A Family health and flu expert explains how easy it can be to break the flu "sick cycle." and start feeling better in no time.

Flu Vaccine

Vaccination is first line of defense against the flu. It is never too late in the season to get vaccinated. At www.cdc.gov you will be able to find a vaccine clinic in your area.

Prescription Medication: Don't Take the Flu Lying Down

If you did catch the flu, Do not just take it lying down and while suffering. Numerous medications ,called antiviral, are available with your doctor's prescription. If you take these antiviral medications with in the first 12 - 48 hours after starting to feel sick, these medications treat the flu and help you get better in a hurry.

CDC recommends -Tamiflu and Relenza

The Center for Disease Control recommends two antivirals--Tamiflu and Relenza. Tamiflu is available in pill or liquid suspension. Relenza is inhaled.

Tamiflu should be taken with or without food. but, when taken with food, your tolerability to Tamiflu may increase. The recommended dose of Tamiflu is 75 mg twice daily for a period of 5 days. Treatment should begin within 48 hours of onset of symptoms of influenza.

Relenza is used to treat symptoms caused by the flu virus and helps make symptoms such as  stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever/chills, aches, tiredness less severe and shortens a patients recovery time by 1-2 days.

Doctors may prescribe an antiviral to anyone who was exposed to the flu virus. once taken within 2 days of exposure, Tamiflu is up to 92% effective in preventing flu symptoms in adults and 82 percent effective in preventing them in children. When one person in the house gets the flu, medications can actually help in preventing other house members from getting sick also.

Prevent the spread of Influenza with Good Hygiene

Good Hygiene practices may also prevent the spread of the Influenza virus. Doctors highly recommend for people to wash hands frequently, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and avoid sharing drinks, silverware and mobile phones.

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