Oh, oh, it is flu season again, and with it comes the quandary—should I get a flu shot or should I take an alternative route. We think it would help if you got the pros and cons to assist in making an intelligent choice.

We know what they are saying out there. If you get the flu shot, you can go anywhere and do anything and you are invincible and totally exempt from catching anything. The question is, if the above were true, why is there so much negative propaganda out there about the shots? Why do so many alternative and medical practitioners have skepticism and think it does more harm than good?

The chief reason numerous experts believe flu vaccines do not work is because of a natural scientific event called “antigenic shift and drift”. What this means to you is that viruses are forever evolving and mutating from one form to another. According to The Center for Disease Control, “Influenza seasons are unpredictable. The beginning, severity, and length of an epidemic can vary widely from year to year making it impossible to accurately predict the features of any season.”

And what do the pharmaceutical companies base their flu vaccine on—Last year’s influenza virus! How preposterous do you think the concept of producing a vaccine today to protect you from the exact virus that is rampant right now—if by the time it is manufactured and used, the virus will have already mutated many times into a completely different virus.

Why is it that when you check out the statistics, it shows that only a few decades ago, less than 20,000 people a year died from the flu? Guess what—last year, the numbers were well over 40,000. Yes, the population has increased by 25%, but hospitalizations and deaths from the flu have multiplied 100%. Does that sound like the flu shot is working?

In addition, it is very important that you determine what substances are being dispensed through the needle. Here are some of the substances that have been listed in the manufacturing of the flu vaccine:

Antibiotics such as neomycin, polymyxin B and gentamicin are included to eradicate stray bacteria located in the mixture. Thimerosol, which is an organic from of mercury is used as a preservative. Thimerosol has been linked to brain injury and autoimmune disease. In addition, numerous studies have revealed substantially increased odds of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation, speech disorders, personality disorders and thinking abnormalities in children after receiving a vaccine containing thimerosol.

Additional Ingredients:

• Triton-X 100, a detergent
  

• Formaldehyde, an embalming fluid that is carcinogenic
  

• Polysorbate 80, an emulsifier that is a possible carcinogen
  

• Gelatin and residual egg proteins used to encourage the cultures. (How about people who are allergic to eggs?)
  

• Ethylene Glycol, used as automobile anti-freeze.
  

• Carbolic Acid, a toxic, caustic poison
  

• Aluminum, known to cause Alzheimer’s disease, seizures and cancer.

We’re not finished yet, as there are possible added risks connected with the injectable flu shot that you should know about:

• Anaphylaxis (an abrupt, severe allergic reaction to the vaccine components)
  

• Vasculitis (an acute inflammation of the blood vessels due to an autoimmune response) somewhat unlikely, but has happened in rare occasions.
  

• Becoming gravely ill or developing a high fever within 48 hours of the shot.
  

• People who have a medical history of seizures or seizure disorders should definitely talk to their doctor before deciding to get a flu shot.
  

I guess you will have to determine whether this is a good thing for you or not. Evaluating your particular situation is key in the decision making process. Taking into consideration things like where you work, or whether you travel a lot and are exposed to germs on a constant basis. Do you have several children at home who could bring it home from school or an elderly parent that lives with you?

There is even a group of medical practitioners who believe that there are benefits to getting the flu. They look at it as a chance to build up a resistance to the virus while you are healthy, so that when you are older, your body has some knowledge or limited immunity. It is also an excellent way for your body to detoxify and alert you as to whether your immune system is in tip top shape. Of course, this is taking into consideration that you do not have a condition such as diabetes, asthma, pulmonary problems, emphysema, recurrent pneumonia or a challenged immune system—in which case you might want to discuss taking the flu shot with your physician.

If at this point, you have decided that you don’t want the flu shot, then there are other things you can do to keep from getting sick. The single, most intelligent, and natural way to protect yourself and prevent the flu is to make sure that your immune system is a powerful one and is in tip top shape.

NATURAL WAYS TO FIGHT THE FLU VIRUS

Echinacea – This is an herb that works as an immunostimulant that will boost your body’s immune system. It may also stimulate the release of Interferons, one of the body’s most potent infection-fighting weapons. In addition to its infection-fighting capabilities Echinacea helps to produce germ-eating cells, called macrophages which will help with your fight against the flu. Not all Echinacea is equal folks; liquid tinctures provide the most efficient means of absorption into the body. Jash Botanicals Ultimate Echinacea is vastly different from your typical mainstream preparations.

Oil of Oregano-The isomeric phenols (primarily carvacrol) in oil of oregano can destroy Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and several other bacteria. That is a big plus when you are trying to fight the flu or a cold. Another phenol component, called thymol, boosts the immune system, which is what you want to do in order to be strong enough to be exposed and yet maintain your health. Oil of Oregano is an antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal and is a natural way to combat a virus. Make sure that you use a mountain grown source that has a high carvacrol percentage (at least 85%).

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)- This is a rich source of nutrients, in particular bioflavonoids and anthocyanins, which are plant compounds that give color to berries, fruits and veggies. The phytonutrients in elderberry positively influence cell function and protection in the human body. A very good product is one called, Sambucol and has been clinically tested and found to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by 60%.

Apple Cider Vinegar- You may not know this, but apple cider vinegar goes all the way back to 400 B.C., when Hippocrates discovered and treated his patients with it. This natural remedy is a powerful cleansing and healing tool and contains antiseptic and antibiotic properties that fight germs and bacteria. Make extra sure that you purchase the best, such as Bragg’s Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Here is a mixture that you can take to ward off the flu or lessen the symptoms. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 teaspoons of raw honey in 8 ounces of distilled water. Take a glass upon rising, hour before lunch and dinner.

Wash your hands with a good natural soap several times each day. Bacterial and viral contamination on your hands will surely spread to your nose and your mouth and is the #1 way people get infected with a cold or flu.

Avoiding crowds and traveling really helps during the flu season. Flying across the country in cramped quarters with all that recycled air is not the best thing for avoiding infection.

Drink pure water. Whatever you do, do not drink untreated tap water, especially from a municipal source. Using reverse osmosis, distilling or even home ceramic filters are better than drinking tap water.

Judy Phillips is the founder of Jash Botanicals, a manufacturer of physicians grade herbal extracts and medicinals. A naturopath and herbalist with over 25 years of experience, her passion for producing herbal formulas of exceptional purity and strength grew from a dissatisfaction with mainstream herbal products. She is an author of various natural health topics, from detoxification to dietary modification, and works to assist the expansion of knowledge to individuals in search of natural treatments.

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