The extract has been recommended by some nutritionists for the treatment of candidiasis, earache, throat infections, and diarrhea. GSE has been marketed as being a safe, natural, and an effective preservative. Self-made pure GSE processed without solvents is prepared by grinding the grapefruit seed and juiceless pulp, then mixing with glycerin.

A natural antibiotic that is made from grapefruit seed extract is called Citricidal and was developed after the observation was made that something in grapefruit (though not in other citrus fruits) keeps bacteria at bay for extended periods of time. Various research has been done on the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of GSE.

Whether or not Grapefruit seed extract will help cure swine flu is questionable. However, it could be helpful as a preventative measure. Care should be taken as grapefruit can have a number of interactions with certain drugs, increasing the potency of many compounds.

NAC is a form of the amino acid cysteine and a component of protein. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s principal antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and detoxifies harmful substances. Aside from its importance to the immune system as an antioxidant, NAC is also a mucolytic – meaning that it breaks down lung-clogging mucous in respiratory disorders. Chemists appoint NAC’s mucolytic properties to its abundance of free sulfhydryl groups, which breaks down the disulfide bonds of mucous – a process that actually thins mucous out.

NAC’s characteristics of being a safe potent antioxidant and a mucolytic have pointed to its use for the following:

• liver disorders by helping detoxification
• lung ailments by reducing congestion
• immune diseases by scavenging free radicals
• cancer prevention by scavenging free radicals

Researchers in Italy have demonstrated that NAC also exhibits a statistically significant ability to reduce the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of the flu. As a result of the research, the conclusion was made that supplementing with NAC significantly reduces the severity and likelihood of experiencing flu symptoms. Due to its safety and support of the immune, lung and hepatic systems, supplementing with NAC appears to be a wise alternative to Western medicine during the flu season and possibly during this most recent outbreak of swine flu.

• If you or your child feel as if you have any flu-like symptoms you should skip work or school. It is best to stay home until you have recovered completely.
• If you are sick with the swine flu, you should try and stay in another area of the house, away from the rest of your family in order to limit their exposure to the virus.
• Get LOTS of rest! The best way to battle the flu, swine flu or otherwise is the get as much rest as possible to allow your body to fight back. If you can’t sleep, just lay around and relax for awhile. Take the opportunity to catch up on your favorite book, movie collection or dvr list.
• Lots and lots of clear fluids such as water and soup. The more the better. It can be hard to hold things down sometimes when you have the flu, but your body needs fluid and nourishment. Even if it comes up after 15 minutes, your body has had the opportunity to absorb some of it.
• Acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen can help lessen the affect of body aches and pains. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking anything. If your child is under 2, always check with your doctor before giving them any medication.
• Breathing can be tough when you have the flu, especially due to a stuffy nose. One of the best ways to help clear those nasal passages is by using a humidifier to add more moisture to the air. steam inhalers can also help to clear up your sinuses and make breathign a little easier. Saline drops followed by suctioning with a nasal syringe can bring additional relief to small children.
• There is treatment for swine flu. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza can lessen your symptoms make you feel better faster and prevent swine flu-related complications if taken early on. Consult your doctor about a prescription.

Is there a cure?

There’s not a cure for swine flu at this time. Researchers are currently working on the development of a vaccine, according to the FDA. If you already received a flu shot, it probably won’t protect you from this strain (2009 H1N1 also known as swine flu), but it’s a good idea to still get one annually to help protect you from seasonal flu outbreaks.