20 Tips To Prevent, Treat Colds and Flu
Don't bother taking Cold-Eeze, immunity-boosting supplements, or prophylactic Tamiflu.
Dr. Adalja says the zinc in cold-shortening candy like Cold-Eeze is only clinically proven to shorten the length of a cold, not the flu. In terms of supplements, the average American diet already provides sufficient nutrients to support healthy immune system functioning, so consuming more won't help. And while Tamiflu, the anti-viral drug prescribed to flu patients within the first 48 hours of sickness to expedite recovery and make the virus less contagious, is sometimes prescribed in small doses prevent the flu, it can ultimately make you resistant so it doesn't work as well the next time you really need it.
