Dr. Schwartz: The number one way to avoid catching the flu is to wash your hands.
Simple hand washing with soap and water has been long known to help inhibit the spread of the influenza virus. Wash your hands after visiting a public place, such as work, the gym, or the grocery store, and each time before you eat.
Although we speak of viruses as though they are alive, they are not. They contain genetic material called DNA or RNA, which is surrounded by a protein capsule. All they actually do is reproduce after they've invaded a cell that is susceptible. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
Here are some herbs that fight off viral infection:
Echinacea
Garlic
Goldenseal
Olive Leaf Extract
Ginger (good in a tea)
Juniper
Sambucol*I use these personally in winter to diminish flu-like symptoms. Try some combination when you feel a cold coming on. These I use with Vitamin C (Ester C) and Grape Seed Extract and I think they work well. Should you try, let me know.
*Sambucol is an elderberry extract that is imported from Israel. It is great for viral infections like the flu. Sambucol begins to relieve symptoms quickly and can rid you of the flu in 2 days. It was a welcome friend to me last winter. You should be able to get it in a good vitamin store. Buy some and put it in your medicine cabinet and take at the first sign of the flu.