The following is my list that I suggest for colds and the flu. There is NO guarantee or ANY research about the use of these products to prevent or treat the flu although they MAY attenuate symptoms once you have knowingly been infected. More will be learned about the "new" Swine flu that is already in Mexico and the U.S. and appears to be spreading so I will update this blog in this regard with my comments. Unlike SARS which was never a global threat of pandemic proportions to humans, this flu IS spread from human to human. There are prescription products for the flu which are of varying effectiveness and often based on when you start taking them. They have not insignificant side effects themselves and we do not know what they can or will do to the Swine flu if you are infected so keep tuned to the blog.
Meanwhile, my family, patients and friends will be taking Black Elderberry (One brand is Sambucol) daily starting NOW and until we hear that the threat has dissipated. You should be able to get this product in most pharmacies or health food stores nationally. If you can not, I am trying to get a stash for my office and you can call us to get some sent to you that same day.You should also be able to order the stuff on line from many sources easily. Next, be sure you have at home and in your luggage ,if you are traveling, Oscilococcinum the homeopatic remedy and  at the VERY first sign of what you think might be flu symptoms put the pellets under your tongue as instructed on the package. Last, IF you are developing the symptoms of flu, an IV with Vitamin C and/or glutathione may attenuate the severity  nd limit the course of the diease.
AGAIN, is this Evidence Based Medicine? NO! Is this what I will be doing? YUP!!!!

Dr. Benjamin’s Cold/Flu season kit and guide

Do Not

• Do not use “cold” medicines as they have no discernable effects and can actually make things worse as well as be life threatening in the case of children.

• Do not use acetaminophen (Tylenol, other brands) as it may prolong the cold or flu - unless the pain, fever and aches are simply too much to bear. The same may be true for Aleve, Motrin, etc., although this class of medication (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) does control fever and pain better.

• Do not demand antibiotics from your doctor as they are near useless most of the time and can cause resistant germs to develop.

Do

• Drink lots of fluids.

• Call your doctor with questions or if fever and malaise persist.

• Get the flu vaccine! (No, it does not always work and yes, you could get a reaction which is RARE but for the 30- 40% that it helps, it can really relieve your symptoms.) Of course we have NO swine flu vaccine at present.

• Use salt water drops like Ocean to clear your nose.Personally, I like the use of a Netty pot with either a teaspoon of salt or a prepared and buffered nasal wash powder dissoved in luke arm water. It REALLY helps clear the nasal passages.

• Get lots of rest/ sleep.

Keep these at home (they can be bought over the counter):

1. Cold Eze Homeopathic Lozenges - Take AT THE VERY FIRST SIGNS OF A COLD.

2. Sinusin by Heel - is great for nasal congestion due to colds.

3. Umcka by Nature’s Way – take for chest congestion/bronchitis.

4. Bronchalis Homeopathic by Heel - take with Umcka for Bronchitis.

5. American ginseng The brand is Wisconsin grown and processed in the US - not China! If you can’t find isome, we can send it to you from my office. Call (480) 661- 1880.

6. Sambucol by Nature’s Way- If you DO get the flu, this Black Elderberry extract can relieve symptoms and shorten the course of your illness.

7. Oscillococcinum (homeopathic remedy) - At the very first sign of the flu, this remedy might just thwart it. A MUST when traveling as each compact tube can be packed conveniently, does not require cooling and can be taken on the plane with you.