_900.png "What is Influenza?")
Nutritionist Jin Yuan
Influenza or the flu, is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It spreads easily between people through respiratory droplets when they cough or sneeze. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics, with influenza A being the only type known to cause pandemics. Influenza A viruses are further classified into subtypes, such as H1N1 and H3N2, while influenza B viruses are categorized into B/Yamagata and B/Victoria lineages. Influenza C usually causes mild infections and has little public health impact, while influenza D primarily affects cattle and does not infect humans.
Treating and Preventing Influenza
Treatment
Most people recover from the flu on their own. However, those with severe symptoms or existing health conditions should see a doctor.
For mild cases, you should:
- Stay home to avoid spreading the virus
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink lots of fluids
- Take medicine to reduce fever if needed
- See a doctor if symptoms get worse
People at high risk, such as pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those with weak immune systems, should take antiviral medicine as soon as possible.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is through vaccination. The flu shot is safe and has been used for over 60 years. Since immunity fades over time, getting vaccinated every year is recommended, especially for:
- Pregnant women
- Children under 5 years old
- Adults over 65 years old
- People with chronic illnesses
- Healthcare workers
Other ways to protect yourself and others:
- Wash your hands often
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Throw away used tissues properly
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a type of flowering shrub found in North America and Europe. It produces small, dark-coloured berries—usually purple, blue, or black. People have used elderberry for centuries, believing it could help with health and longevity.
Does Elderberry Help with Influenza?
Elderberry has been gaining attention for its potential to help fight off the flu. Research suggests that elderberry extract may shorten the duration of flu symptoms and help people recover faster. While it’s not a cure, the evidence points to some promising benefits.
What the Studies Say
Several studies have tested elderberry’s effects on the flu. In one study, elderberry extract helped shorten the flu’s duration by about 4 days compared to a placebo. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.001), meaning it wasn’t just by chance.
In another study, 64 patients with flu-like symptoms took elderberry extract. After 48 hours, 88% of the elderberry group had mild or no symptoms, while only 16% of the placebo group improved. The rest of the placebo group either had the same symptoms or felt worse (p < 0.001).
These studies show that elderberry might help reduce the severity and length of flu symptoms. In comparison, standard flu medication like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) only shortens flu symptoms by about 1 day.
How Does It Work?
Elderberry contains antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals in the body. These free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which may weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off viruses. By reducing oxidative stress, elderberry could help boost your immune response and make it easier for your body to battle the flu.
It’s also believed that elderberry contains a protein called hemagglutinin, which may stop flu viruses from infecting your cells, potentially shortening the duration of illness.
References:
Carly Vandergriendt . (2021, February 3). Elderberry for Flu: Effectiveness, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/elderberry-for-flu#about
CDC. (2024a). Healthy Habits to Prevent Flu. Influenza (Flu). https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html
CDC. (2024b, May 16). About Common Cold. Common Cold. https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, November 10). Influenza (Flu): Treatment, Prevention, Symptoms Vs Cold. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
Macknin, M., Wolski, K., Negrey, J., & Mace, S. (2020). Elderberry Extract Outpatient Influenza Treatment for Emergency Room Patients Ages 5 and Above: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of General Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06170-w
Pantai Hospital. (2025, January 1). Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI) . Www.pantai.com.my. https://www.pantai.com.my/health-pulse/influenza-like-illness
Stephanie Thurrott. (2022, November 7). Can Elderberry Treat Cold and Flu Symptoms? | Banner Health. Www.bannerhealth.com. https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/is-elderberry-safe-to-treat-cold-and-flu
World Health Organization. (2023a, August 9). Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)
World Health Organization. (2023b, October 3). Influenza (seasonal). Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
