Home > FLU SEASON: TO VACCINATE OR NOT

This is the number one question I get going into late fall and early winter. To me, it is a personal choice. This is always a difficult question to answer because it depends on you. Personally, I don't recommend the flu shot, but to assist you in your decision, I will try to help you understand more about this potentially deadly illness.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be a mild illness or lead to death. The flu virus is usually spread by a cough or sneeze. It can take as little as one day after exposure for you to develop symptoms.You can be considered contagious from the first day exposed.

Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications
• About 36,000 people die from the flu

Who should get vaccinated? This is what modern medicine recommends (not necessarily my opinion):

• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities

It can take weeks (up to 6) after you get vaccinated for your immune system to protect you against the flu.

For more up-to-date information on the flu shot, check out the CDC's influenza website: www.cdc.gov/flu.

Perhaps you are in a state of health that has your immune system weak. Or, you don't follow my 4-Pillars of health (Diet, Activity, Mind/Spirit and Supplement). There are many reasons we may get sick. Even the Herbal Pharmacist gets sick. I can always link it back to not practicing what I preach. Maybe I ate the wrong foods, or didn't get the rest I needed. Or,maybe I didn't reorder my immune support supplements.There are tons of reasons why we may get the flu. The following are my recommendations for preventing and ridding the body of the flu.

Prevention:

• Follow the 4-Pillars(Especially no refined foods – white foods)
• Use Probiotics daily (Flora Smart,Acidophilus Pearls,Primadophilus Reuteri Pearls, etc.)
• Host Defense
• Life Shield
• Wellmune WGP® (Beta Glucan from Yeast)
• Immunolin®
• MD Select Advanced Immune Support
• Cell Forte® Max
• RM-10 Ultra

Got it - need to get rid of it:

• Homeopathic remedies (Oscillococcinum)
• Vitamin C (Use higher doses 1-3 grams or more)
• Zinc Lozenges(Immune Actin)
• Esberitox (my personal favorite – kid friendly)
• Elderberry (Sambuguard)
• Echinacea
• The Vitamin Shoppe® Sambucus

As I frequently mention, diet is critical during the cold and flu months. Increase consumption of nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, veggies and if you eat animal proteins try to eat organic. While increasing these good foods, eliminate (not decrease) the bad foods such as refined oils, white foods (sugar, honey, pasta, bread(s), bagels, potatoes, etc.). Sugar and honey can have an immediate effect on decreased immune function (I always say it makes your immune cells stupid) for extended periods of time. Maybe this is why we get sick during the holidays? We tend to eat more of the things that are bad for immune health and less of the things that promote immune wellness.

Finally, your flu shot choice is and should be a personal choice. Don't let your family, friends or health care professional bully you into your choice. If you decide not to get the flu shot and are in a high risk group, please make sure you take every precaution to assure yourself of a healthy winter and early spring.