Reduce your chances of getting the flu virus by taking a few measures, such as:

• washing your hands with soap and water before eating or touching your face, especially after being in a shared space

• keeping distance (at least three feet) from someone who is coughing or sneezing (droplets travel; avoid breathing them)

• using an essential oil inhaler with antiviral essential oils (DIY instructions for making an inhaler are at the end of this post and here). 

This quickly made inhaler uses only two essential oils which have been proven to inactivate a flu virus within minutes of exposure.

1. Eucalyptus Radiata

2. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) 

The 2012 study published by the American Association for Aerosol Research looked at the effectiveness of tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils against the influenza virus on a surface. The study confirmed how both oils have strong antiviral properties when used as fiber coating materials.  Within 5–10 minutes of contact on the surface, the oils were capable of inactivating captured microorganisms.

The two essential oils showed antiviral capabilities when mixed with viable airborne viral particles. According to the study, “the results look very promising for further development of virus inactivating procedures and technologies for air quality applications”.

Remember to select essential oils by their Latin name. For example, eucalyptus radiata has alpha-terpineol; a scientifically proven antioxidant, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antiulcer, antihypertensive, anti-nociceptive compound. The more commonly found Eucalyptus globulus has gamma-terpinen which has different properties than alpha-terpineol.

Recipe:

- 5 drops Eucalyptus radiata

- 5 drops Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Place all drops onto the cotton insert for an inhaler. Seal cotton insert inside inhaler then use it.

Remember, inhale only. 

Do not consume/swallow tea tree oil.

Doing so can cause serious symptoms such as confusion and loss of muscle coordination.