The most effective method to prevent falling ill to influenza is through the yearly influenza vaccine that contains three different influenza A and B strains.

The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization states the efficacy of the influenza vaccine in preventing influenza in healthy adults is about 70 to 90 per cent. Influenza vaccines have been around for over 50 years and are very safe.

There have also been scientific studies on the active ingredient, Oscillococcinum in homeopathic flu pellets.

The world-renowned and respected scientific body, the Cochrane Collaboration, has reviewed the scientific evidence and has concluded that homeopathic Oscillococcinum does not prevent influenza but may shorten the illness once contracted.

According to the scientific evidence reviewed, Oscillococcinum treatment reduced the length of influenza illness on average by 0.28 days, which is just under seven hours.

Dr. Colin Lee,

Associate Medical Officer of Health

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit