Pass On The Flu Shot

We’re into autumn again, which means that it’s time for the annual flu scare. One year, the scare was about a mutant virus that wasn’t included in the prepared vaccine; another year it’s a “shortage” of the vaccine itself. The news has people lined up outside pharmacies and public health centers, waiting for hours to get the magic injection that will save their lives. Why is the public being scared into believing an epidemic is imminent, year after year, and being urged to get a so-called antidote for something that has not been scientifically proven to be effective? Yes, you probably guessed it. The flu vaccine is big money for pharmaceutical companies. Glaxo, manufacturer of the swine flu vaccine, saw profits soar into the billions in 2009 (1) and Novartis, makers of “flu shots” saw profits rise by 49% in the first quarter of 2010. (2) Sales have grown along with the escalation in warnings each season by the media about impending flu epidemics absent a flu shot.

What that tells us is that the scare tactics of pharmaceutical companies, presented as public service announcements, are effective. All they need do is create a media frenzy and we head in droves to their local clinic to get a flu shot. If the flu shot were useful, then I would say you should be concerned. It appears, though, that it isn’t.

There is some doubt about whether the vaccine actually confers immunity. We know it does create antibodies, but those antibodies are only one portion of your immune system. There are no placebo controlled studies that show any benefit in terms of saving lives. (Isn’t that the same argument used against natural medicine? Hmm.) The Public Health Agency of Canada also notes concerns about antiviral resistance in those given the vaccine year after year. (3) So, if the flu vaccine is unproven as a cure and may lead to secondary concerns like resistance to treatment, then what can you do to safeguard your health, year after year, that is effective and without negative side effects?

Keep the Flu Away

Here’s the bottom line: You don’t need the flu shot. I would not recommend it for children, who are the most likely to get the flu, but have sufficiently healthy immune systems to fight it—and in most cases to fight it well. And I would not recommend any form of vaccine for most adults who are basically healthy. The way to get through the flu season this year and in the future is to ensure you are active and growing healthier every day, and therefore have a healthy immune system.

That means eat healthy, nutritious food, organic if possible, and go easy on foods that depress your immune system, such as refined carbohydrates and sugar. To cover your bases, take a multivitamin daily, preferably a high-quality one that provides more than the minimum daily values set by Health Canada. I recommend and alternate taking Zwell Supermeal, which comes as a powder and gives me a break from swallowing tablets. In addition, I take 4,000IU of organic vitamin D3 every day.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Once cold and flu season hits, I don’t wait around for symptoms to strike because I prefer a more proactive approach to my health. For daily immune support, I choose Zwell Immunz, a 100% drug-free natural health product that contains one of the highest concentrations of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) medicinal mushroom extract on the market. Zwell Immunz is made with the most precious part of Lingzhi mushroom – the spore. Spore powder has up to 75 times more active compounds than the body and mycelium of Lingzhi. The Lingzhi spore shell is hard and solid and cannot be easily digested by the human body. Zwell Immunz uses a special spore shell breaking technique to break its shell and obtain the potent spore powder, making the effects of Zwell Immunz far more effective than taking a Lingzhi extract from whole mushroom.

In a completely unique proprietary blend, Zwell Immunz has combined Lingzhi with Sensoril^TM, a patented herbal extract proven in clinical trials to reduce the negative effects from stress that supress the immune system.

When taken daily, Zwell Immunz provides safe, effective and clinically proven support for my immune system in a totally natural way.

In addition, as we go into the fall, try some simple body-care routines. These are easy to remember and easy to do, and go a long way toward preventing a cold or the flu.

• Dry-brush your skin for a few minutes before you shower to stimulate your lymphatic system and open your pores.
• Exercise regularly to get your circulation pumping, and wastes moving out.
• Wash your hands regularly; avoid transferring pathogens into your body by touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.
• Get enough sleep so your immune system can do its work (it actively works at night while you sleep).
• Keep fresh air flowing in your house and office space, including in your bedroom. Closed-in places are hot spots for microbes.
• Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of clean water.
• Use a humidifier. It can save you many a cold and flu, as it can keep your mucous membranes moist and intact. The moisture is a big part of our immune barrier, and contains special immune fighting cells as our first line of defense.

Flu Fighters

With natural medicines, the earlier you start the better. Should you find yourself experiencing symptoms of a cold or the flu, here are some effective recommendations. My favorites are medicinal mushrooms, like Lingzhi found in Zwell ImmunZ, which give your immune system a natural boost and help it function at its best. Another proven product is NAC (N-acetylcysteine), which is a precursor to the ubiquitous free radical scavenger glutathione, made by your body. NAC is prescribed in Germany as a first-line defense for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, and has been shown to help prevent winter ills, and decrease their symptoms when gotten. And don’t forget your vitamin C. Both of these nutrients can be found in Zwell Supermeal.

Remember, the best defenses you could ever have against the flu or any infectious disease are your behaviour, then your own immune system. It’s the most intelligent, potent bodyguard you have.

Resources:

1.        http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1201450/GlaxoSmithKline-accused-profiteering-drug-giant-charges-NHS-6-flu-vaccine-costs-1-make.html

2.        http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-20/novartis-profit-rises-on-h1n1-flu-vaccine-revenue-update1-.html

3.        http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/08vol34/dr-rm3403a-eng.php