When people suffer from flu, the Eustachian tubes get blocked thereby allowing the germs to get in the ear. Flu vaccines, one of the many remedies, are usually given between October and December as it helps in the formation of antibodies within 2 weeks and help in providing immunity within 4 to 6 weeks. The flu vaccine may cause an allergic reaction or soreness at the injection site. It is recommended that all children should be given the vaccine.

Ear infection is also caused by bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can be prevented with the help of antibiotics. A prophylactic antibiotic which consists of amoxicillinis is given to prevent bacterial infections. It is recommended that this antibiotic should be used more often in cold and flu situations.

Another way of preventing bacterial infection is by administering a Pneumococcal vaccine which protects one against the pneumococcal bacteria which is the most common cause of middle ear infections. This vaccine has been incorporated in the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule so that every child gets it.

One should include a diet which has antioxidants like dark-colored fruits and vegetables as these help in strengthening the immune system. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol found in strawberries, raspberries and birch has medicinal properties which fight the pneumococcal bacteria and thus prevents ear infections.

People should avoid cigarette smoke and parents should not expose their children to second hand smoke as studies show that smoke can trigger ear infections. It is highly recommended that one quits smoking if one is prone to ear infections.

Breastfeeding strengthens the immunity of a new born and protects it against several infections including ear infections. Another advantage of breast feeding is that the position in which the child is held during breastfeeding allows the Eustachian tubes to function properly. So mothers should ensure that their children are breastfed.

Personal hygiene prevents germs from spreading. One should wash one’s hands to kill them. It is highly recommended that one does not share one’s eating and drinking utensils.

Children catch viral and bacterial infection very easily from others. So it is advised that one should take one’s child to a child care center having fewer children. Lesser the number of children lesser the contact with bacteria and viruses.

One can get ear tubes put in one’s ear if one suffers from ear infection frequently. Ear tubes are minute tubes which are inserted by an ENT specialist into the eardrum. These tubes are inserted under general anesthesia. They drain the ear fluid which might cause infection. The ear tube also provides an outlet for the fluid from the middle ear which forms when one has cold. One can keep an ear tube in one’s ear for 6 months to 12 months. 

This may injure tissues of the tract and cause infection. While swimming one should always use earplugs. This will ensure that the water does not enter one’s ears and be protected against infections caused by water.