Lately, it seems that you can’t turn on a corner without running into a place you can get a flu shot. Should you get the shot? How about your family? Let’s look at some of the facts.
The first thing to remember is that doing all we can to keep our bodies as healthy as possible is the best way to prevent the flu. A healthy person is less likely to contract the flu in any form and much more able to combat it effectively should infection occur.
What about the flu shot? Think long and hard before you get a flu shot. Do the research and then decide what’s best for you and your family. The current strain of flu most often is not contained in the seasonal shot. Flu shots contain 2—4 strains of flu virus (chosen from prevalent strains in China and Australia the previous flu season). There are hundreds of different strains circulating in the population. So, chances are that you will not even come in contact with the virus that you’ve been vaccinated with.
The flu shot you’ll be getting has NOT been tested for effectiveness. It can’t be as it was just developed this spring. Research shows it’s not effective in the most susceptible populations (those over 65 and young children). Any flu shot depresses your immune system, so that if you do come in contact with a virus which was not in the vaccine you received, you may be more susceptible. There are other potential dangers to the shot as well, including dangerous additives which can cause and contribute to health problems far more serious than the flu. If you would like additional information on this topic, check out www.mercola.com and type in flu shot.
If you do decide that getting a flu shot is best for you, the recommendations on this page are still important to consider, since the effectiveness of the flu shot has never been shown to be greater than 50% (and lower in many vulnerable populations). Also, there are many other types of illness which have symptoms similar to the flu, but which are not caused by a flu virus. With these, as with the flu, the best strategy is to keep your body as healthy as possible.
The following are some ways to keep your immune system working its best to avoid the flu or deal with it most effectively if you do succumb.
- Get adjusted on a regular basis. Subluxations interfere with the proper function of your nerve system which is closely linked to your immune system. Keeping your nerve system working at its best helps your body stay as healthy as possible.
- Avoid Sugar— Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately. So, be especially careful during the holidays or if you feel at all that you’re “coming down with something. Remember, fruit juice has a lot of sugar in it.
- Keep your diet as healthy as possible—Eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean protein gives your body what it needs to stay healthy. Supplementing your diet with a high quality nutritional supplement helps you to get the nutrients your body might be missing.
- Drink plenty of water—Being properly hydrated is important for good body function. Also, if you’re drinking plenty of water you’re less likely to be drinking other things which aren’t as good for your body.
- Get 15 minutes of sunshine as often as possible— Most of us are deficient in Vitamin D, a vitally important substance for our immune system. Get out in the sun. If you can’t, supplement with good quality Vitamin D3
- Get enough rest— If you’re fatigued, your resistance will decrease and your body will find it harder to fight the flu. Your body does most of its repair work while you’re sleeping. Give it the time it needs.
- Don’t let stress become overwhelming—Stress plays havoc on our nerve system and our immune system. When our body is in a stress mode, immune system function can be depressed. Find ways to decrease the stresses in your life. If this seems impossible, then develop strategies for not letting the stresses affect you in such a negative way.
- Exercise—Exercise increases circulation and enhances immune system function. It helps combat the effects of stress, elevates your mood and outlook and is important for overall body function.
- Wash your hands— This is simple advice, but it can help to decrease the likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people.