Coming down with the flu can throw a major wrench into your daily life. Dealing with the symptoms is always less than pleasant, so it is no wonder there are always avenues of research looking to mitigate these symptoms and limit their duration as much as possible. While the flu vaccine is widely advertised as an effective preventative measure against the flu, this past season saw only 9 percent protection for seniors who are among the most at risk. The Center for Disease Control reported that across the population the vaccine was only about 56 percent effective. The flu is still responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations and almost 50,000 deaths per year.

With statistics like these, it is no wonder that there is a strong movement towards different flu treatments. New research points to the use of fish oil in treating the flu. PD1, a compound derived from fish oil, was given to laboratory mice infected with the flu in conjunction with an antiviral drug. These mice were more likely to survive the flu, even when treatment came later than two days after contracting the viral infection. This is particularly significant considering that most antiviral drugs on the market drop in effectiveness after two days. Fish oils have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, and it is suspected that this is what is helping to fight the flu the most.

This research is following a trend of preventative medicine as well as more natural treatments for illness. It is suggested that the Western diet may negatively impact one’s health and increase the risk for intense inflammation. Adding healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids which are found in fish oils may help combat this risk, but further research is needed to confirm the true effectiveness. Any possible measure to help fight against the flu is a welcome addition to the treatments currently available.

Read the entire article here: Fish Oil Could Lead to New Flu Fighters