The flu season is upon us, and it’s a serious one this year. In some areas, government officials have proclaimed states of emergency to deal with the epidemic. All of this means that you need to be careful, and you should have on hand the right remedies in case you succumb to the first signs of flu. While the flu comes from horses and pigs, ducks are actually the most common source of the virus. In fact, flu research centers keep on hand many thousands of samples of duck livers, hearts, and other organs, as references for different strains of influenza. Is it a particularly bad flu season? Blame it on the ducks. We have a long road ahead of us until flu season is over around May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that approximately 55% of Americans do not get flu shots—and that getting one is the easiest way to prevent getting sick. Early estimates show that flu shots are about 60% effective this year, again according to the CDC. So while you may get a flu shot, you can still get the flu. More from Fox: The Germiest Jobs Apart from the vaccine, there are various natural remedies one can utilize to combat the dreaded virus. To boost your chances of staying well, here are a few supplements that just may tip the scales in your favor if flu strikes. Oscillococcinum. Absurd to spell and hard to pronounce, Oscillococcinum is the best-selling natural flu remedy in the world—because it works. “Oscillo,” as it’s more commonly known, is a homeopathic preparation of the heart and liver of the Barbary duck. Oscillo is taken at the very first sign of the flu. The moment you feel symptoms coming on, take a few pellets of Oscillo. As a homeopathic medicine, Oscillo is federally recognized in the US Pharmacopoeia, the reference for permitted medicines. You will find Oscillo at drug stores and health food stores, as well as online. But don’t wait until you’re sick; keep some in your medicine chest. More from Fox: A Tasty Way To Treat Flu Elderberry. It’s probably the purple pigments in elderberry that help fight flu. These pigments, known as anthocyanins, are powerfully antioxidant, but also appear to possess anti-viral activity. Elderberry is widely available as a liquid, capsule, and tablet. The most tested elderberry preparation for fighting flu is called Sambucol. Like Oscillo, it is most effective when taken at the first sign of flu. More from Fox: Flu Season Still Going Strong
