How to Take Oscillococcinum

Using Oscillococcinum for the Flu

Wait 15 minutes after you eat to take this medication. According to homeopathic practice, you shouldn't have strong flavors in your mouth when taking a medication. Allow 15 minutes after you eat, drink, or brush your teeth for the most benefit. Similarly, wait 15 minutes before you eat, drink, or brush your teeth after taking the medication.

Empty 1 tube under your tongue. A single dose is 1 tube, which is 0.04-ounce (1 g) dose. Screw open the tube and pour the small balls under your tongue. Don't try to swallow them; just let them hang out under your tongue for a few minutes. The active ingredient in this medication is Anas barbariae at 200CK HPUS. The "200CK" indicates it's dilution in water. A dilution of 1C is 1 part active ingredient to 100 parts water; a 5C would be 1:1,000,000,000,000,000. That means this medication's dilution is 1 to 1 with 600 zeros behind it. This medication also contains 1 gram of sugar.

Allow the contents to dissolve under your tongue. Wait 5 minutes or so for the balls to break up. As they dissolve, swallow the liquid they produce with the saliva in your mouth. Close your mouth while the balls are dissolving.

Take a dose 3 times a day for 3 days to combat flu symptoms. Aim to take a dose every 6 hours or so if possible. If your symptoms aren't improving after 3 days, talk to your doctor before taking more of this medication. You can also take 1 dose a week for flu prevention.

Try this medication for other diseases, such as a cold. Because this medication is just sugar, you can try it for other symptoms. If you are coughing or sneezing, it won't hurt to take this medication; just be sure you're also treating your symptoms and seeing a doctor if your symptoms linger. This medication is perfectly safe for children and has no interactions.Tip: If you use Oscillococcinum as directed, it might help you recover from the flu faster than if you didn't use the treatment.

Preventing the Flu

Get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu each year. Try to get it early in the fall for the best results, before the flu season really gets going. Aim to get the vaccine by the end of October. The vaccine will help prevent you from getting the flu, but even if you do get it, it can reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Wash your hands often during flu season. When washing, use warm water and soap, making sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Always wash your hands before you eat or touch your face. If you can't wash your hands, use hand sanitizer instead.

Disinfect surfaces after people who are sick touch them. Wipe down doorknobs, countertops, faucet handles, and other hard surfaces when people with the flu touch them. Use disinfecting wipes or a disinfecting spray with a paper towel. Disinfecting these areas at least once a day will decrease your chances of catching the flu from those around you. Flu germs can linger on things like doorknobs and countertops. If you touch those surfaces, you can be infected with the virus.

Avoid getting too close to people with the flu. Typically, when someone has the flu, it's best to keep your distance. Of course, that's not always possible, but you should at the very least avoid drinking or eating after people who have the flu. If you're caring for someone the flu, be careful about disinfecting after them. Always wash your hands after being around them. Avoid touching your face, particularly your nose, mouth, and eyes.

Treating the Flu

Start antiviral drugs within 2 days of noticing symptoms. Antiviral drugs can lessen the duration and severity of flu symptoms. They are most effective if you take them within 48 hours of noticing symptoms, but they may be helpful later, too. You can only get these medications from a doctor, so visit an urgent care or your regular doctor as soon as possible. Signs of the flu include a runny nose, cough, fever, aches, cough, chills, fatigue, and headaches. You might also have stomach issues.

Use over-the-counter pain medications to help with aches and fever. Take acetaminophen (paracetamol in the U.K.) or ibuprofen as directed by the package. Always check any other medications you're using to treat the flu, as they can contain these ingredients, too. If you see them in the ingredient list, don't take them separately.

Rest up at home. Rest is one of the main ways to get over the flu! Get plenty of sleep at home to help your body heal. Plus, you should stay home so you don't pass the virus to other people, as the flu spreads easily. If you do need to go out, make sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue and wash your hands often to keep from passing the virus to others.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It can be hard to stay hydrated when you're sick because you lose a lot of fluids. Drink water, tea, and juices to help you regain what you've lost. You can also sip broth or other soups to help your fluid intake. If you have a sore throat, try sucking on a popsicle. You'll get fluids, and it will help with the pain.