Does N-acetylcysteine Lower the Chance of Catching Flu?

Andrew Huberman says a study shows N-acetylcysteine, a glutathione precursor, at 600 to 900 milligrams three times per day can reduce the likelihood of catching flu. People in the study were exposed to other people with flu virus.

He thinks the mid-70 percentage range of people who took the placebo got the flu after being exposed to flu virus, and he thinks the number fell to the high 20s in the group that took N-acetylcysteine. The figures should be double-checked. N-acetylcysteine can make the nose run a little because it is a mucolytic, and other doses are used for cystic fibrosis, the buildup of fluid in the lungs. It can also perhaps help shorten the course of a cold or flu. He learned the approach from an ER doctor working through the pandemic who needed to stay healthy.

He takes N-acetylcysteine when he feels he is getting sick. He also takes it once per day, and three times a day if he feels run down, is traveling, or is around somebody who is sick. Increasing glutathione is safe in his view. He has no financial relationship to any company that sells it, and the products are pretty much equivalent.