WEIGHT

RDHEALTH extra
A Pill to Prevent the Flu
You never got around to getting your flu vaccine,
and now you’re worried you’ll become
sick, since several of your co-workers have
succumbed. Luckily, your doctor can prescribe a
pill that could prevent the flu from developing.
Tamiflu, an antiviral drug, is FDA-approved to
prevent and treat the flu. And GlaxoSmithKline,
maker of the antiviral Relenza, is seeking FDA
approval for preventive use of that drug.
Already got the flu? No problem. When taken
within the first 48 hours, these drugs can shorten
the length of illness and reduce symptoms and
complications. They may also help protect
against avian flu, but more research is needed.
For most of us, the drugs are not meant to replace
a vaccine, says Neil Schachter, MD, author of The
Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu, since they’re
costly and have possible side effects, such as
nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The popular herbal remedy echinacea
is touted for its ability
to strengthen immunity,
protect against colds
and shorten the duration
of illness. But
researchers at the University
of Virginia think we should
save our money, because echinacea
doesn’t seem to work. They
divided 399 people into groups. Some
took echinacea before and after being infected
with a virus; some took it only after
infection; the rest got a placebo. At the end of
the study, researchers concluded that echinacea
did not help prevent or treat a cold.
188
Echinacea: Does It Work?
I’ve got a cold.
Q What can I eat
to feel better fast?
Start with a bowl
of Mom’s chicken
A
soup. Research has yet
to show how it works
(and how the heck Ma
knew), but we do know
that a nutrient-rich
diet builds your immune
system and
fights inflammation.
This season, stock up
on these healing foods:
• OJ: Vitamin C may
shorten the duration of
your cold, helping you
get back on your feet.
• Oatmeal, bananas,
fish, chicken, turkey:
They help maintain the
health of organs that
make infection-fighting
white blood cells.
• Apples, cranberries,
tomato sauce: These
contain flavonoids,
anti-inflammatory
substances that
can strengthen your
immune system.
MEHMET OZ, MD, and
MICHAEL ROIZEN, MD,
authors of the bestseller
You: The Owner’s Manual
J. MICHELLE WASHBURN