Suck a tablet and ward off the flu
A new lozenge could block cold and flu infections
Scientists have developed a lozenge that can block flu infections or reduce symptoms. They believe it could hold the key to treating swine flu.
The lozenge contains a compound - interferon alpha - that is used to fight a number of cancers and works to boost the immune system.
Current treatments for flu aim to block viruses reproducing. However, these drugs are not a long-term solution because the virus can develop resistance.
The lozenge works by targeting the body's defences - interferon alpha is produced by the immune system when the body is under attack.
In the trial at the University of Western Australia, 160 people who are exposed to colds and flu regularly are taking the lozenge, developed by Amarillo Biosciences, or a placebo daily for 16 weeks.
Volunteers will complete a weekly survey to see if they have experienced cold/flu symptoms, any medication taken and workdays missed.
Results from the trial are expected later this year, but laboratory studies have already shown it to be effective.
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In one study, a single dose of interferon placed in the noses of mice reduced deaths from 50 per cent to zero in H5N1 - bird flu - influenza infections.
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