Influenza, or "flu," is an infection of the respiratory tract (breathing passages) caused by a virus. Its symptoms are usually more severe than the common cold and are more likely to affect your whole body. While most cases run their course in one to two weeks, life-threatening complications such as pneumonia are possible, especially in the elderly or people with chronic illnesses.

• Fever that comes on suddenly (101 to 104^oF)
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Nonproductive cough
• Sore throat
• Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially in children

Influenza is caused by viruses that are spread through the air by sneezes and coughs. Some of these viruses cause very mild illness, or none at all. Others mutate to cause serious, widespread illness. People most likely to get influenza are those whose immune systems are not working properly, or those whose lifestyle or work brings them into frequent contact with sick people.

Since there are many types of influenza virus, and because they change over time, a new flu vaccine is offered every fall. Getting vaccinated before the flu season starts reduces your chances of getting the flu, and reduces its severity if you do get it. You should not take the vaccine if you have chicken or egg allergies, as influenza viruses for the vaccines are grown in chick embryos.

Your health care provider will probably be able to diagnose your case of flu from a physical examination and a description of your symptoms. He or she may take a chest X ray if there is concern about complications such as pneumonia.

The faster you get to your healthcare provider after you start feeling the effects of the flu, the better. Specific medicines to fight the flu work best if begun within two days. You also may use over-the-counter medicines and other therapies to relieve your symptoms. The most important aspect of treatment is rest and fluids.

• Antiviral medications—amantidine and rimantadine for prevention and treatment of certain types of flu; zanamivir and oseltamivir to reduce the symptoms and duration of flu
• Acetaminophen—for fever reduction and relief of minor aches and pain
• Cough suppressants and expectorants
• Decongestants
• Antibiotics—not effective against the viruses that cause influenza, but may be prescribed for patients vulnerable to bacterial pneumonia (a complication of influenza)

Never give aspirin to children who have a viral illness because of the risk of a life-threatening disease called Reye's syndrome.

A combination of herbs and nutrition may be quite effective at improving immune function,relieving symptoms, and speeding healing.

• Vitamin C (250 to 500 mg two times per day), vitamin A (25,000 IU per day), or beta carotene (200,000 IU per day), and zinc (25 to 90 mg per day) are nutrients that support the immune system. Women who are or may become pregnant in the next three months should not take high doses of vitamin A. No one should use high doses of vitamin A and zinc for longer than two to six weeks.
• Sugar may decrease immune system activity; therefore, reducing sugar consumption may be helpful.

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day.

• Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)—helps immune system
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)—immune modulating, antimicrobial, bitter, astringent
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)—antiviral, anticolic, soothing
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)—antibacterial, astringent
• Elder (Sambucus nigra)—reduces swelling and irritation
• St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)—antiviral, pain reliever

Mix a combination of coneflower and goldenseal with two to four of the other herbs listed. Drink 3 to 6 cups tea per day, or take 30 to 60 drops tincture three to six times per day.

A tea made of garlic and ginger (2 to 3 cloves of garlic and 2 to 3 slices of fresh ginger) keeps the lungs clear and acts as an antimicrobial. May be used in addition to above herbs.

Although very few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of the flu based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

• A combination remedy including Aconite, Gelsemium, Eucalyptus, Ipecacuanha, Phosphorus, Bryonia, and Eupatorium perfoliatum
• A mixture of Anas barbarice hepatis and Cordis extractum�
• Gelsemium -- for chills, weakness, lack of energy, fever, and headaches in the back and top of the head; this is one of the most common homeopathic remedies for the flu
• Eupatorium perfoliatum -- for deep aches, sneezing and coughing
• Nux vomica -- for violent vomiting, irritability, dry cough, chills, and a stuffy nose that develops into a watery, irritating discharge

May help you generally feel better and speed healing.

In most cases flu symptoms will ease in one to five days, but they can last as long as two weeks. If you don't start to feel better within a few days, or if you begin having difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider.

Studies suggest that pregnancy may increase the risk of serious influenza complications due to stresses on the body and changes in the immune system. Therefore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended vaccination for women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.

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