. This can help to lessen the symptoms and speed up recovery.

Symptom relief: Eat garlic. Raw garlic is best - try at least two cloves per day, chopped up in a sandwich or in soup.

Symptom relief: Get rest. Lack of sleep and too much stress can make the body weak - if you get the flu, rest as much as possible while your symptoms are resolving.

Symptom relief: Drink fluids. Staying hydrated helps to eliminate toxins and metabolic wastes from your body.