Zinc & the Flu

Influenza, usually referred to as the flu, is a common illness that is caused by a variety of related viruses. For most healthy people, the flu may cause mild to severe discomfort, but they typically recover without serious complications. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly and the very young may experience more severe symptoms and even death. Many treatments and preventive measures have been used to combat the flu, including zinc dietary supplements.

Types

• According to flu.com, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' official influenza website, there were two strains of the flu circulating in the United States as of April 2010. The seasonal flu affects between 5 percent and 20 percent of the population each year, and results in up to 36,000 flu-related deaths. The pandemic H1N1 swine flu was also circulating. There were no confirmed cases of the more lethal H5N1 bird flu, which had appeared in parts of Asia, Europe and the Pacific.

Identification

• According to flu.com, seasonal flu is typically diagnosed by identifying the symptoms, which typically include a fever that may be high, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, fatigue, body aches and chills. The H1N1 flu may cause all of the symptoms of seasonal flu, and may also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention/Recovery

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advocates vaccination as the best means of protection against contracting either the seasonal flu or the H1N1 swine flu. The department notes that certain anti-viral medications, which are typically available by prescription only, may help to alleviate symptoms of the flu and may speed the recovery period. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), home treatment involving bed rest, staying hydrated and using over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers is usually sufficient to treat most cases of the flu.

  The UMM noted that treatment with home remedies, including zinc lozenges, appears to be ineffective.

Considerations

• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, low levels of zinc are essential for maintaining good health. Zinc plays an important role in the body's immune system, but too much zinc can have adverse affects on the body, including stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Long-term high zinc levels may cause anemia, reduce good cholesterol levels and possibly result in infertility.

Benefits

• According to the UMM, zinc nasal sprays may be effective in reducing nasal stuffiness. People who choose to treat the flu with zinc should be mindful of the amount of zinc they are ingesting, and keep quantities below 50 mg per day. Consult your health care provider before using any home remedy, including zinc, to combat the flu.