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Of course, it is better not to get the flu in the first place. That is why NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is high on my list (e.g. reference from Swedish Medical Center Hospital, Seattle).

http://www.swedish.org/110925.cfm

Actually, it didn't really prevent infection. "Rather, the supplement seemed to reduce the rate at which influenza infection became severe enough to cause noticeable symptoms."

Also, for new readers, curcumin is the active ingredient from turmeric. Turmeric used as spice has far too little to be useful. It should be in a concentrated form (about 95% standardized). And curcumin in any form has to be supplemented by an absorption facilitator (i.e. piperine), or it is not absorbed effectively. The usual cautions about piperine over-facilitating absorption of prescription medications applies and should be observed.

That is why NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is high on my list (e.g. reference from Swedish Medical Center

Thank you for this addition. Also, thank you for the reference. We now have peer-reviewed journal articles for every single item.

The location where I buy Turmeric has it as a supplement, not a spice. It is standardized to 95% curcuminoids.

Thank you all for your responses.

BTW, all of the items we have discussed I have purchased very inexpensively at: Swanson Vitamins, and no I don't own stock or anything. The entire list can be had in reasonable quantity for under $100.

The revised list is then:

Vitamin C
Resveratrol
Sambucol (this is somewhat controversial, but I like it)
Cinnamon
Turmeric (standardized to 95% curcuminoids)
St. Johns Wort
Ginger
N-Acetyl Cysteine

By the way, an interesting observation I have made about all of this. Most of these items are listed as antioxidants in the nutritional catalogs, in fact, all of them are antioxidants except Sambucol, St. Johns Wort, and maybe Cinnamon.

Also, for new readers, curcumin is the active ingredient from turmeric. Turmeric used as spice has far too little to be useful. It should be in a concentrated form (about 95% standardized). And curcumin in any form has to be supplemented by an absorption facilitator (i.e. piperine), or it is not absorbed effectively. The usual cautions about piperine over-facilitating absorption of prescription medications applies and should be observed

Actually, regular turmeric has enough curcuminoids to be effective for easing symptoms of RA, in doses of approximately 1/4 teaspoon twice a day. I know much larger or more concentrated amounts are safe (except for people with gall stones, who should not take turmeric at all). I imagine effective doses vary. I wouldn't hesitate to use the 95% curcumin (which I haven't found except online, just not available in my rural area) in case of a bad case of flu, just emphasizing that smaller doses can be effective as well.