Wednesday 07/January/2026 – 11:38 PM
With the start of 2026, millions of people in the United States are facing a season flu It is described as among the most severe in recent years, amid a noticeable increase in the number of infections and hospital admissions, especially in New York State.
Does a popular nutritional supplement help relieve severe flu symptoms?
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States (CDC), about 4.6 million cases of influenza have been recorded so far this season, in addition to 49,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 1,900 deaths, indicative of the spread of a rapidly transmissible strain of the influenza A virus, known as subtype (K).
Health experts attribute this rise to the ability of the new strain to partially evade immunity acquired from previous infections or vaccines, making a wider segment of the population vulnerable to infection.
In search of ways to relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of illness, many people have turned to an over-the-counter nutritional supplement known as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which some users promote as a respiratory support system that may help alleviate flu symptoms.
NAC is a complementary form of the amino acid cysteine, which is found naturally in protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, and whole grains, and plays an important role in boosting levels of glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants.
Glutathione contributes to reducing oxidative stress, supporting immune system functions, and helping to eliminate toxins, which has made it a subject of increasing interest in medical circles.
NAC is already used in traditional medicine, as the US Food and Drug Administration has approved it as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose poisoning, due to its role in protecting the liver.
It is also used to treat some respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, because of its ability to thin mucus and facilitate its expulsion from the lungs.
What do studies say?
Some research suggests potential benefits of NAC in reducing the severity of flu symptoms. In an Italian study, participants took 600 mg of the supplement twice daily for six months, and the results showed a clear reduction in infection rates and symptom severity compared to those who took a placebo.
However, experts stress that NAC is not a primary treatment for influenza, but it may be a supportive supplement, especially in the elderly or people at risk for respiratory complications or heavy mucus secretions.
Doctors stressed that patients who exhibit severe symptoms should rely on approved treatments, such as antiviral medications (Tamiflu or Zofluza), which are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms.
