ConsumerLab.com uses JavaScript to provide the best possible experience for our content, but your browser has it disabled. Learn how to enable it here.

Reviews & Articles

Membership & Subscription

About ConsumerLab.com

About Testing

News

Showing Results for Flu

CL Answers (29)

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

Flu Vaccines: How do different flu vaccines compare and which is best for older people?

Learn how flu vaccines differ and find out which may be most suitable for older people, as well as those with egg allergy.

Vial of flu vaccine in front of a syringe and another vial

Do any supplements help for flu?

Which supplements may help prevent or reduce symptoms of colds or the flu, including vitamin D, ginseng, NAC, and elderberry.

Supplements for Flu -- women with the flu sitting on couch with tissues, thermometer, warm drink

How do the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines compare in terms of efficacy, safety and side effects? How, when and where do I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Find out how the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna compare and learn how when and where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Older woman getting an injection

What is EpiCor? Does it really "boost" the immune system and prevent colds?

EpiCor supplement info, including evidence from clinical studies on immune function and cold/flu prevention, safety, and price.

Woman with Cold Holding Pill Bottle

Do any supplements help prevent or treat a cold?

Are there supplements that can help prevent or treat cold symptoms? Learn more about zinc, probiotics, vitamin C and more.

Supplements for Colds: Zinc, Echinacea & More -- Couple with cold, sitting on couch blowing their noses

Does CBD help fight colds or the flu?

Find out if CBD (cannabidiol) can help to fight colds or the flu. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CBD for Colds or the Flu

How are you staying healthy during the coronavirus pandemic?

Tips for staying healthy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tips from ConsumerLab members for maintaining physical health, mental health and social well-being during COVID-19.

Staying Healthy During the Coronavirus Pandemic -- Couple at Home, Looking Out the Window

Does AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) have anticancer or antiviral benefits, and is it safe?

Learn about AHCC (active hexose correlated compound), including whether it is beneficial for liver, pancreatic, or prostate cancer, chemotherapy-related side effects, or the flu, and if it is safe.

Capsules of AHCC in wooden spoon in front of green leaf

Do any supplements help with the coronavirus (COVID-19)? Do supplements like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?

Find out if natural remedies & supplements for coronavirus such as zinc, vitamin C, garlic, or elderberry help to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Supplements for Coronavirus (COVID-19)? -- mask and pills

What is monolaurin? Can it really prevent colds, cold sores, or other infections?

Lauricidin (monolaurin) information for preventing colds, immune system function, and safety.

Lauricidin (monolaurin) for Colds -- jar of Lauricidin

Is it true that NAC can help clear nasal passages?

Find out if N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) can help with post nasal drip & general sinus congestion and about supplements that may reduce cold symptoms.

Ill Woman in Bed Blowing Nose

The vision supplement I take is based on the AREDS2 formula, but it contains a lot of zinc -- 80 mg in the recommended daily serving. Is it necessary, and safe, to take this much zinc every day?

AREDS information on the safety of supplements containing high levels of zinc, including vision supplements.

Elderly Man Reading Supplement Bottle

Is Esberitox effective for treating a cold?

Esberitox is promoted to boos the immune system, but can it really shorten the effects of the common cold?

Esberitox Packaged

What are the health benefits of green tea, and is it safe?

ConsumerLab explains green tea's potential health benefits for everything from fighting cancer to helping your heart.

Cup of green tea with dried tea leaves

What is the difference between cysteine and cystine?

Find out the difference between cysteine and cystine amino acids, including where each is found and their functions.

Young Woman Taking Supplement

How can I get tested for the coronavirus? Can I get an at-home test for COVID-19? Which are the best tests? Are any tests free?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tests: Where to get COVID-19 tests, including information about free testing, home testing and more. Information about SARS-CoV-2 virus tests, antibody tests and FDA approved tests.

Home Test COVID

Is liposomal vitamin C (sold as Lypo-Spheric) better than other forms of vitamin C?

Liposomal vitamin C information, including absorption facts and current evidence.

Have you heard of the probiotic, Keybiotics? Does it do what it claims, and is it worth the money they charge?

Whole Body Research Keybiotics probiotic information, including its ingredients and possible cheaper alternatives.

Probiotics

Is ingesting colloidal silver helpful for any condition and is it safe to use? I'm seeing it promoted for many applications.

Find out if there is evidence showing colloidal silver can help to treat infections, boost the immune system, help with arthritis and more, plus find out if colloidal silver can cause blue skin or other side effects.

Benefits and Risks of Colloidal Silver? -- dropper bottle of colloidal silver

Is it safe to fly and how can I avoid getting COVID when flying?

How to fly safely and avoid COVID-19. Tips to help you stay safe and protect others while flying during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is it safe to fly and how can I avoid getting COVID-19? -- Man on Airplane With Mask and Hand sanitizer

What are the health benefits of amla and is it safe?

Learn about amla (Indian gooseberry), including its potential health benefits and possible safety concerns.

Amla supplement capsules being poured onto a wooden table with amla fruit in the background

What are the health benefits of bovine colostrum and is it safe?

Bovine colostrum is promoted for boosting immunity, preventing and treating diarrhea, and improving gut health, but does it really work? See the clinical evidence for bovine colostrum, including doses that have been used, as well as safety concerns, cost considerations, and the difference between regular bovine colostrum and hyperimmune bovine colostrum.

Bovine colostrum powder and capsule supplements

Do any supplements help for restless legs syndrome?

Find out whether supplements or vitamins like iron, magnesium, vitamin E and others can help for restless leg syndrome (RLS). ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Supplements for Restless Legs Syndrome

A tea called Throat Coat made me lethargic and I was found to have low potassium. Is this a known problem? I was drinking 5 cups a day.

Throat Coat tea information, including licorice root content, potassium loss, and symptoms such as lethargy, increased blood pressure and fluid retention. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Throat Coat Tea and Potassium Loss -- box of Throat Coat tea

Is it safe to take curcumin or turmeric supplements for a long period of time?

Information on the long-term effects of curcumin or turmeric supplements. Find out if curcumin and turmeric is safe to take for long periods. ConsumerLab explores these questions.

Is It Safe to Take Turmeric or Curcumin Supplements Long-Term? -- Bottle of Turmeric Capsules

Does heat kill coronavirus (COVID-19)? Can it disinfect face masks and packages?

Find out if heat kills the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 infection. Learn what temperature kills the coronavirus and more. ConsumerLab explains.

Does Heat Kill Coronavirus? -- Women Receiving Food Delivery

What are the health benefits of olive leaf extract?

Olive leaf extract is promoted to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin function, reduce joint pain, and other uses. Find out if it really works, see the clinical evidence, and learn about side effects and drug interactions with olive extract.

Olive Leaf Extract

Is it possible to take too much vitamin C?

Find out the daily value of vitamin C, along with possible side effects of excessive vitamin C intake. ConsumerLab explores the topic of proper vitamin C supplement usage, and why taking too much can be harmful.

Bottles of vitamin C pills

Which supplements are best for seasonal allergies?

Find out which supplements are best for allergies and can help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms, including bromelain, curcumin, vitamin D, and CLA.

Supplements for Seasonal Allergies -- Woman Outside Sneezing
Load More…

Clinical Updates (15)

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

9/11/2021

Flu Vaccine & COVID
Learn if you need to time your flu vaccine around your COVID vaccine and how the flu vaccine may affect you if you later get COVID. Also find out when kids should get a flu shot.
12/21/2021

This Year’s Flu Shot a “Bad Match?”
The 2021-2022 flu shot may be less effective against the currently dominant flu strain, but there is still good reason to get a shot, according to a recent study. Get the details in our updated article about Flu Vaccines.
11/15/2021

Flu & COVID Vaccines
Additional research indicates that it's safe to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines together. Get the details.
9/28/2021

COVID + Flu Shot Timing
Find out if you can get a flu shot and COVID-19 shot at the same time and how this may affect side effects.
9/28/2021

Flu Shot and Risk of COVID Complications
Getting a flu shot may actually reduce the risk of serious complications if you get COVID-19.
10/22/2021

Flu Vaccine for Transplant Recipients?
Find out if transplant recipients should consider getting a specific type of flu shot.
10/22/2021

Where to Get a Flu Shot
Find out where you can get specific flu shots and learn how much the shots cost.
2/16/2017

Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Colds & Flu

A study released today shows that taking vitamin D in a certain way reduces the risk of cold and flu infections by up to 70%. The benefits are greatest for people very deficient in vitamin D. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
8/21/2020

Can a Multivitamin Reduce Colds and Flu?
Can regularly taking a multivitamin reduce the chance of getting a cold or flu, or lessen the symptoms and duration of illness among older people? Find out what a recent study showed in the What They Do section of the Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among multivitamins for women, men, seniors, children and pets.
11/05/2021

Flu Shot + COVID Booster?
Find out if it's okay to get a flu shot at the same time as a COVID booster based on recent evidence.
9/22/2020

Does Elderberry Help With Flu Symptoms?
Did giving Sambucol (an elderberry extract) to people diagnosed with flu reduce the severity or shorten the duration of symptoms? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Elderberry Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among elderberry supplements.
1/15/2021

Vitamin D for Colds and Flu?
Does monthly high-dose vitamin D help prevent colds and flu or lessen symptoms in older people? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Supplement Review. Also, see our Top Pick for vitamin D.
5/25/2021

Ginger for Stomach Flu?
Can ginger extract reduce vomiting due to stomach flu? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Ginger Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among ginger supplements, chews, and spices.
1/28/2022

CBD To Reduce COVID Risk?
Use of a prescription formula was associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection in a recent analysis, but there are important caveats to this finding. Get the details in the Colds, Flu, and Viral Infections section of our Review.
12/04/2017

What NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
NAC is both a supplement and a drug used to treat conditions ranging from flu and chronic bronchitis to compulsive behavior. A recent study evaluated its use in preventing kidney injury during angiography (imaging of blood vessels). Get the results and learn more in the "What It Does" section of the NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) Supplements Review >> Also see our top choices among NAC supplements.
Load More…

Recalls & Warnings (75)

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

2/09/2022

FDA Warns Seller of Colloidal Silver Eye Drops, Copper Products & More
2/01/2022

Complaint Submitted to FTC for doTerra Essential Oil COVID Claims
2/02/2021

FDA Warns Seller of Ginger, Echinacea, and More
1/12/2021

FDA Warns Seller of Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Glucosamine, and More

12/31/2020

FDA Warns Seller of Flu Immune
12/17/2020

FTC Crackdown on Six Deceptive CBD Products
10/06/2020

FDA Warns Seller of Red Yeast Rice, Vitamin D, Blood Pressure Supplements, and More
7/14/2020

Sellers of Miracle Mineral Solution Criminally Charged With Making Coronavirus Claims
7/10/2020

Sundial Herbal Recalls More Than Sixty Products Including Turmeric, Cinnamon & Tea
6/05/2020

Seller of CBD, Sleep Aids, and Cold & Flu Products Warned for Manufacturing Violations
6/05/2020

LifeHealth Science Warned for Manufacturing Violations
6/04/2020

FTC Warns 35 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

6/02/2020

Sundial Herbal Ordered to Halt Distribution of Products
5/23/2020

FTC Warns 50 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

4/17/2020

Earth Angel Oils Warned for Coronavirus Claims
4/14/2020

Teami Tea Settles Charges of Unproven Claims and Deceptive Celebrity Endorsements
12/10/2019

Poisoning from Essential Oils Increasing
8/12/2019

Miracle Mineral Solution Is Dangerous, Warns FDA
7/27/2019

Herbal Doctor Remedies Recalls 43 Products
12/05/2018

Seller of Cold and Flu Supplements, "SuperFood" & More Warned by FDA
9/08/2018

Homeopathic Oral Sprays Recalled Due to Possible Bacterial Contamination
8/25/2018

Thirty-Two Children's Homeopathic Products Recalled

6/05/2018

FDA Warns Seller of Colloidal Silver
10/18/2017

FDA Warns Seller of Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Diabetes Supplements For Making Drug Claims
8/29/2017

FDA Warns Seller of Supplements for Allergies, Joint Pain, Bone Health, and More
6/10/2017

Seller of Prostate, Immune Supplements & More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
5/30/2017

Seller of Vitamin C, Calcium, Mushroom Supplements and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations
3/08/2016

Seller of Echinacea Warned Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
1/20/2016

Seller of Aloe, Moringa Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
9/18/2015

High Levels of Mercury and Lead Found in Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements
7/08/2015

Marketer Prohibited From Promoting Mineral "Cure" For Autism
6/26/2015

Seller of CoQ10, Anxiety Supplements and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
12/12/2014

Seller of Omega-3 "Syrup" Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
12/05/2014

Maker of Immune Supplement Warned for Manufacturing Violations
11/28/2014

Seller of Herbal Extracts Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims
9/27/2014

Chinese Flu Product Poses Lead Poisoning Risk
9/26/2014

Seller Warned for Promoting Essential Oils to Treat Flu, MRSA, Measles and More
9/05/2014

Seller of "Nerve", "Cleanse" and Probiotic Supplements Warned for Drug Claims
7/01/2014

Maker of Elderberry Concentrate Warned for Manufacturing Violations
5/06/2014

Seller of Flaxseed, Ginkgo and More Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
9/05/2013

Seller of Herbal Supplements and "Tonics" Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
6/13/2013

Seller of Cardio, Immune, Greens Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims
6/07/2013

Maker of Colloidal Silver and Mushroom Extract Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
5/23/2013

Seller of Sexual Enhancement, Cholesterol, Resveratrol Supplements and More Warned For Drug Claims
5/10/2013

Maker of Concentration, Pain, Immune, Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
5/03/2013

Homeopathic Company Warned For Drug Claims and Improper Labeling
5/03/2013

Maker of Omega-3, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort Supplements And More Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
4/23/2013

Seller of Digestion, Thyroid and Vitamin D Supplements Warned For Drug Claims
4/12/2013

Zicam Advised Against Using Cold Prevention Claim In Advertising
2/21/2013

FDA and FTC Warn: Supplements Cannot Prevent, Treat Or Cure Cold And Flu
2/20/2013

Cold, Flu and Stress Supplement Company Warned For Adulteration, Drug Claims And More
1/30/2013

Maker of Cold and Flu Supplement Warned For Making Drug Claims
1/11/2013

Consumers May Be Eligible For Cold, Allergy and Weight Loss Supplement Refunds
11/26/2012

Court Injunction Halts Sale of Cholesterol, CoQ10, Progesterone, Prostate Supplements and More
11/14/2012

Maker of Vitamin C, Aloe and Sexual Enhancement Supplements Warned for Drug Claims and Misbranding
10/17/2012

Herbal Supplement Company Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
10/05/2012

Illegal Claims on Weight Loss, Immune System Dietary Supplements, and Few Backed by Clinical Data

9/18/2012

Maker of Noni, Nopal, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Supplements Warned For Drug Claims, Misbranding, and Manufacturing Violations
8/30/2012

Supplement Company Warned For Medical Claims and Misbranding Of Omega-3, CoQ10, Noni Juice And More
8/29/2012

Herbal Supplement Company Warned For Medical Claims
7/05/2012

FDA Warns Good Herbs Inc. of Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
6/01/2012

Homeopathic Manufacturer Settles False Advertising Suit

2/11/2012

Herbal Sprays for Colds and Cold Sores Recalled
6/21/2011

FDA Seizes Probiotics Over Marketing Claims
6/07/2011

FDA Seizes Elderberry Juice Concentrate Due to Unproven Claims
8/09/2010

FDA Warns Against "Miracle" Mineral Supplement
7/15/2010

Supplement Company Pays $5.5 Million to Settle False Advertising Claims
12/17/2008

Airborne Settles Over False Advertising -- $7 Million to States

3/04/2008

Airborne Settles Lawsuit Over False Advertising of its "Miracle Cold Buster"
3/16/2006

Garden of Life, Maker of Primal Defense, Settles FTC Charges
6/09/2005

FTC Cracks Down on "HGH" Supplements; $20 Million in Consumer Redress
10/27/2004

Some Supplements Can Damage Eyes At High Doses and with Topical Use
4/01/2004

Aloe Producer Recalls Product Due to Toxic Levels of Vitamin D
12/20/2002

U.S. Seizes Supplement Illegally Marketed for Virus and Cold Use; FDA Steps Up Activity Against Supplements with False Claims
6/20/2002

Canadian Warning on Use of Bejai Bowyantan for Infants

Load More…

News Releases (11)

Search term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.

3/12/2020

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Big Differences Among Elderberry Supplements
3/04/2020

CBD Most Often Used for Pain, Then Sleep, According to CL Survey. Half of Users Think It Works.
3/11/2019

Best NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab
5/02/2018

Best Probiotic Supplements and Kombuchas? -- ConsumerLab Tests 41 Popular Products, Reveals Problems and Top Picks
12/09/2014

Round-up of Recent Product Tests by ConsumerLab.com -- Results for B Vitamin Supplements & Energy Drinks, Garlic, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), Iron and Omega-7 Fatty Acids
1/29/2014

You May Be Getting More Vitamin C Than You Think from Some Supplements, Cautions ConsumerLab.com -- 27% of Vitamin C Supplements Don't Meet Label Claims in Recent Tests --
11/25/2013

Many Probiotic Supplements Fall Short on Listed Amounts of Helpful Organisms
2/09/2012

Probiotics grow in popularity but don't always deliver on promises says ConsumerLab.com -- New report provides guidance to consumers
8/16/2010

Problems persist with ginseng supplements -- Review by ConsumerLab.com finds 45% of products don't provide full amount of ingredient or are contaminated
6/30/2010

Echinacea supplements vary widely in ingredients but found clear of contaminants according to ConsumerLab.com -- New review guides consumers through wide range of dosage, species, preparations, and formulas in echinacea products
5/07/2001

Over forty percent of Echinacea products fail ConsumerLab.com review; Inadequate labeling and missing ingredients found common for popular herbal cold remedy
Load More…
Results
  1. Product Reviews
  2. CL Answers
  3. Clinical Updates
  4. Recalls & Warnings
  5. News Releases