Answer:
Garlic wine is a folk remedy used to boost circulation, protect cardiovascular health, warm the body, and temporarily clear nasal and throat passages. However, this remedy only offers supportive effects; it cannot kill the flu virus or shorten the duration of the illness.
The flu is an acute infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. After entering the body, the virus rapidly multiplies, damaging the respiratory tract lining. Allicin and other sulfur compounds in garlic are not potent enough to inhibit the flu virus when consumed orally. Garlic wine also cannot replace medical treatments like antiviral drugs.
Excessive consumption of garlic wine can lead to stomach irritation, dehydration, and slow recovery while the body fights infection. Individuals with liver disease, stomach or duodenal ulcers, thyroid disorders, or those taking anticoagulants should avoid garlic wine. Furthermore, high, prolonged doses of fresh garlic can cause bad breath, heartburn, digestive issues, abdominal pain, and affect the thyroid gland.
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Garlic-infused wine does not treat the flu; use with caution. Illustration: Vecteezy |
Garlic-infused wine does not treat the flu; use with caution. Illustration: Vecteezy
Typically, flu symptoms resolve within 5-7 days. However, people should not be complacent with treatment, self-administering antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or folk remedies. When infected with the flu, patients need to drink enough fluids, consume soft, easily digestible foods rich in vegetables and fruits, and get adequate rest. If experiencing prolonged high fever, severe cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek early medical consultation and follow prescribed treatment to shorten illness duration and reduce hospitalization risk.
Flu vaccination is currently the most effective preventive measure. Vietnam offers four types of flu vaccines from Vietnam, South Korea, the Netherlands, and France, protecting against A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B strains. Vaccination reduces the risk of illness by 60%, hospitalization by 90%, and mortality by 70-80%. Children from 6 months old to under 9 years old who have never been vaccinated require two doses, administered at least four weeks apart. Individuals 9 years old and adults need one dose. Pregnant women can receive the vaccine at any stage, ideally during the second trimester. An annual booster shot is necessary to maintain immunity.
Doctor Bui Cong Su
(Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System)
Readers can submit vaccine-related questions for the doctor to answer here.
