Stay Healthy Naturally This Flu Season

Greetings! It’s coming up on flu season yet again, but I want to suggest you think twice before running out to get a flu vaccine. This year, keep yourself healthy the natural way! Here’s why– There are now two types of flu vaccines–a shot and the new FluMist, which is administered nasally. Both vaccines are made up of fluids from chick embryos that have been inoculated with the three strains of influenza viruses determined most likely to show up in the United States each year.

Although it sounds like a great idea to get a shot or spray to prevent the flu, there are several problems with the vaccine. First, the ingredients in the vaccine are problematic. Because the vaccine is made of chick fluids, anyone allergic to eggs cannot take it. The flu viruses in the shot are inactivated with formaldehyde and thimerosal, a mercury derivative. The spray contains monosodium glutamate, a substance many people are allergic to. The antibiotic Gentamicin is then added during manufacturing. The second problem with the vaccine is that its most common side effects look a lot like the flu and can last several days. For FluMist, they include runny nose, cough, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, fever, chills, and tiredness. With the shot, common reactions include fever, fatigue, painful joints, and headaches. Why take a substance that may basically give you the symptoms of the flu?

The third problem is concern that the new flu vaccine may actually lead to more cases of the flu. FluMist, which will be available in stores, contains a live virus, making it possible for those who receive it to spread the infection.

People receiving the vaccine are advised to avoid close contact with immune-compromised individuals (who can’t take the vaccine) for at least three weeks, meaning they’re contagious for this time. Instead of the traditional flu vaccine, I suggest you protect yourself and your family with a product like Dolivaxil, a homeopathic formula that contains the same three virus strains used in the vaccine without the additional ingredients. The product is all-natural, has no drug interactions, and can be used safely by all adults and children over 2. (Flumist, on the other hand is contraindicated for children under age 5 and people over 49, the people most at risk from the flu, as well as for asthmatics and pregnant women, among others.) 

You can also protect yourself by boosting your immune system with:

• Vitamin C
• a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and moderate amounts of protein
• moderate exercise
• enough sleep
• plenty of water.

Finally, don’t forget your mother’s advice–wash your hands frequently!

Sources: Dolisos. Dolivaxil Product Packaging “The Flu and the Flu Vaccine” The National Vaccine Information Center Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal FluMist Package Insert. http://www.fda.gov/cber/label/inflmed061703LB.pdf, page 2 * The information in this article cannot be substituted for medical advice about your unique body. Call for an appointment to discuss questions or concerns. Tenesha Weine, D.C., Austin, Texas (512) 328-0505