It Is A Myth That Flu Vaccinations Are "THE Most Effective Flu Prevention Method".The "gold standard" of independent scientific evaluation and analysis, the Cochrane Database Review, has issued no less than five reports between 2006 and 2010, all of which decimate this myth.
Yet as another flu season is now upon us (December through March), this myth is conspicuously ignored by conventional medicine and media alike. You'll certainly never see this mentioned in any flu vaccine promotion campaign. What else won't you typically see mentioned?
The fact that the status of your immune system is the most powerful determinant of whether or not you'll get sick this flu season… with flu or one of the hundreds of other flu-like illnesses going around.
Your Flu Might Not Actually Be the Flu
- Many types of respiratory illnesses with fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and body aches can be mistaken for the flu.
- About 80% of cases of suspected influenza sent to the CDC for analysis lab test negative for type A or type B influenza.
- It starts with a sneeze. A single sneeze, may leave the mouth at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour and may produce up to 40,000 droplets. Airborne droplets are quickly circulated around the room. If the droplet is infected with a virus, and you inhale it, a single virus can quickly begin producing millions of copies within your cells.
- It's a frightening prospect, until you realize that your body has more than 1 trillion cells – making 1 million viruses a mere drop in the bucket
- Also important, your body is equipped with its own highly effective defense system – your immune system – that starts killing viruses almost as quickly as they are produced.
Bolster Your Immune System
The best approach is to incorporate natural strategies to bolster your body-wide defense against ALL disease.
Vitamin D: Are You Taking Advantage of This Flu-Fighting Nutrient?
- During flu season there is less sunshine to make natural vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the master regulators of immune function.
- Optimizing your vitamin D levels is the single most important and least expensive action you can take to help strengthen immune function and protect against getting sick during the flu season.
- I would STRONGLY urge you to have your vitamin D level monitored to confirm your levels are at a therapeutic level year-round.
- Did you know that Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, osteoporosis, bone fractures, insulin resistance, cognitive impairment, lowered immune defense and much more
How’s Your Eating?
- A diet containing a lot of refined sugars, grains and processed foods gives your body more toxic elements that it must overcome.
- Give your body the fuel it needs to function optimally and fight off infectious viruses.
- Increase your intake of healthy and essential fats and omega-3.
- Avoid damaged omega-6 oils (think vegetable oils) which will seriously damage your immune response.
Exercise Can Help You Have a Flu-Free Flu Season
- Exercise plays a key role in supporting your immune system.
- Regular exercise significantly reduced the likelihood of your acquiring a cold or other viral illness.
- Exercise improves the circulation of immune cells in your blood defending against viruses and other pathogens that may opportunistically overrun your body.
- It's crucial to treat exercise like a medicine that must be consistent and varied for you to enjoy the most benefits.
How's Your Sleep and Stress Level?
- If your body is overly fatigued or burned out it will be harder for it to fight the flu
- Stress depletes vitamins and minerals – especially zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin C.
- When researchers from Carnegie Mellon University infected study participants with a common cold virus, those who had reported being under stress were twice as likely to get sick.
- Wash Your Hands. Mind the soap though. Use a simple non-toxic soap. Antibacterial soap contain synthetic chemicals. Keep hands off the face t
- Cover. When you cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose, ideally with the crook of your elbow (to avoid contaminating your hands.
- Avoid. Stay away from who are sick and, if you are sick, avoid close contact with those who are well.
- Stay hydrated. The colder air can contribute to dehydration leaving an opening in your immune defenses
- Use Natural Immune-Boosters. Garlic and mushrooms have natural anti bacterial and anti viral compounds that can keep your immune system on guard.
Bottom Line: Make Boosting Your Immune System A Year Round Commitment