Ask the doctor.

I read your article last year on avoiding flus and colds. I want to know if there's anything new that may give me a better edge this year.

--Betty in Boise

One of my favorite therapies for home health is homeopathy. Homeopathic products are safe with virtually no side effects and no contraindications. They're also readily available at your health food store.

The first homeopathic flu product that comes to mind is Oscillococcinum, which is the No. 1 flu medicine in France. Oscillococcinum has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the severity and shorten the duration of the flu. One study shinned improvement of symptoms within 48 hours. Oscillococcinum is also safe for children.

Another great homeopathic remedy is Aconitum 10X. It can often ease the symptoms and duration of illness when taken immediately upon getting the flu. I recommend taking 3-5 Aconitum 10X pellets for the first dose and then following up with Oscillococcinnm as directed by the manufacturer for the rest of the course of the illness.

For stuffy and runny noses, I like to use xylitol spray or nasal wash. I was impressed by the results my patients and I got when using this. My nasal passages remained clear, and I avoided nasal infections. It also has a sweet taste and therefore does very well with children.

In Chinese medicine, the flu is called an "invasion of wind cold." The last flu I had was characterized by periods of feeling chilly. Being an acupuncturist, I knew that there was a very effective formula for ...