And it won't help to take Tamiflu or Relenza as a preventative, because they are designed to treat symptoms, Zich said.

CNN: What to do if you have the flu

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Zich.

CNN: How the holidays spread the flu

If a patient is short of breath or can't keep fluids down because of nausea, these are signs of a problem that needs immediate attention, Zich said.

CNN: What to do if you have the flu