Flu Vaccinations?
The conventional consensus is that vaccinating our elderly population against influenza 'remains the best preventative tool available'. Yet the figures from the Centre for Communicable Diseases (CDC) show that of those tested who had influenza, 32% had received the vaccination . This suggests that one in three had no benefit. (1) Furthermore influenza may not be as dangerous to our elderly population as is made out by authorities. (2)
There is evidence from some authorities to suggest flu shots themselves might be dangerous so why are children and pregnant women being encouraged to have the vaccination when it may be no more effective than placebo? (3)
We could put the statistic down to the fact that flu vaccinations are active only against some strains of virus and not others but controversy remains about vaccinations leading to other health problems.
There are concerns about the compounds added to vaccinations to preserve them,(formaldehyde, mercury and aluminium amongst others), and adjuvants that are meant to stimulate the immune system to react more aggressively towards the viral component of the vaccinations. Unfortunately adjuvants may stimulate the immune system against problems already in the system such as auto immune disease or cancer.
There is also a theoretical link between repeated flu shots and the development of Alzheimer's disease although a couple of broader studies have refuted this. (4,5)
One authority strongly criticises vaccination policy. It suggests examination of safety concerns are ignored in favour of increasing vaccination rates despite unresolved issues. There is evidence that dubious studies have been accepted which over inflate vaccination benefits when developing and promoting vaccination policies. (6)
Considerations
Perhaps the decision whether to vaccinate or not should always be taken based on an individual's need and past history. Discussions should be had with practitioners who have alternative or complementary medical knowledge and have studied the pros and cons of vaccination.
How to protect against flu
Lifestyle - Try to avoid contact with others with flu. If you are in a risk group (aging, lung or heart disease, poorly controlled asthmatics, immuno compromised or perhaps have a history of miscarriage) try and keep away from public transport ,where you will be in a confined space, such as the underground, during periods of epidemic.
Maintain a healthy diet. Eat lots of fruit and vegetable, particularly through the flu season, and consider taking protective supplements as listed below.
Exercise and get as much fresh air as possible. Ensure homes are aerated, particularly if there is contagion in the house or children with bad coughs and colds live with you or have been in to visit.
Recommended Supplementation
Please consider getting advice from your primary health practitioner on suitable dosages but we should all be taking the following through the winter:
- Vitamin D
- Probiotics - boosting bowel flora has been proven to reduce frequency and duration of infections.
- A broad multivitamin/mineral
At the first sign of cold or flu symptoms try taking as large a dose of vitamin C as your health practitioner recommends (perhaps up to 10g). A good guideline for your practitioner is the amount that does not cause loose stool or abdominal symptoms.
If you develop flu consider:
- Vitamin C daily
- Echinacea
- Beta Glucans
- Standard over the counter preparations - Paracetemol/Acetominophen particularly before bed to try and reduce symptoms and get a good nights sleep.
Use inhalations of Lobelia, Lavender or Tea Tree Oil to reduce chest and sinus symptoms.
More information can be obtained from the Immune System chapter in my book Live Longer, LiveYounger'
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/shocking-lack-evidence-supporting-flu-vaccines
