Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/fish-oil-could-lead-to-new-flu-fighters-9871.aspx
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Researchers report that fats from fish oil prevent the flu from killing mice when given with antiviral drugs, even when the mice are suffering from advanced stages of the disease.
A compound derived from fish oil helped prevent death in mice infected with the flu, even when the disease had progressed to an advanced stage before treatment, according to study published today in Cell.
Researchers reported that the PD1, derived from fish oil, was effective at stopping the flu virus from replicating in the laboratory in human lung cells. And flu-infected mice who were given PD1 in combination with an antiviral drug were more likely to survive the disease — even when the treatment was administered more than two days after the mice came down with the flu.
Antiviral drugs on the market, such as Tamilflu, are typically not effective when given to human patients after more than two days.
“Tamiflu is the most commonly used antiviral medication right now, and it does have some benefit, but the benefit is incomplete,” said Dr. Bruce Hirsch, attending physician in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York.
Why We Need More Targeted Flu Treatments
The development of a more targeted flu drug that could be effective in severe flu cases has the potential to save many lives, especially for seniors or those with weakened immune systems, said Hirsch. This could be particularly helpful in severe flu seasons like the current one. The U.S. Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the flu vaccine fell short for seniors this year, providing only 9 percent protection against the nastiest strain of the virus. Overall, the CDC says the vaccine was only about 56 percent effective.
“The average efficacy of the vaccine is 60 to 70 percent in the population, so it’s imperfect, although it is helpful and people should continue to get the flu shots, especially healthy people who are around others in a weakened condition,” said Hirsch.
Flu seasons vary from year to year, and so does the hospitalization and death toll. The CDC estimates more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized for flu-related complications every year, and the flu can kill up to almost 50,000 people every year.
“Flu and related complications are a dangerous problem,” said Hirsch. “The vaccine strategy is helpful, but it’s not efficient.”
According to Hirsch, the question for for future research is whether or not a person can safeguard him or herself from the flu by adding dietary omega-3 fatty acids.
“We know that fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties, so the question is whether or not fish oils have these anti-inflammatory properties because of molecules like PD1,” he said.
What if someone could ward against the flu simply by eating a diet rich in fish oils, or taking supplements?
“I think the concept of preventing health problems before they occur and avoiding some of the intense inflammation we may be subject to because of our western diet is an interesting area to explore,” said Hirsch.
Research has shown that can cut the number of strokes in people with heart disease, slow hardening of the arteries that can lead to heart disease, reduce blood pressure and lower triglycerides — fats which are unhealthy in high levels in the body.
As a result, there is some specific fish oil extract products that we should keep an eye on. Such as MarineOmega from PHARMANEX from Nu Skin. MarineOmega is formulated to provide 1200mg/day of ultra-pure omega-3 fatty acids and krill oil rich in DHA and EPA. MarineOmega provides an excellent source of EPA and DHA for optimal health; supports normal brain function and wellness; promotes cardiovascular health; promotes a healthy immune response; supports joint function and mobility; promotes skin health and beauty. MarineOmega can be the no1 candidate for you in order to fight the flu 
Take care
Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/fish-oil-could-lead-to-new-flu-fighters-9871.aspx