Are there alternative treatments for swine flu?

As with all strains of the flu, an important natural remedy for swine flu, now known as H1N1 flu, is to drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. There is no medical evidence that any complementary or alternative treatment effectively treats H1N1 flu.

Instead, consider prevention. Each year, the flu shot is formulated to protect against the strains that experts think will be most common. A seasonal flu shot is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, including anyone with a chronic condition that may increase the risk of severe illness or potentially serious complications. In most cases, people recover from the flu without medical care. Consult your doctor if you are considering the use of an alternative treatment for the flu or if you are experiencing severe symptoms.

There are no alternative treatment options that have been proven to prevent or limit the duration of any type of flu, including swine flu (H1N1). Home remedies, such as chicken soup, may help soothe the symptoms of swine flu, such as congestion. Additional rest and adequate amounts of liquids may also help your symptoms improve.