The flu is officially an epidemic. Here's how you can fight the flu and recover faster.
By Rachael Anderson
The flu has officially reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., pushing many of our nation's hospitals to the brink. Health experts say this year's strain -- the H3N2 virus -- is exceptionally easy to catch and spread. And in a perfect storm of contagion, there's a highly infectious stomach bug going around and the worst outbreak of whooping cough in 60 years.
What can you do if you come down with the flu? Mehmet Oz, MD, reveals his top flu essentials to stop the spread of the virus and help you recover faster.
Essentials #1 and #2: Ibuprofen and acetaminophen
Dr. Oz recommends you alternate between the two. "This combination of drugs targets different receptors and delivers a one-two punch to fevers," says Oz. "And by alternating them, you actually protect against overloading your kidneys or your liver." Oz recommends you take acetaminophen first. Four to six hours later, take two ibuprofen. Four to six hours







