what is recommended most to avoid the flu?

wash your hands.

what kills the flu virus within 3 mins upon contact?

iodine

1944...

http://www.jimmunol.org/cgi/content/abstract/49/2/123


Inactivation of Influenza Virus by Mild Antiseptics1
Wolcott B. Dunham and Ward J. MacNeal

Department of Bacteriology, New York Post-Graduate Medical School and Hospital, Columbia University

Abstract

A number of antiseptics were tested for their inactivating effect upon the virus of influenza during a brief period of exposure. This was accomplished by preparing mixtures of the antiseptics and virus, allowing them to remain in contact for 3 minutes, diluting the mixtures to the point where they would not be toxic for chick embryos and then injecting the material into embryonated eggs. Survival of the embryos indicated inactivation of the virus.

The following preparations were found to inactivate the virus in 3 minutes or less: phenol, 3 per cent; tincture of iodine, U.S.P. XII, 0.1 per cent; Lugol's solution, U.S.P. XII, 1 per cent; mercuric chloride, 1:1000; potassium permanganate, 1:1000; copper sulfate, 1 per cent; propylene glycol, 90 per cent; liquor antisepticus, N.F. VII, 80 per cent.

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With that in mind, I concocted a hand gel. Here's the recipe:

1 cup aloe vera gel

1 tsp vegetable glycerin

1-2 teaspoons of witch hazel.

40-50 drops Lugol's solution. variable, depending on your tolerance and acceptance.

and, you can add essential oils for their scent/antimicrobial properties. My all time fave is lavender- say 20 drops or so, but you could use oregano, eucalyptus, whatever you would like. You could use oils purely for scent- patchouli, palmarosa....

I made this today and I must say that it is quite nice. It is not drying like a lot of other hand sanitizers are, due to the usually high alcohol content.

It's very nice. Put it in a small bottle and carry it with you.

xxoo

happy trails.